Free electric blanket testing events at libraries across Norfolk

Norfolk County Council , 10 October 2025 11:04

People are being invited to have their electric blankets and heated throws tested for FREE at events being held at libraries across Norfolk this month.

Norfolk County Council Trading Standards and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service are holding the sessions on October 13, 14 and 15, where people can have their blankets, throws and small portable heaters professionally tested free of charge.

They can also talk to the friendly teams about product safety, home fire safety and, to coincide with National Burn Awareness Day, which is on 15 October, the safety of hot water bottles.

Councillor Margaret Dewsbury, Cabinet Member for Communities at Norfolk County Council, said: "Electric blankets cause hundreds of fires each year across the country, so we'd like people to make sure theirs are safe by attending one of these events.

"If you know someone who uses an electric blanket or a heated throw and they can't come along, please offer to bring theirs too. We want everyone to stay safe this winter."

At similar events held by Trading Standards and the Fire Service earlier this year, 60% of blankets and throws failed the safety checks when tested.

Some key safety advice is to check your blanket for wear or damage including:

If the fabric is worn or frayed 
If scorch marks are visible on the fabric 
If wires are poking through the fabric 
If there is damage to any part of the electrical cord 
If the control buttons are making a buzzing sound when switched on and/or is giving off a smell 
If the connector fitted to the blanket is damaged or over-heating

Hot water bottles should be replaced every two years and checked for signs of wear and tear. The flower symbol on the hot water bottle will show you the year it was produced and which month it was made in that year (each petal represents a month, each dot within a petal represents a week in that month).

For more information about electric blanket safety, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/electricblankets.

The free testing events will be held at the following locations.

Monday 13 October