Why You Need a Fire Blanket

A small fire can quickly spread and turn into a large, catastrophic fire that places you, your family, and your home at risk. You hope and pray that it never happens to you, but it´s better to be prepared than to be sorry later. That´s why every home should have a fire blanket on hand.

Fire blankets are one of the most effective tools for putting out small fires before they have the chance to spread. These blankets are made from non-flammable materials, and they´re ideal for putting out fires that can´t be put out by water.

Perhaps the most important room to keep a fire blanket in is the kitchen. Grease fires or fires in your oven or stove should never be sprayed with water. Instead, use a fire blanket to quickly extinguish the flames before they become any bigger. The blanket works by immediately cutting of the oxygen flow to the fire, thus not allowing the flames to live a second longer.

You should also keep fire blankets near any electrical equipment in your home. Electrical fires can be very dangerous, and you certainly don´t want to use water to try to put them out. Instead, smother the fire quickly with the fire blanket to kill the flames.

Fire blankets can also be used on humans if their clothes catch fire. Immediately wrap the blanket around the individual on the ground to stamp out the fire before it causes serious injury. It´s good to know that fire blankets do not stick to fire-damaged skin as they are designed to handle temperatures up to 900 degrees centigrade.

You can also use these blankets as a base underneath a campfire. This keeps the fire from spreading, and it prevents the fire from damaging the landscaping.

If you like to barbecue in the outdoors, always make sure you have a fire blanket nearby in your garage. Too much lighter fluid or a simple change in the wind can cause a barbecue fire to quickly become dangerous. A fire blanket will easily snuff out the flames to avoid serious damage.

Using a fire blanket is easy. You want to make sure your hands are protected while using it. If you have fire-resistant gloves, this is the best option. If not, wrap your hands inside the upper portion of the fire blanket to protect them from the flames.

Make sure the blanket is completely unfolded, and cover the flames by placing the blanket on top of them until the fire is extinguished. Let the fire blanket cool for a couple of hours before folding it back up and storing it away. Remember, fire blankets are reusable, making them one of the most efficient means of fire protection.

Another benefit of fire blankets is they require no maintenance. Simply make sure you know where your fire blanket is, and you´re all set. It will be ready to perform if you should ever need it.

All homes and buildings should have fire blankets handy. They are the best tool available for putting out small fires quickly and safely. And unlike fire extinguishers, you never have to worry about a fire blanket malfunctioning or not knowing how to use it.

Make sure everyone in your home or office knows where the fire blankets are and what the best way to use them is. Furthermore, educate those around you on the best practices for avoiding small fires in the first place. A little prevention can go a long way to avoiding a fire. After all, in the ideal world, you´ll never have to put that fire blanket to use.