Older people across Bedfordshire will be relying on their electric blanket for warmth this winter, without realising that it could be dangerous to simply plug it in again this year.

Electric blankets should be checked by a qualified technician every three years for signs of wear or damage.

Alarmingly, two out of three electric blankets owned by older people have failed safety checks over the seven years that charity Age Concern has run free testing days.

Government figures show that fires caused by defective electric blankets have a high rate of injury and most of the casualties are aged 60 or over.

Free electric blanket testing sessions are being laid on in Bedford and Dunstable this month.

All worn or potentially dangerous electric blankets owned by older people will be repaired or replaced free of charge.

Age Concern Bedfordshire chief officer Karen Birkin said:
"Cold weather can be very difficult for older people who sometimes struggle to keep warm.

"Now is an ideal time to check that an electric blanket is safe to use. We want as many older people as possible to take advantage of our free testing scheme and to follow our safety tips."

Testing sessions will be held on October 30 at the Civic Theatre in Horne Lane, Bedford and on October 31 at the Methodist Church Hall in The Square, Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Electric blanket testing appointments can be booked by calling 0845 676 00 31 between 8am-8pm, Monday-Friday. Calls will be charged at the local rate.