Almost 100 potentially dangerous electric blankets were identified during a recent safety initiative conducted by the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service.
 
Community fire officers hosted free testing sessions in conjunction with the Manx Electricity Authority and Age Isle of Man at locations in Castletown, Ramsey and Douglas last week.
 
A total of 250 electric blankets were checked and of those 40% failed – including one blanket manufactured in the 1950s.
 
Sub Officer Peter Killey said: ‘We were encouraged by the number of people taking advantage of this free service and pleased to have removed from circulation nearly 100 electric blankets which posed a potential fire risk.’
 
He added: ‘As a general guide, people should have their electric blankets tested every two years and any that are more than 10 years old should be replaced. Faulty blankets can be responsible for devastating household fires and this year’s failure rate of 40% brings that risk into sharp focus.’
 
People who attended the testing sessions received a Fire Safety in the Home booklet and had an opportunity to chat to representatives from Age Isle of Man and the Bright Ideas Officer from the MEA who were on hand to discuss ways to improve household energy efficiency.
 
Sub Officer Killey said: ‘This was a very worthwhile safety initiative and it was beneficial to work in partnership with other Government Departments and the Third Sector. These sessions form an important part of our ongoing campaign to improve all aspects of consumer safety. We would also like to thank staff at Castletown Civic Centre, the Northern Swimming Pool and National Sports Centre for their co-operation.’