A fire blanket is a practical safety tool made of fire-resistant materials designed to extinguish fires by cutting off the oxygen supply. While fire blankets are useful for small kitchen fires, they may not always be the best option for larger household fires. To ensure safe use of fire blankets, industry experts offer valuable insights.
**Expert Insights:**
– **KC Zachary**, Firefighter Captain at Caldwell Fire Department
– **Robert Troxel**, Reconstruction Project Manager at Master Restoration
**When to Use a Fire Blanket vs. a Fire Extinguisher?**
For small kitchen fires, both fire extinguishers and fire blankets are effective. Fire extinguishers are suitable for quickly spreading fires or larger areas, while fire blankets are ideal for containing pot/pan fires by covering the entire area. Fire blankets have an advantage in terms of cleanup, as they do not leave any residual white powder. Cost-wise, fire blankets are slightly more affordable than fire extinguishers.
**Storage Tips:**
Fire blankets should be stored in or near the kitchen, the most common source of fires. It’s recommended to remove the blanket from its plastic bag and store it in an easily accessible location. Ensure the storage area is dry to maintain the blanket’s effectiveness and prevent damage over time. Garages can also be a suitable storage option for fire blankets to ensure quick access in case of emergency.
**Expert Tip:**
Consider the needs of household members when choosing a storage location for the fire blanket. Place it in a spot that is easily reachable for all adults in the household to enable quick and efficient use during emergencies.
**How to Use a Fire Blanket:**
Using a fire blanket is straightforward. Ensure the blanket is in good condition, follow the instructions provided, and practice deploying it to be prepared for any fire emergency.
The plastic cover was removed from the fire blanket. In the event of an emergency, simply unfold the blanket and place it over the stove fire to allow the fire to extinguish itself. If you lift the blanket and the fire is still active, reposition the blanket over the fire and give it time to fully suppress the fire, as advised by Zachary. Related to this topic are the 9 Best Smoke Detectors to Give You Peace of Mind.
Fire blankets can be helpful in various emergencies beyond basic kitchen scenarios, serving to protect individuals from serious injuries and contain small fires before they escalate into major crises. For instance, Troxel shared a specific incident where a homeowner was frying a turkey in the garage with the door open for ventilation. A grease fire erupted during the process, igniting the homeowner’s shirt. Luckily, the homeowner had a fire blanket nearby and was able to wrap his arm in the blanket to extinguish the fire and minimize the severity of the burn.
Zachary also emphasizes the dual function of fire blankets as protective gear, underscoring the importance of keeping one within reach during activities that have the potential to pose fire hazards.
Considering having more than one fire blanket could enhance overall fire safety in your home. If you have multiple zones that are prone to fires, such as workrooms, outdoor kitchens, basements, or laundry rooms, having a fire blanket in each space could provide an additional layer of protection.
Regardless of the fire safety tools you choose to rely on, both Troxel and Zachary stress the importance of staying vigilant and taking immediate action during a fire emergency. They recommend calling 911 for support from local fire departments at the first sign of a fire at home. Zachary also emphasizes that if you can extinguish the fire before they arrive, it is the ideal scenario – but having them on standby is crucial for safety.
