Free electric blanket tests return for autumn

After the summer heatwave across England, thoughts are turning to autumn and one local authority is urging people to check their electric blankets after more than a third of those tested by the council last year failed safety tests.

Oxfordshire County Council said it tested 920 electric blankets at its free events held across the county in 2025.

It said 338 of those tested failed safety assessments - a failure rate of 37%.

Kate Gregory, the authority's public health and inequalities lead, said: "If the condition of a blanket is allowed to deteriorate, there is a risk it could become faulty, posing a danger of injury or fire."

She said the council has been offering free electric blanket tests to residents for 26 years.

"We know electric blankets might not be top of your summer to-do list but now is the perfect time to make sure yours is safe for winter," Gregory said.

The following sessions will be held across the county:

• 21 September - Thame
• 22 September - Rose Hill, Oxford
• 23 September - Banbury
• 24 September - Chipping Norton
• 25 September - Abingdon
• 5 October - Didcot
• 6 October - Barton, Headington
• 7 October - Bicester
• 8 October - Witney
• 9 October - Wantage

The council said tests must be booked in advance via the council's website, by phone or by emailing the county council trading standards duty officer.