 |
|
Issued on behalf of the Southern Area Accident Prevention Liaison Group 18 September 2009 Electric Blanket Testing roadshows in your area A series of free ‘Electric Blanket Testing’ roadshows are being held across the Southern area. Electric blankets cause over 800 fires in the UK each year, with nearly 20 deaths and 200 injuries. Most of the casualties are people aged over 60 years. Roadshows in the Newry and Mourne area will take place on:
The aim of the roadshows is to reduce the number of injuries and deaths caused by faulty and misused electric blankets. Dr Vinod Tohani, from the Public Health Agency and Chair of the Southern Area Accident Prevention Liaison Group explains: “Last year 365 blankets were tested following a series of ‘Electric Blanket Testing’ roadshows. “205 blankets (57%) failed the safety test carried out by an electrical engineer. It is because of these shocking results that we have organised a further series of roadshows this year. These sessions will provide free safety checks on electric blankets and give members of the public tips on their correct use.” Nina Daly, from the Promoting Wellbeing Team of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) says: “Injuries and fires often happen because people do not use or store their electric blankets properly, do not replace them or never have them serviced. People are often unaware when blankets have become worn or damaged and it is advised that electric blankets be checked at least every three years,” she said. Participants whose blankets fail the safety test will be given a £15.00 voucher towards buying a new one and will be able to ask for advice on home safety and general wellbeing issues from representatives attending on the day. Participants will also receive a free energy efficiency light bulb. Dr Tohani concluded: “I would urge all those who use electric blankets to come along to the roadshows and have their blankets checked professionally and for those whose blankets are more than 10 years old to have them replaced immediately. Just because it’s working doesn’t mean it’s safe.” If you would like to have your electric blanket tested, please book an appointment in advance of the roadshow by contacting Newry and Mourne Volunteer Centre on Tel: (028) 3026 2037. The roadshows which are funded through the Home Accident Prevention Strategy will run between 10.00am and 4.00pm and refreshments will be provided. It is advisable to book an appointment to avoid a lengthy wait. For further information on the Electric Blanket Testing days contact Nina Daly, on (028) 3834 4973. -ENDS- For further information contact: Elaine Hyde, PR Assistant on 028 3741 4597. Notes to the Editor Electric Blanket Testing days are run in partnership with a range of organisations across the five district council areas of Armagh, Banbridge, Craigavon, Dungannon and South Tyrone and Newry and Mourne: • Local Councils (Environmental Health Officers and Home Safety Officers); • Home Accident Prevention Groups (Armagh, Craigavon and Banbridge, Dungannon and Newry and Mourne); • Southern Investing for Health Partnership; • Newry and Mourne Senior Citizens Consortium; • Newry and Mourne Volunteer Centre; • Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service; • South Down Family Health Initiative; • PSNI; • Help the Aged; and • Access to Benefits. |