TRADING standards officers are urging people to have electric blankets checked as they suspect more than half the blankets in use are potentially lethal.
Two safety-testing days have been organised by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's Trading Standards Service in partnership with Age Concern and the Lancashire Fire Service.
The aim of the checks is to inspect blankets for faults which could cause a fire and have fatal consequences.
Chris Allen, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council's Head of Trading Standards & Advice Services, said: "The aim of testing is to take any dangerous blankets out of circulation.
"Last year, nearly half of all blankets examined either failed completely or needed repairing in order to be used safely.
"We are pleased to be able to offer this valuable service again."
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