Checks for 'fire risk' blankets

Electric blanket users in the Isle of Man are being urged to have their products tested to ensure they do not pose a fire risk.

Free safety inspections are being organised by the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service at fire stations in Ramsey, Port Erin and Douglas.

The community safety team will host the testing sessions in November.

UK statistics show that up to 1,000 house fires are caused by electric blankets each year.

Free testing has been carried out in the Isle of Man on an annual basis since 2000 as part of an ongoing campaign to improve all aspects of fire safety.

Replacement vouchers

Almost 2,000 electric blankets have been examined since that date, with failure rates ranging between 33% and 52%.

Station Officer Carl Kinvig said: "Faulty electric blankets can be extremely dangerous, particularly for the more vulnerable members of our society.

"If a problem is detected at one of our sessions, officers will either carry out a repair or offer customers vouchers towards buying a replacement.

"The main aim is to prevent members of the Manx public using unsafe items."

Testing sessions will be staged at Ramsey fire station on 3 November, Port Erin fire station on 4 November and Douglas fire station on 5 November.