Release date: 26 August 2026
More than a hundred faulty electric blankets were identified and taken out of use during West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s annual testing sessions last autumn.
Defective electric blankets pose a serious fire risk. Regular testing is recommended for blankets over two years old to ensure they are still safe to use, while blankets over ten years old should be replaced.
Bookings are now open for this year’s free electric blanket testing sessions. Residents can book an appointment to have their blanket tested by calling 0345 872 9719.
For venues with events running over two days, appointments for the second day will only be released once the first day is fully booked.
- Tuesday 29 September (10am – 4.30pm) – Sage House, City Fields Way, Tangmere, Chichester PO20 2FP
- Wednesday 30 September (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Bognor Fire Station, West Meads Drive, Bognor Regis, PO21 5TB
- Thursday 1 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Bognor Fire Station, West Meads Drive, Bognor Regis, PO21 5TB
- Monday 5 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Durrington Community Centre, 2 Romany Road, Worthing BN13 3FJ
- Tuesday 6 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Durrington Community Centre, 2 Romany Road, Worthing, BN13 3FJ
- Wednesday 7 October (10am – 4pm) – Horsham Library, Lower Tanbridge Way, Horsham RH12 1PJ
- Thursday 8 October (10am – 4pm) – Lancing Parish Hall, Community Hub, 96 South Street, Lancing, BN15 8AJ
- Tuesday 13 October (10am – 4pm) – Age UK, Glen Vue Centre, Railway Approach, East Grinstead, RH19 1BS
- Wednesday 14 October (10am – 4pm) – The Bridge Leisure Centre, Wickhurst Lane, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, RH12 3YS
- Thursday 15 October (10am – 4pm) – Chanctonbury Leisure Centre, Spierbridge Road, Storrington, RH20 4BG
- Tuesday 20 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Haywards Heath Fire Station, Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1XQ
- Wednesday 21 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Haywards Heath Fire Station, Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath, RH16 1XQ
The sessions will also be attended by Prevention Assessment Team nurses and representatives from the Sussex Fraud Team and Neighbourhood Watch, who will be on hand to offer additional advice and support.
The Citizens Advice Energy Team will also be attending some events with advice on heating homes during winter and improving energy efficiency.
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s Safe and Well Manager Samantha Barber said: “We are really pleased to be offering free electric blanket testing again this year.
“Last year we tested 334 blankets and found 102 to be unsafe, posing a significant fire risk.
“We would encourage residents to get their blankets checked. It’s a simple step that can provide reassurance and help keep you and your home safe. Our friendly team will be on hand to help and answer any questions.”
Further advice on keeping safe and warm at home can be found on our website.
