15 October 2013
Jersey Fire and Rescue Service and Jersey Electricity are offering their annual electric blanket safety test at the Western Fire Station, St Brelade, on Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 October 2013 between 9 am and 3 pm.
The free tests are part of a drive to reduce the risk of fires caused by electrical fault and anyone who has an electric blanket can have a free safety test by Jersey Electricity’s electrical engineers to ensure it is in a safe condition to use.
Take your blanket along to the Western Fire Station and Jersey Electricity staff will take your details and if it can’t be tested on the spot while you wait they will tell you what time you can collect it if it passes the test.
If your blanket fails the safety test, Jersey Electricity will keep and dispose of it and you will receive a Powerhouse 10% discount voucher which can be redeemed against the purchase of a new one.
The Fire and Rescue Service recommend that all electric blankets more than 10 years old should be replaced. For this reason, Jersey Electricity staff will not be accepting any blankets more than10 years old. A Powerhouse 10% discount voucher will however be given to you in return for your old electric blanket.
A Community Fire Safety Officer will also be on hand on both days to offer advice on fire safety in the home.
Electric blankets should conform to the British Standard and carry the new style kite mark or current European Standard mark; this will be shown on the label or the flex. They should be serviced once a year or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Electric blankets should be kept dry and stored flat or rolled. Folding and creasing can damage the internal wiring which may cause over-heating. A handy place to store your electric blanket is under your mattress, where it will stay flat.
Tips for safe blanket use and storage
gov.je