Older people have been warned to check their electric blankets after a recent survey found half of those tested could start a fire.

In a joint initiative with Age Concern Merton and the London Fire Brigade, Merton Council’s trading standards team found 25 out of 51 blankets failed a safety test and posed a fire hazard.

The residents, who were home owners and social housing tenants, were found with blankets more than 10 years old and with corroded wiring and worn threads.

Samantha Mauger, Chief Executive of Age UK London, said: “Damaged electric blankets cause more than 5‚000 house fires a year and people aged 65 or more are at greatest risk‚ with six times the national average of fatal injuries.

“If you rely on an electric blanket for warmth in winter‚ make sure you have it tested regularly and are aware of the potential dangers before you plug it in.”

Owners of the blankets which did not meet the required standard were given one replacement per household by the London Fire Brigade.

Merton Council’s cabinet member for adult social care and health, Councillor Linda Kirby, said: “With winter fast approaching I encourage all residents to have their electric blankets tested.

“Residents who attended this event have been reassured that their existing blankets are safe or that the replacement blanket they have been given meets important safety standards.”

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