Users of electric blankets are being encouraged to have their products tested to ensure they do not pose a fire risk.
Free safety checks are being organised by the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service next week at venues in Castletown, Ramsey and Douglas.
Members of the Community Fire Safety team will host the testing sessions in conjunction with the Manx Electricity Authority and Age Isle of Man.
Local residents can take their electric blankets to the following locations between 10am and 4pm:
• Wednesday, September 26 – Castletown Civic Centre
• Thursday, September 27 – Northern Swimming Pool
• Friday, September 28 – National Sports Centre, Douglas
People can simply turn up on the day or book a time slot in advance by contacting Fire Service headquarters on 647303.
Faulty electric blankets are responsible for hundreds of household fires in the British Isles each year, resulting in property damage and personal injury.
Elderly people are particularly vulnerable as they are more likely to use electric blankets as a way of keeping warm at night throughout the autumn and winter months.
Free checks are carried out in the Isle of Man on a bi-annual basis as part of ongoing efforts to improve all aspects of fire safety.
The importance of this initiative was reinforced by the results of last year’s electric blanket tests which revealed a 56% failure rate.
Anyone whose electric blanket fails a test next week will be offered a discount voucher towards the cost of purchasing a replacement from Pascoes, Marown TV or Waltons.
David Quirk MHK, Member of the Department of Home Affairs with responsibility for the Fire and Rescue Service, said:
‘The prevention and protection campaigns promoted by the Community Fire Safety Team play a major role in reducing the number of emergency call-outs. I would urge as many people as possible to take advantage of the assistance and advice on offer as these free blanket tests could help to prevent a tragedy.’
Sub Officer Peter Killey added: ‘A high proportion of electric blankets have failed the safety test in previous years.
Using a faulty electric blanket could potentially lead to a fire in your home. Faults can develop at any time and I urge anyone who has an electric blanket, or who has friends or relatives who use them, to take this opportunity to have them checked. People are welcome to come along without an appointment, but we will give priority to those who have booked a time slot.’
The testing venues will also be attended by representatives from Age Isle of Man and the Bright Ideas Energy Doctor who will be on hand to discuss ways to improve household energy efficiency.
