Release date: 18 August 2025
West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service is running a series of electric blanket testing sessions to help residents stay safe this winter.
Faulty electric blankets are a common cause of fire in the home. Last year more than a third (37%) of the blankets tested by the service were defective and posed a serious risk of starting a fire.
Regular testing is recommended for blankets over two years old to ensure they are still safe to use. Blankets over ten years old should be replaced.
The sessions will take place on the dates below by appointment only. For venues with events running over two days, appointments will only become available on the second day after the first day has been fully booked.
You can book an appointment to have your blanket tested by calling 0345 872 9719.
- Tuesday 30 September and Wednesday 1 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Bognor Fire Station, West Meads Drive, Bognor Regis PO21 5TB
- Thursday 2 October (10am – 4pm) – Horsham Library, Lower Tanbridge Way, Horsham RH12 1PJ
- Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Durrington Community Centre, 2 Romany Road, Worthing BN13 3FJ
- Thursday 9 October (10am – 4pm) – Shoreham Library, St Mary’s Road, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5ZA
- Tuesday 14 and Wednesday 15 October (9.30am – 4.30pm) – Haywards Heath Fire Station, Mill Green Road, Haywards Heath RH16 1XQ
- Thursday 16 October (10am – 4pm) – Crawley Library, Southgate Avenue, Crawley RH10 6HG
The sessions will also be attended by nurses from the Prevention Assessment Team and the Sussex Fraud Team who will be on hand to offer advice and support.
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 286 blankets and 105 were deemed unsafe to use as they failed to meet safety standards, which posed a great fire risk.
“We would encourage residents to come and have their blankets tested to ensure they have peace of mind that their blanket is still safe to use. Please book an appointment to meet our friendly team.
” If your blanket is found to be faulty, a limited number of replacement blankets will be available thanks to our partnership with SGN. These will be given free of charge to vulnerable residents who receive certain benefits, while stocks last.”
Further advice on keeping safe and warm at home can be found on our website.
