Free electric blanket safety checks are coming to the Banbury area this autumn

Residents are being encouraged to avoid potential fire risks by taking advantage of the checks being carried out by Oxfordshire's County Council this September and October.

The safety tests are free but must be pre-booked and will be available on a first come first served basis.

Common signs of a faulty electric blanket are fraying fabric, scorch marks, exposed elements, creasing or folding, soiling, damp patches, loose connections and a worn flex.

Oxfordshire County Council's cabinet member for community services and safety, Cllr Jenny Hannaby, said: "If the condition of a blanket is allowed to deteriorate there is the possibility it could become faulty, risking injury and fire. We want to ensure that electric blankets are still safe for use. The tests are free but remember to pre-book!

"Testing electric blankets has taken place in Oxfordshire for over 20 years. The failure rate is still over 20 percent. Oxfordshire County Counil's fire and rescue service has dealt with house fires started by old electric blankets in the past."

Free refreshments will be available at the pre-bookable events in September which take place in:

Oxford, Monday September 19 South Oxfordshire, Tuesday, September 20 Cherwell district (location yet to be announced), Wednesday, September 21 West Oxfordshire, Thursday, September 22 Vale of White Horse, Friday, September 23

For those who are unable to travel, arrangements can be made to collect electric blankets from residents' homes between the dates of October 3 - 7.

To book your free electric blanket safety check call 01865 895999 (option 3), or email [email protected]