MORE THAN three quarters of electric blankets tested by Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue have failed safety checks.

The fire service, in partnership with Berkshire's Public Protection Partnership (PPP), have warned consumers of the dangers following the revealing results.

The PPP, which oversees trading standards in Berkshire, and fire crews conducted free electric blanket testing for local residents last month.

A series of testing sites were set up at Theale community Fire Station, Newbury Fire Station, Wokingham Fire Station, and Crowthorne Fire Station.

Of the 17 blankets that were tested, with help from G.E.M.S (SW) Limited, only four electric blankets passed with no faults.

There were 13 blankets that failed safety tests and owners were advised not to use.

Emergency services and the PPP are warning consumers of the dangers as we head deeper into winter.

Advice from the fire service includes:

  • Ensure you have working smoke alarms fitted on every floor of your home
  • Always unplug electric blankets before going to bed, unless it has a thermostat control for safe all night use 
  • Never use hot water bottles in the same bed as an electric blanket, even if switched off
  • Store electric blankets flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring 
  • Never use an electric blanket if you have an air flow pressure relief mattress, or use emollient creams
  • Do not buy second-hand electric blankets
  • Check regularly for wear and tear and replace at least every 10 years

For anyone concerned about how to stay warm this winter, support can be found here: Bracknell Forest; West Berkshire: Wokingham: Reading