To download a PDF version of the above poster click HERE

2 October 2009

Firefighters and community safety staff will be inviting the public to a special event on Wednesday 14 October at Newport Pagnell Fire Station.

‘Stay Safe Day’, a joint initiative by Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service and partner agencies, is an opportunity for residents of Milton Keynes to access free safety advice.

The crew from Newport Pagnell will be available between 10am and 3pm to give free fire safety advice and there will also be the option to sign up for a free Home Fire Risk Check.

Visitors will also be able to talk to Thames Valley Police about crime reduction, have a winter vehicle check by the AA, have their electric blankets tested by trading standards and receive advice on giving up smoking – a prize raffle and a free cup of tea and coffee will also be on offer!

Watch Manager Andy Whitwham, one of the organisers of the event, said: “This is not a traditional open day but a chance for members of the public to come and meet us and find out more about safety in the home, on the roads and in the community.

“There are many ways in which people can help improve their own safety and Stay Safe Day is aimed at passing these messages on, particularly to those who may not be able to access information easily.

“By holding this event we are working with our partner agencies, hoping to have as much of this advice available as possible in one place.”

One of the main features will be the chance to have electric blankets tested. Every year more than 5,000 fires across the country are started by faulty electric blankets. 

Karen Ford, principal trading standards officer at Milton Keynes, said: "As the nights become cooler, more and more people will be plugging in electric blankets unaware of the potential danger they face if their blankets have not been checked.”

As well as testing electrics blankets, trading standards officers will be on-hand with information about their ‘Buy With Confidence’ scheme, providing a list of reputable local businesses that have been checked by the local authority trading standards service.

They will also be testing electric blankets at Bletchley Fire Station, Sherwood Drive, Bletchley, between 10am and 1pm on Tuesday 13 October.

To make an appointment to have your electric blanket tested, call 01908 252504 or email consumeradvice@milton-keynes.gov.uk

Electric blanket safety tips

• Always buy new blankets - second-hand 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.