NEXT month?s West Devon Community Fair is offering people the chance to have the safety of their electric blankets checked.
Government figures from 1999 show that in one 12-month period, 19 people died due to faulty electric blankets, and the fire service dealt with 816 fires caused by electric blankets over ten years old.
More than 65 West Devon residents had their blankets tested at last year?s fair, held in Tavistock. Around 46% were found to be unsafe and another 21% required minor repairs, which were carried out on the spot, free of charge.
As well as the electric blanket safety testing, this year?s fair in Okehampton will feature a range of exhibits giving safety advice to elderly people, their relatives and carers.
The safety check is free to those aged 65 and over, and £6 to any one else. It must be booked in advance by phoning 01822 813618.
The Community Fair is being held at the Charter Hall, Okehampton, on Friday June 20 and is being organised by the West Devon Community Safety Partnership whose leading members are West Devon Borough Council, Devon County Council and Devon and Cornwall Police.