RoSPA Press Office : Press Release

August 21, 2003
N IRELAND ROADSHOW TARGETS DANGER ELECTRIC BLANKETS

A roadshow aimed at reducing the number of injuries and deaths caused by faulty and misused electric blankets will be touring Northern Ireland in September.

Organised by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, its main target will be elderly people, some of whom use electric blankets as a cheap source of heating. Electric blankets cause between 800 and 1,000 fires in the UK each year, with nearly 20 deaths and 200 injuries. Most of the causalities are over 60. The roadshow will provide free safety checks on electric blankets and give tips on their correct use.

Victoria Dunn, RoSPA Project Officer for Northern Ireland, said: “Injuries and fires often happen because people do not use their blankets properly or never have them serviced.

“A survey revealed that more than one third of electric blankets are over 15 years old. Newer ones have to meet stricter safety regulations, including having a cut-out device to prevent overheating.

“We are told that the disadvantaged and elderly use electric blankets as a cheap source of heating. It is suspected that some blankets are never taken off the bed and people are unaware when they have become worn or damaged. Electric blankets need to checked at least every three years.”

The roadshow will be launched in the grounds of The City Hall, Belfast, at 11am on August 28.

People can book an appointment for a free check by contacting the numbers below. Roadshow stops are:

Coleraine – Sep 8, Coleraine Leisure Centre (hosted by Coleraine Borough Council tel 70347171); Lisburn - Sep 9, Lisburn Leisureplex (Lisburn City Council tel 92509250); Armagh - Sep 10, Dobbin St Community Centre (Armagh and Dungannon HSST tel 3752 2381 x 2368); Antrim - Sep 11, Castle Centre (Antrim Borough Council tel 9446 3113); Newtownards – Sep 12, Town Hall, The Square (Ards Borough Council tel 9182 4000); Irvinestown – Sep 15, Bawnacre Centre, (Fermanagh District Council tel 6632 5050); Dungannon – Sep 16, Dungannon Library (Armagh & Dungannon HSST tel 3752 2381 x 2368); Belfast - Sep 17, Banqueting Hall, City Hall (Belfast City Council tel 9032 0202 x 3280); Ballymoney - Sep 18, Social Centre, Edward Street (Ballymoney Borough Council tel 2766 2280); Derry – Sep 19, Brooke Park Leisure Centre (Derry City Council tel 7136 5151).

The Electric Blanket Roadshow has been sponsored by Department of Health and Social Services and Public Safety and the Department of Trade and Industry.