Andrew Cotter, Fire Risk Management Officer for Taranaki/Whanganui, with a blanket which caused a fire. Photo/Bevan Conley.
The death of a Whanganui woman in a fire last year caused by a faulty electric blanket lent poignancy to this year's annual check.
People were queuing by 8am for the 9am start of the Fire Service's annual inspection of blankets. It's run in conjunction with Laser Electrical and a team of volunteers.
Fire Service fire risk management officer for Taranaki/Whanganui Andrew Cotter said in the last month there had been four fires in the lower North Island caused by faulty blankets.
And the Fire Service's investigation of a fire in a Heads Road home last year found an electric blanket was the cause.
Jennifer Wilks, 79, died from the injuries she suffered when fire broke out in the bedroom of her Gonville home on April 22.
Mr Potaka has been getting his blankets checked for the past three years. He is grateful for the service.
"It's brilliant that they do it."
If you missed this year's testing Laser Electrical in Wilson St will do it for a minimal charge.
Electric blanket safety: *Worn/old blankets can cause electric shock, fire and possibly death *At the first sign of wear have your electric blanket checked *Replace your blanket every five years *Don't place heavy objects on the bed while the blanket is on - including the dog or cat *Make sure the blanket is always flat on the bed and controls/cords aren't twisted or caught between mattress and bed base *Roll blanket when you store it