The next round of Free Electric Blanket Testing days will begin in September 2009. Dates for the Southern Health and Social Care Trust area are now confirmed as:
Armagh and Dungannon Locality
Thursday 17th September
Fire Station, Loughgall Rd, Armagh
Monday 21st September
Middletown Hall, Middletown
Thursday 29th October
Council Chamber, Dungannon
Thursday 12th November
Smyth Memorial Hall, Ballygawley
To book an appointment contact Rebekah Vanscoy on Tel: 028 3834 4973.
Craigavon and Banbridge Locality
Tuesday 20th October
Ashgrove Community Centre, Portadown
Wednesday 4th November
Banbridge Leisure Centre
Thursday 19th November
Dromore Bowling Club, Dromore
Tuesday 26th January 2010
Mourneview Community Centre, Mourneview
To book an appointment contact Rebekah Vanscoy on Tel: 028 3834 4973.
Newry and Mourne Locality
Wednesday 23rd September
INF Centre, Hilltown
Thursday 1st October
The Wald Centre, Cullyhanna
Wednesday 14th October
Community Centre, Annalong
Tuesday 27th October
Altnaveigh House, Newry
To book an appointment contact the Newry and Mourne Volunteer Centre on Tel: 028 3026 2037.
Each test day will commence at 10.00am. Clients are strongly advised to make an appointment slot for whichever date they wish to attend. If you do not make an appointment you may have to wait a considerable time, while others have their blankets tested.
Bring your blanket(s) in a large plastic bag, labelled with your contact details. If someone else is bringing your blanket(s) to the testing service on your behalf, please be sure that they know the approximate age of the blanket.
Normally if a blanket fails the safety test it is retained and disposed of. An exception will be made where a product is still under guarantee, in which case the product will be returned to you albeit with the plug removed.
If your blanket does fail and is outside the guarantee period it will be disposed of and you will be given a voucher for £15.00 which you can redeem at a number of retailers against the purchase of a new product.
Vouchers will be accepted at participating retailers until 28th February 2010. Vouchers presented after this date will not be accepted. Only one voucher can be used against the purchase of a new blanket.
All participants will be given advice and information to improve safety within the home. By using this service you will have peace of mind that your product is fit for use. Always adhere to the safety advice that accompanies your electric blanket and have your blanket tested every two to three years.
Remember Never:
§ Spill liquid on your blanket eg a drink
§ Leave it switched on by mistake
§ Use a hot water bottle at the same time
§ Use your blanket while it is folded in half
If you would like any further information on this free service, please contact Nina Daly, Accident Prevention Officer on Tel: 028 3834 4973.
