Emergency Fire Blanket Kit: Your Essential Guide to Home & Workplace Safety
Fire blankets are crucial safety tools that smother small fires by cutting off oxygen. This guide explains how emergency fire blanket kits work, their benefits, proper usage, and why every home and workplace should have one.
What Is an Emergency Fire Blanket Kit?
An emergency fire blanket kit contains a specially designed fire-resistant blanket stored in an easy-to-access container. These kits typically include:
- A fire blanket (usually fiberglass or wool treated with fire retardant)
- A storage pouch or box with quick-release tabs
- Instructional labels
- Sometimes additional safety items like gloves or hooks
Key Fact:Fire blankets can extinguish small fires in seconds by starving them of oxygen, making them ideal for kitchen fires, electrical equipment fires, or clothing fires.
When to Use Your Emergency Fire Blanket Kit
Your emergency fire blanket kit is designed for specific situations:
- Small kitchen fires:Perfect for grease fires where water would make things worse
- Clothing fires:Quickly wrap someone whose clothes are on fire
- Electrical fires:Safe for small electrical fires where extinguishers might cause damage
- Containment:Can be used as a shield when evacuating through flames
How to Use a Fire Blanket Properly
Follow these steps when using your emergency fire blanket kit:
- Pull the tabs to release the blanket from its container
- Hold the blanket by the corners with your hands protected behind it
- Approach the fire carefully (turn off heat source if possible)
- Place or gently lay the blanket over the flames
- Leave it in place until completely cooled (at least 30 minutes)
Why Choose a Fire Blanket Over an Extinguisher?
While fire extinguishers are valuable, emergency fire blanket kits offer unique advantages:
- No mess:Unlike extinguishers, blankets leave no chemical residue
- Reusable:Can often be reused after proper inspection
- Simple operation:No training required - just pull and cover
- Safe for grease fires:The best solution for kitchen fires
- Compact size:Easy to store in kitchens, workshops, or cars
Selecting the Right Emergency Fire Blanket Kit
When choosing your kit, consider these factors:
- Size:Standard sizes are 1m×1m or 1.2m×1.2m (larger for industrial use)
- Material:Fiberglass is most common; wool options exist
- Certification:Look for CE, UL, or BS EN 1869 certification
- Storage:Wall-mounted or drawer-stored options available
- Additional features:Some include gloves or fireproof handles
Maintenance and Replacement
To keep your emergency fire blanket kit ready:
- Store in an easily accessible location (not behind other items)
- Check annually for damage or moisture
- Replace if the blanket shows signs of wear or after use
- Keep away from direct sunlight and moisture
Where to Place Your Emergency Fire Blanket Kit
Strategic locations include:
- Kitchen (near cooking areas but not right next to stove)
- Workshop or garage
- Near electrical panels
- Recreational vehicles and boats
- Office kitchens or server rooms
Safety Tip:Always have an escape route when fighting any fire. If the fire grows beyond a very small size, evacuate immediately and call emergency services.
Conclusion
An emergency fire blanket kit is a simple yet powerful fire safety tool every home and workplace should have. Compact, easy to use, and effective against common small fires, it complements your other safety equipment. By understanding proper usage and placement, you'll be prepared to act quickly in case of emergency, potentially preventing serious damage or injury.
