Free Electric Blanket Testing
For Borough Residents |
8 Sep 2004 |
Winter may be the last thing on everyone's mind at
the moment thanks to the brief spell of good weather,
but for South Tyneside Council's Trading Standards section
it's time to think of electric blankets!
In conjunction with Age Concern, the Trading Standards
Section is again offering residents of the Borough the
opportunity to get their electric blankets tested free
of charge.
The blankets will be tested by G.E.M.S. (SW) Ltd, who
will carry out minor repairs to faulty blankets such
as replacing fuses or plugs. Also, in conjunction with
a major manufacturer, G.E.M.S. (SW) Ltd will provide
discount vouchers to people who's blankets fail the
test so they can get a new one at a reduced price.
Councillor Michael Clare, Lead Member for Neighbourhood
Services said: "I am urging our residents to get
their electric blankets tested as even those that appear
safe may have problems. Last year, out of the 143 blankets
tested, 62 were found to have faults so serious they
could no longer be used. We want our residents to stay
warm and safe this winter."
The testing is being carried out between 9.30am and
3pm from Monday 13th September to Friday 17th September
at the Central Library, South Shields. Blankets can
also be taken into the Age Concern Day Centre at Palmers
Community Hospital in Jarrow, where they will be brought
to South Shields for testing.
South Tyneside Council is also supporting the Tyne and
Wear Fire and Rescue Service's 'Push the Button - Not
Your Luck' initiative in September which aims to raise
fire safety awareness and prevent fires before they
start.
Station Officer Ian Cuskin of Tyne and Wear Fire and
Rescue Service said: "This initiative is aimed
at making people more aware of the need to test their
smoke alarms weekly."
He added: "However, we also need to emphasise
the importance of having a working smoke alarm in the
first place. Therefore we are working in partnership
with South Tyneside Council and offering every person
who has their electric blanket tested a free home safety
check by Fire Brigade personnel."
For further information on blanket testing please call
427 8525 or for further information on the free home
safety check please call 428 3026.
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