FOR the first time West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has teamed up with colleagues in the county council’s waste service to complete electric blanket testing sessions.
This year the fire service failed more than 100 blankets and the waste service team arranged for all the defective blankets to be safely recycled.
Community fire safety manager Jackie Boyle said: “This year we tested 354 blankets and with 102 failing we can estimate that around a third of blankets being used by our residents are likely unsafe. Blankets may not pass our tests for many reasons, including exposed wiring, poor condition of the material, or simply old age.
“These failed blankets do pose a fire risk and we are grateful for the Waste Service’s assistance in disposing of these blankets responsibly.”
Councillor Deborah Urquhart said: “Everyone stays safe and we ensure the blankets can be recycled and repurposed.”
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