Community safety
Free electric blanket testing
Our Fire and Rescue Service can test your electric blanket, throw and heat pad ready for winter.
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service offers free testing for electric blankets, heated throws and pads.
If you live in Oxfordshire, we encourage you to get yours checked to help keep you safe and warm this winter
Blankets that will fail their test
- Blankets that are over 10 years old and have no safety features built into the controller.
- There is a leakage of voltage to the surface of the blanket.
- The elements in the blanket can rub together because they move around inside it. Elements like this can cause a short circuit.
- The elements are not secured within the blanket and are exposed to the surface.
- Power lead fasteners are broken and unable to be secured.
- The surface of the blanket is worn, exposing the elements.
Request an appointment
The electric blanket tests are normally very popular, with places limited.
Tea and biscuits will be available to everyone who comes along with their electric blanket. Oxfordshire County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Trading Standards, Age UK, Oxfordshire's District Councils, and Public Health England will provide information and advice on a range of issues.
If you can't come to us, we can collect your blanket from you and return it after testing.
Online
Request an electric blanket test
Phone
Call us on 01865 519800.
Free electric blanket safety checks
Get a free safety check for your electric blanket, heated throw or heating pad.
Visit one of our events across Oxfordshire before winter to make sure your item is safe to use.
What to expect
We will test your electric blanket and check that it is safe to use.
You can also get free refreshments and information about staying safe and well at home.
Safety check dates and locations
| Date | Location | Postcode |
|---|---|---|
| 21 September | Thame Fire Station, Thame | OX9 2DP |
| 22 September | Rose Hill Community Centre, Oxford | OX4 4HF |
| 23 September | The Mill Arts Centre, Banbury | OX16 5QE |
| 24 September | Willow Gardens, Chipping Norton | OX7 5FX |
| 25 September | Abingdon Fire Station, Abingdon | OX14 5DH |
| 5 October | Didcot Fire Station, Didcot | OX11 8RX |
| 6 October | Barton Neighbourhood Centre, Headington | OX3 9LS |
| 7 October | John Paul II Centre, Bicester | OX26 6AW |
| 8 October | Council Offices, Woodgreen, Witney | OX28 1NB |
| 9 October | Wantage Fire Station, Wantage | OX12 8DU |
Home collections
We offer a limited collection service for people who cannot bring their electric blanket to an event.
Tell us you need a collection when you book your appointment.
Book a safety check
Book an appointment or contact us if you have a question:
- Phone tel:01865 519800 (automated booking line)
- Email duty.officer@oxfordshire.gov.uk
- Book an electric blanket safety check
Appointments are available from 9am.
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