With cooler weather just around the corner, Whanganui's Fire and Emergency team is urging people to get their electric blankets tested before using them.
Fire risk management officer Jess Nesbit said people could bring their electric blankets to the Whanganui Fire Station for testing between 9am and 3pm on Thursday, April 19. The free tests are an annual event, with electricians from Laser Electrical helping Fire and Emergency staff with the testing.
"In 2017, 564 blankets were tested with a 16 per cent fail rate - 92 failed," Ms Nesbit said.
"In 2016 we tested 400 blankets with a 20 per cent fail rate."
Residents can also drop off their electric blanket before the testing day at Te Ao Hou Marae in Somme Pde, Castlecliff Community Charitable Trust in Carson St and Citizens Advice Bureau in Guyton St.