15 November 2007

Senior citizens are being invited to get their electric blankets checked at a free information event for older people tomorrow (Friday 16 November).

Aylesbury Vale District Council has teamed up with Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service, Buckinghamshire Primary Care Trust, Buckinghamshire County Council, Carers Bucks and Thames Valley Police to offer budget, safety and health advice at a Senior Wellbeing Fair at the Winslow Centre from 10am to 2pm.

The event is an opportunity for the over-60s to bring their electric blankets for inspection by safety experts. The blankets will be taken away for testing by Trading Standards and returned to residents the following week.

Electric blankets in poor condition can be a fire hazard and can put older and vulnerable people particularly at risk.

Keith Wheeler, a member of Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service's community safety team, said: "If you are relying on your electric blanket for warmth this winter, make sure you are aware of the potential dangers of simply plugging it in.

"Old or damaged electric blankets cause more than 5,000 house fires a year in the UK, with people aged 65 years or more at greatest risk."

Keith urged people who will be relying on an electric blanket for warmth this winter to make sure they are aware of the potential dangers of simply plugging it in by following this advice from Age Concern:

• Always buy new blankets - secondhand blankets may not be safe
  
  
• Have your blanket checked by an expert at least every three years, or as recommended by the manufacturer, to ensure it is still safe to use
  
  
• Always read the manufacturer's instructions carefully - and follow them
  
  
• Never use a blanket with scorch marks or exposed elements
  
  
• Never use the blanket if it's wet or creased. Never switch it on to dry out
  
  
• Never use a hot water bottle and an electric blanket together
  
  
• Check the plug cord for any signs of wear or damage
  
  
• Do not fit the blanket to an adaptor or multi-socket block with another appliance plugged in
  
  
• Make sure the power is turned off at the wall and the blanket is unplugged if not in use
  
  
• Always spread the blanket out - never use it folded
  
  
• Keep the blanket stored carefully over the summer months - refer to the manufacturer's instructions on how best to do this
  
  
• Most electric blankets are designed not to be washed - always check the manufacturer's instructions

As well as getting their electric blankets tested, local older people will be invited to sign up for free Home Fire Risk Checks –basic assessments of the fire risks in your home, with free smoke alarms fitted where necessary.

Visitors can also come and exchange their old slippers for a new, fitted pair free of charge. Poor fitting footwear is a major cause of falls among older people with old worn-out or loose slippers one of the key culprits. 

A team of experts will also be on hand to offer advice to visitors about a variety of issues, including health and benefits services and the district council’s home service.

Free refreshments will be available and a free lunch will be supplied from 12 noon to 2pm on a first-come, first-served basis.

The event will be held in the Rose Rooms at the Winslow Centre, Park Road, Winslow. For more details, please call 01296 585154.