Residents across the county are being encouraged to stay warm — and safe — this winter as free electric blanket testing Norfolk events return to libraries this October. Norfolk County Council Trading Standards and Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service are teaming up once again to offer professional safety testing for electric blankets, heated throws, and small portable heaters at no cost.
The free sessions will take place on the 13th, 14th and 15th of October at libraries across Norfolk, giving people the opportunity to ensure their blankets and heating devices are in safe working order before the cold weather sets in. The events coincide with National Burn Awareness Day on 15 October, offering additional advice on hot water bottle safety and home fire prevention.
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.”
The initiative follows similar sessions held earlier this year, where a worrying 60% of tested blankets and throws failed to meet safety standards. The free electric blanket testing Norfolk events are designed to help prevent household fires by identifying faulty or damaged heating devices before they become dangerous.
During each session, visitors can have their electric blankets and throws checked by trained professionals and receive expert advice on how to keep warm safely. The friendly teams from Trading Standards and the Fire Service will also be on hand to answer questions about product safety, fire prevention, and general winter wellbeing.
As part of the campaign, residents are being reminded to check their blankets regularly for signs of wear or damage. Key safety checks include:
Inspecting the fabric for fraying or visible wear
Looking for scorch marks on the material
Checking for wires poking through the fabric
Examining the electrical cord for cracks or damage
Listening for buzzing noises or smelling burning when switched on
Ensuring the connector isn’t damaged or overheating
These warning signs could mean it’s time to replace your electric blanket or heated throw. Residents are also urged to be cautious when using hot water bottles, which should be replaced every two years and inspected frequently for deterioration.
A useful feature to look for is the flower symbol imprinted on the hot water bottle — it shows when the product was manufactured. Each petal represents a month, and the dots within each petal mark the weeks of that month. By checking this, users can easily tell how old their hot water bottle is and whether it’s still safe to use.
The free electric blanket testing Norfolk sessions will take place at the following libraries:
Monday 13 October
10am – noon: Fakenham Library
2.30pm – 4.30pm: Poringland Library
Tuesday 14 October
10am – noon: Downham Market Library
2pm – 4pm: Swaffham Library
Wednesday 15 October
10am – noon: Hellesdon Library
2pm – 4pm: Great Yarmouth Library
All sessions are open to the public, and no booking is required. Visitors can drop in at any time during the listed hours to have their blanket, throw, or small heater tested.
The initiative forms part of Norfolk County Council’s ongoing commitment to community safety and wellbeing, helping residents prepare for colder months with peace of mind. Electric blankets are a popular and energy-efficient way to stay warm, but they can become hazardous over time if not properly maintained or replaced when worn out.
