Spring may be in the air but the evenings are still chilly, and many people are still using electric blankets.
Every year fire brigades up and down the country are called out to fires directly attributable to faulty electric blankets, so Trading Standards at Wiltshire County Council and Swindon Borough Council have joined forces with the Wiltshire and Swindon Fire Authority to provide free safety checks on electric blankets at various fire stations across the county.
Steve Clover, county Trading Standards manager, said: "We see this as an important contribution to home safety.
"Electric blankets do not remain safe forever and the fact that we have rejected up to 50 per cent of those tested in the past proves this point.
"Unfortunately without access to specialised testing facilities the consumer really has no idea of whether their blanket has reached the end of its safe working life."
Testing will be carried out by appointment only at Devizes Fire Station on Tuesday.
To make an appointment for a free safety check, call (01225) 713547 between 9am and 4.30pm.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article