Stay safe and warm this winter with FREE of charge ELECTRIC BLANKET & PORTABLE HEATER testing run by HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Trading Standards and Fire & Rescue Services.

Testing will take place at the following locations:

Bishops Stortford Library, The Causeway CM23 2EJ

Monday 17 October 2022 10:00am – 5:00pm

County Hall, Pegs Lane, Hertford SG13 8DE

Tuesday 18 October 2022 9:30am – 4:30pm

Watford Central Library, Hempstead Road WD17 3EU

Wednesday 19 October 2022 9:30am – 4:30pm

Welwyn Garden City Library, Campus West AL8 6AJ

Thursday 20 October 2022 9:30am – 4:30pm

To book a slot for testing please call: 01707 292429

You can also attend without an appointment on a first come, first served basis.

General electrical product safety advice:

Register your appliance at registermyappliance.org.uk and check for recalls
Make sure your electrical appliance has a British or European safety mark
Do not power heating devices from an extension lead, use wall sockets only
Turn heaters off before bed or when you’re not using the room
Don’t leave appliances unattended with young children and/or animals
Always follow the manufacturers operating and maintenance instructions

Tips to use electric blankets safely:

Store electric blankets flat, rolled up or loosely folded to prevent damaging the internal wiring
Unplug blankets before you get into bed unless it has a thermostat control for safe all-night use
Never use an electric blanket if you have an airflow pressure-relief mattress or use emollient creams. Ask for non-flammable alternatives of these items instead
If your blanket gets wet, don’t use it, and never switch it on to dry it
Do not buy second-hand electric blankets
Check electric blankets regularly for wear and tear and replace at least every 10 years

Tips to use portable heaters safely:

Make sure heaters are maintained and in good working order
Don’t take risks with old heaters – get it tested by a qualified electrician or buy a new one.
Where appropriate, secure heaters against a wall to stop them falling over, or fit wall-mounted heaters
Keep heaters well away from clothes, curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes. Emollient users are at higher risk.
Always sit at least one metre away from a heater as it could set light to your clothes or chair
Before attempting to move your heater, turn it off and allow it to cool first
Only use gas or paraffin heaters in well-ventilated areas. Heaters consume oxygen so you could suffocate if a room is not properly aired.