Cornwall Trading Standards and Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service have joined together to offer a FREE electric blanket safety check to local residents in Falmouth and Truro this month.

The free testing sessions, which will take between 9 am and 4pm, will be held on:

• Monday, September 14 at Falmouth Fire Station

• Thursday, September 17 at Truro Fire Station

“We would encourage as many people as possible to come along and have their electric blankets tested before they start to use them this Autumn and Winter” said Geoff Brown, the council’s cabinet member for communities.

“Every year there are around 1,000 home fires across the country which are caused by faulty electric blankets, with 20 people killed and 250 injured.

"Around 40% of electric blankets previously tested have been faulty on testing. As part of our Consumer Safety programme we will also be offering advice on consumer product recalls and home fire safety advice.”

Watch Manager Mark Pratten added:” With winter approaching and potentially colder weather just around the corner, we know people in Cornwall will be considering the costs of heating their homes and many will be seeking cheaper alternatives as costs continue to rise. Many elderly residents will be looking to place their aging untested electric blankets back on their beds ready for the colder months. We are working in partnership with Cornwall Trading Standards to offer these free electric blanket testing opportunities at four different venues across Cornwall to help reduce the risk to fire in people’s homes.

“These events have proved to be very successful over the years, with two serious issues identified with electric blankets during last year’s testing sessions. These blankets could have caused serious fires and injuries so it proves this free service can make a huge difference to peoples safety across Cornwall

The sessions are open to all residents in Cornwall, so people can book a free test for themselves, a family member, friend, or neighbour by calling 0800 3581 999 or they can turn up on the day.

If the test shows the electric blanket needs replacing the council is offering a money off voucher and entry in to a prize draw to win a brand new replacement blanket.

“Testing only takes around ten minutes and will give you the peace of mind that you will be safe this Winter” said Geoff Brown “ So why not bring your blanket to one of the free testing sessions”. .

Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service also provide a free Home fire safety service throughout the year. This includes replacement of old or defective smoke detection free of charge and advice on escape plans and Carbon monoxide awareness information. For more information please contact 0800 3581 999 or go to www.cornwall.gov.uk/fire