The events, organised by City of Wolverhampton Council’s Trading Standards team, will take place on Wednesday 9 October at Ashmore Park Community Centre Griffiths Drive, WV11 2LH and Thursday 10 October at Bilston Indoor Market (stall 50). Both days will run between 9am and 4pm.

Residents with an electric blanket will be able to 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 the government’s Household Support Fund.

General support and advice about energy bills will be available from charity Act on Energy. Advisors can give general advice as well as 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 Missing Benefits team and information about ways people can protect themselves from scams, rogue traders and bogus callers.

Councillor Bhupinder Gakhal, cabinet member for resident services, said: “These two advice days are a great opportunity for people to have their electric blankets tested ahead of the colder weather, as well as get information about energy bills and other issues which may be concerning them.

"While the majority of electric blankets will be perfectly safe, the condition of some may have deteriorated and become faulty which can risk injury and fire. We’d urge all local people, especially our older residents, to take advantage of these free checks.

"They will not only help to reduce a fire risk but will mean people can also rest assured that they will stay warm and safe this winter. And if blankets do fail, I’m pleased to say a free replacement will be offered to Wolverhampton residents through funding provided from the Household Support Fund.”

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