Wolverhampton residents can have their electric blankets tested for free and receive information on energy bills at two special advice days in the city.

The ‘Get ready for winter’ events, organised by City of Wolverhampton Council’s Trading Standards team, will take place on Wednesday 1 October at Wolverhampton Market, Cleveland Street and Thursday 2 October at Bilston Indoor Market. Both days will run between 9.30am and 4pm.

Residents with an electric blanket can bring it along to be tested by experts from Gems Electrical Testing. It is important that all leads, controls and plugs associated with the electric blankets are brought along for testing.

If the blanket fails and the owner is a Wolverhampton resident, a replacement will be offered for free. Funding for the blankets has been provided through UK charity Electrical Safety First.

General support and advice about energy bills will be available from charity Act on Energy. Advisors will give general advice and also arrange to speak to residents individually about ways to save on bills, how to switch providers and how to access energy debt support.

Other help on offer during the two days will include support from the council’s Trading Standards team about ways people can protect themselves from scams, rogue traders and bogus callers.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services, said: “Following successful ‘Get ready for winter’ events last year, our Trading Standards officers will again be out in the city to offer free electric blanket testing and helpful information.

“The testing is really important ahead of the colder weather as the condition of blankets can deteriorate over time. They can also develop faults which can risk injury or cause fires.

“If blankets do fail, I’m pleased to say a free replacement will be offered to Wolverhampton residents through funding provided from Electrical Safety First.

“We’d urge all local people, especially our older residents, to take advantage of these free checks. And people can also pop along for advice on energy bills or any concerns about rogue traders.”

People do not have to book an appointment for the electric blanket testing but are asked to please be prepared to wait if the events are busy.