As the nights continue to draw in, Cumbrians are being urged to act now to make sure they are not climbing into bed with a potential killer.
Faulty electric blankets cause around 5,000 fires in British homes each year and Cumbria County Council's Trading Standards officers are urging people not to be caught napping on the chance to get their electric blanet checked for safety defects.
Between 17-21 September, Trading Standards will be joining forces with Age Concern and other voluntary groups to offer free blanket checks at venues in Barrow, Cleator Moor, Penrith, Workington and Carlisle.
From 9-13 October, people will be able to get their silent sleeping partners checked in Kendal, Kirkby Stephen, Ambleside, Brampton and Whitehaven.
Of the 1,026 blankets tested by Cumbria Trading Standards in checks last year 483 (47 per cent) failed. Pictured are just some of the potentially lethal blankets replaced by Trading Standards
The safety tests are being offered by appointment, and with limited places available people are advised to book their slot now by ringing Trading Standards on the following numbers:
Barrow in Furness - 01229-894520
Carlisle - 01228-607447
Cockermouth - 01900-325980
Kendal - 01539-773577
Councillor Elizabeth Barraclough, cabinet member responsible for Safer Communities, said: "Faulty electric blankets present a very real risk of causing house fires and personal injury, particularly to older people.
"I would encourage people to take advantage of this offer and book an appointment now to make sure they get their blanket checked."
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
Notes
1. The image (jpeg) shows Cumbria Trading Standards Officer Bill Proctor with some of the dangerous electric blankets replaced last year.
2. Follow the link below to view an information leaflet giving more information on the dates and venues for this year's electric blanket safety tests.
Follow this link to view the information leaflet