Electric blanket testing - Loughton Library

Keep warm and safe this winter

Get your electric blanket tested for free at Loughton Library and get advice from Trading Standards and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service while you wait!

• When: Tuesday 17 November 2015 between 10am and 3pm
• Where: in the Gallery, Loughton Library, Trapps Hill, Loughton, IG10 1HD

Testing of electric blankets was introduced to Epping Forest by Lib Dem councillor Janet Whitehouse over 10 years ago.

To avoid an electric blanket fire, the fire service advises you look for the following danger signs:

• scorch marks or discoloration areas are visible on the fabric of the blanket
• wires are visible or poking through the fabric
• fabric is frayed or worn
• there is damage to the electrical cord between the plug and the blanket's control mechanism or between the control and the blanket
• the control makes a buzzing sound when switched on or gives off a smell
• the blanket's connector, where the electrical cord plugs into the blanket, is damaged or over-heating

If you are in any doubt about your blanket, contact the manufacturer or bring it along to the free testing session.

Keep warm and well

More information for over 60's on keeping warm and well is available from the gov.uk web site. The leaflets there cover issues such as financial help, healthy lifestyle, flu jabs and heating.