Fire Safe Blanket Guide: Uses, Benefits and Proper Selection

A fire safe blanket is an essential safety tool that smothers small fires by cutting off oxygen. This guide explains how it works, when to use it, selection criteria, and maintenance tips to ensure your safety during emergencies.

What Is a Fire Safe Blanket?

A fire safe blanket is a specially designed safety device made from fire-resistant materials like fiberglass or wool treated with flame-retardant chemicals. When placed over a fire, it starves the flames of oxygen, effectively extinguishing small fires before they spread.

When Should You Use a Fire Safe Blanket?

Fire safe blankets are perfect for:

• Kitchen fires (especially grease fires where water would make things worse)
• Small electrical fires (when the power is off)
• Clothing fires (wrap it around a person whose clothes are burning)
• Workshop fires involving flammable liquids

Remember: Never use a fire safe blanket on large fires or gas fires. For these, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.

How to Choose the Right Fire Safe Blanket

Selecting the proper fire safe blanket involves considering:

• Size:Standard sizes range from 3x3 feet to 6x6 feet. Larger blankets cover more area but require more storage space.
• Material:Fiberglass is most common, but some blankets combine fiberglass with other fire-resistant materials.
• Certifications:Look for blankets meeting standards like EN 1869 (Europe) or ASTM F1989 (USA).
• Ease of access:Choose blankets with quick-release packaging for emergencies.
• Durability:High-quality blankets withstand multiple uses if properly maintained.

Proper Use of Your Fire Safe Blanket

To effectively use your fire safe blanket:

1. Pull the blanket from its container by the tabs (never unfold it first)
2. Hold the blanket in front of you like a shield to protect your hands and face
3. Place it gently over the fire - don't throw it
4. Leave it in place until the fire is completely out and everything has cooled
5. Never peek under the blanket while the fire is active

Maintenance and Storage Tips

To keep your fire safe blanket ready for emergencies:

• Store it in an easily accessible location (kitchen, workshop, garage)
• Keep it in its original container or a clearly marked fire blanket bag
• Inspect it every 6 months for damage or contamination
• Replace it if you see any holes, tears, or if it's been used
• Avoid storing near heat sources that could damage the material

Why Every Home Needs a Fire Safe Blanket

Unlike fire extinguishers that require training and maintenance, fire safe blankets are simple to use and maintain. They don't create mess, don't expire like chemical extinguishers, and are safe for most small fires. Having one in your kitchen could prevent a small flare-up from becoming a disaster.

Fire Safe Blanket vs. Fire Extinguisher

While both are valuable, fire safe blankets have advantages for certain situations:

• No chemicals to inhale or clean up afterward
• Easier to use for people without training
• More effective on grease fires than water-based extinguishers
• Can be used to wrap around a person whose clothes are burning

For complete protection, consider having both a fire safe blanket and an appropriate fire extinguisher in your home.

Final Thoughts

A fire safe blanket is one of the simplest yet most effective fire safety tools you can own. By understanding its proper use, maintenance, and limitations, you'll be better prepared to handle small fires safely. Remember that no safety device replaces common sense - if a fire grows beyond a very small size, your priority should always be evacuation and calling emergency services.