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With the colder nights approaching, residents are being offered the opportunity to have their electric blankets safety checked for free.

The free safety tests run by Â鶹ÊÓƵ's Trading Standards team in partnership with Age Concern Tyneside South will begin next week (from Monday 12 September), when blankets can be dropped off at South Shields and Jarrow town halls on.

They will be ready for collection on the following week on:

It is important that all leads, controls and plugs associated with the electric blankets are brought along for testing.

No blankets will be accepted for testing after 2.30pm.

Councillor Jim Foreman, Lead Member for Housing and Community Safety, said: "With winter just around the corner, many people will be digging out their electric blankets.

"Most people won't have used the electric blankets for months and while the majority will be perfectly safe, the condition of some may have deteriorated and become faulty which can risk injury and fire.

"We are urging all local people and especially our older residents to take advantage of the free opportunity to have their electric blankets checked over by the professionals to make sure they are still safe to use.

"Not only will these checks help to reduce fire risk, but residents can also rest assured that they will stay warm and safe this winter."

Residents are also advised that:

• The blankets will be checked over by Gems Electric Blanket Testing;
• All blankets must be in working order at time of test.
• Unfortunately, testing cannot be offered for heat pads or heated foot pads.
• Any over-blankets found to fail testing can be returned for use as a regular blanket only. All electrical components will be removed.
• Any under-blankets found to fail testing will not be returned. 
• The team recommends that any blankets under three years old are not tested as this may invalidate the warranty of the product. Should residents have any concerns about a blanket that is under three years old, they should contact the manufacturer directly.

Residents can also make some simple checks before using. These include:

• Checking the fabric is not worn or frayed;
• Looking for scorch marks or discolouration on the fabric;
• Making sure wires are not visible;
• Checking for damage to the cord.

Councillor Foreman added: "With energy costs rising and money already extremely tight for many people, residents are thinking about how they're going to stay warm this winter.

"With experts, such as Martin Lewis, highlighting the importance of heating the person rather than the home, electric blankets are looking to be a great way of keeping warm and saving on energy bills this winter. According to the Money Saving Expert site, a single electric blanket costs 4p per hour to run - £1.92 per week.

"However, it is important that blankets are safe which is why we are urging our residents to take up this free offer."

For further information on electric blanket testing contact the Council's Trading Standards team on (0191) 424 7896.