Emergency Fire Blanket Guide: Uses, Benefits and Safety Tips

Summary:Emergency fire blankets are essential safety tools that smother small fires by cutting off oxygen. This guide explains how they work, when to use them, proper techniques, and why every home/kitchen should have one.

What Is an Emergency Fire Blanket?

An emergency fire blanket is a safety device made from fire-resistant materials (typically fiberglass or wool) designed to extinguish small fires. When placed over flames, it starves the fire of oxygen, stopping combustion. These blankets are stored in quick-release containers for immediate access during emergencies.

When Should You Use a Fire Blanket?

Use your emergency fire blanket for:

• Small kitchen fires (grease fires, stovetop flames)
• Clothing fires (when someone's clothes catch fire)
• Small electrical fires (after power is turned off)
• Containing fires until help arrives

Never use on large fires, chemical fires, or gas fires - call emergency services instead.

How to Properly Use an Emergency Fire Blanket

Follow these steps for effective use:

1. Pull the tabs to quickly release the blanket from its container
2. Hold the blanket by the corners with your hands protected behind it
3. Gently place (don't throw) the blanket over the flames
4. Leave the blanket in place for at least 15 minutes to ensure the fire is out
5. Call emergency services if the fire persists

Key Benefits of Having an Emergency Fire Blanket

Fire blankets offer several advantages over traditional extinguishers:

• No maintenance required(unlike fire extinguishers that need regular checks)
• Easy to use- no special training needed
• Reusableif not damaged during use
• Safe for kitchen fireswhere extinguisher chemicals could contaminate food
• Compact storage- fits easily in kitchens, workshops, or cars

Choosing the Right Emergency Fire Blanket

When selecting a fire blanket, consider:

• Size:Standard sizes are 1m×1m (3.3ft) or 1.2m×1.2m (4ft) - larger for commercial use
• Material:Fiberglass is most common; wool blends are more expensive but handle higher temperatures
• Certification:Look for CE, UL, or BS EN 1869 markings
• Container quality:Should allow quick, one-handed access

Proper Maintenance and Storage

To ensure your emergency fire blanket works when needed:

• Store in an easily accessible location (kitchen wall, near fireplace)
• Keep away from direct heat sources
• Check periodically for damage or moisture
• Replace if the blanket shows signs of wear or after use
• Practice removing it from the container occasionally

Fire Blanket vs. Fire Extinguisher

While both are valuable, emergency fire blankets are better for:

• Small contained fires
• Kitchen grease fires
• Clothing fires
• Situations where chemical residue is undesirable

Fire extinguishers are better for larger fires or when you need to maintain distance from flames.

Conclusion

An emergency fire blanket is a simple but powerful fire safety tool every home should have. By understanding when and how to use it properly, you can prevent small fires from becoming disasters. Remember to place it in an accessible location and inspect it regularly to ensure it's ready when needed.