14 Oct 2022
Hertfordshire County Council’s Trading Standards and Fire and Rescue Service are offering free testing of electric blankets and portable heaters this month.
Available across the county, the testing events will offer residents peace of mind ahead of a cold winter where many are trying to save on heating bills by using items like electric blankets to stay warm.
Steve Holton, Area Commander for Prevention at Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “It’s important that people check electrical items before using them when the weather gets colder because wear and tear can occur through use and during storage.
“Electric blankets need to be checked for any loose connections that can occur when a blanket has been folded and stored for some time. If an electric blanket’s wires have been compromised, it could start a devastating fire. Similarly, older portable heaters can pose a significant electrical fire risk if they have deteriorated over time or do not meet modern safety standards. If you have any doubts about whether an electrical heating item is safe, you should not use it.”
Executive Member for Community Safety, Cllr Morris Bright MBE, said: “Officers from Trading Standards and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service are working hard to keep residents safe as the nights draw in and temperatures start to drop. By providing free PAT tests for electric blankets and portable heaters, we hope to give as many residents as possible peace of mind while using these appliances. We’re here for you this winter.”
Testing by Trading Standards and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service will take place at the following locations:
Bishops Stortford Library, The Causeway CM23 2EJ
Monday 17 October 2022 10:00am – 5:00pm
County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8DE
Tuesday 18 October 2022 9:30am – 4:30pm
Watford Central Library, Hempstead Road WD17 3EU
Wednesday 19 October 2022 9:30am – 4:30pm
Welwyn Garden City Library, Campus West AL8 6AJ
Thursday 20 October 2022 9:30am – 4:30pm
To book a slot for free testing please call: 01707 292429
You can also attend without an appointment on a first come, first served basis.
General electrical product safety advice:
Tips to use electric blankets safely:
Tips to use portable heaters safely:
Advice is using alternative heating methods:
We are Hertfordshire County Council. We are responsible for delivering hundreds of services to the 1.2million people who live in the county.
When our residents pay their council tax, they trust us to keep them safe at home and out in the community, to act with care and compassion, and to make Hertfordshire a great place to live and work, where everyone feels welcome.
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To find out more about all the services we provide and what we deliver for our residents visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/weare