People on Teesside are being offered the chance to trade in old and dangerous electric blankets as Cleveland Fire Brigade launches an “amnesty”.
Old, worn and damaged electric blankets can be a real fire risk (as seen at a house fire in Guisborough last week where an electric blanket was to blame). Thankfully, no one was injured on that occasion, say Brigade managers, but the incident has brought into sharp focus the need for people to assess and replace their out-of-date blankets.
That’s why Cleveland Fire Brigade is now asking people to come forward and hand in their older or worn blankets and exchange them for new or non-electric thermal versions free of charge.
The cost is being met by a community grant made possible by Cleveland Fire Brigade and Teesside PCTs.
Les Jones, Head of Community Safety for Cleveland Fire Brigade, said: “Electric blankets can be very dangerous if they are old or worn and the best thing to do is to ring up and receive a new one or thermal version free of charge.”
People wishing to take advantage of the scheme should contact 07842 538525 and arrange a trade in.
Cleveland Fire Brigade has a range of fire safety measures which house-holders can access here.
These services include our Free Home Fire Safety visit which involves a comprehensive assessment of your home and involves much more than “fitting a smoke alarm”, planning your safe exit or the possibility of a deep fat fryer to replace your old chip pan. Trained firefighters offer advice on all kinds of preventative measures aimed at keeping you safe at home.
