RESIDENTS are being offered the chance to swap their old electric blanket for a free new one in a bid to cut the number of fatal house fires.
Old and unsafe electric blankets can be traded for new ones in an event taking place in Stanley on Friday, December 9.
Between noon and 3pm, residents calling in to the Louisa Centre can make the switch on a first come, first served basis.
County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service is jointly funding the project with local members of Durham County Council.
Earlier this year, a resident of South Stanley died in a house fire started by an old faulty electric blanket.
Stuart Thew, from the fire service, said: “The Electrical Safety Board advise that electric blankets should be replaced after 10 years, and we are encouraging residents of the Stanley AAP area to come along to the event”.
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