Fire safety is a crucial aspect of home safety that can often be overlooked. While smoke alarms and fire extinguishers are commonly found in many homes, a fire blanket is another essential item that can be a lifesaver in certain situations. Fire blankets provide a simple yet effective way to tackle small fires before they become catastrophic. In this blog, we’ll explore why having a fire blanket in your home is a smart decision, when it can prove most useful, and why it’s important to have both a fire blanket and a fire extinguisher to handle different types of fires.
What is a Fire Blanket?
A fire blanket is a safety device made of fire-resistant material, typically fiberglass or wool treated with a flame-retardant coating. Its primary function is to smother small fires by cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply, thereby extinguishing the flames. Fire blankets are designed for ease of use, making them a valuable tool for those who may not have the strength or training to use a fire extinguisher. They are also ideal for tackling fires involving people, such as clothing fires, where a fire extinguisher may cause additional harm.
Why It’s Smart to Have a Fire Blanket in the Home
Quick and Easy to Use A fire blanket requires no special training to use, making it an accessible option for everyone in the household. In the event of a small fire, you simply pull the blanket from its container and place it over the flames, smothering the fire by cutting off its oxygen supply. This quick action can prevent a small fire from spreading and causing more damage.
Ideal for Kitchen Fires The kitchen is one of the most common places for home fires to start, often due to cooking accidents. Grease fires, for example, can ignite in seconds and quickly become uncontrollable if not handled properly. Fire blankets are particularly effective for small kitchen fires, including grease fires, as they can be draped over a pan or appliance to extinguish the flames without the risk of splattering burning oil, which can happen if you try to use water or a fire extinguisher.
Safe for Clothing Fires In the unfortunate event that a person’s clothing catches fire, a fire blanket is the safest and most effective way to extinguish the flames. Wrapping the blanket around the person can quickly smother the fire, preventing further injury. Fire extinguishers, while effective for other types of fires, may cause additional harm to a person by spraying chemicals that can irritate skin and eyes. A fire blanket is a gentler option that still effectively extinguishes the fire.
No Mess Fire extinguishers, while invaluable for putting out certain types of fires, often leave behind a residue that can be messy to clean up. The chemicals in fire extinguishers can coat surfaces and belongings, requiring a thorough cleanup afterward. In contrast, a fire blanket leaves no mess behind, as it simply smothers the fire without releasing any chemicals or foam. This can be particularly beneficial in situations where you want to avoid additional damage to your home or belongings.
Compact and Easy to Store Fire blankets are compact and can be stored in easily accessible locations, such as inside kitchen cabinets, on the wall near a fireplace, or in a garage. Their lightweight and compact design makes them easy to hang or place in strategic locations without taking up much space. Because they don’t require any maintenance like fire extinguishers do, they are always ready to use in an emergency.
Peace of Mind Knowing that you have a fire blanket on hand can provide peace of mind. While we all hope never to experience a fire in our home, being prepared can make all the difference in an emergency. A fire blanket gives you an additional layer of protection that can be the difference between a small fire being contained and a major disaster.
When a Fire Blanket Can Prove Most Useful
Kitchen Fires Kitchen fires are the leading cause of home fires, often starting from unattended cooking, overheated oil, or faulty appliances. A fire blanket is ideal for extinguishing small fires in the kitchen, such as a flaming pan on the stovetop or an appliance that has caught fire. Its ability to smother flames quickly without making a mess makes it a go-to solution for kitchen emergencies.
Clothing Fires If someone’s clothing catches fire, every second counts. The “stop, drop, and roll” method can help, but a fire blanket is often more effective and faster. Wrapping the person in the fire blanket will extinguish the flames quickly and safely, reducing the risk of severe burns and injury.
Small Fires in Confined Spaces Fire blankets are also useful for small fires in confined spaces, such as garages, workshops, or even vehicles. If a fire breaks out in a tight area where using a fire extinguisher could be difficult or cause additional damage, a fire blanket can be the best option. By covering the fire, you can contain it quickly without the risk of spraying chemicals or making the fire worse.
Electrical Fires While fire blankets can be used on small electrical fires, it’s important to ensure that the electricity is turned off before attempting to use the blanket. Once the power is cut, the fire blanket can effectively smother the flames. However, for larger electrical fires, a fire extinguisher rated for electrical fires is often the better choice.
The Importance of Having a Fire Extinguisher Alongside a Fire Blanket
While a fire blanket is a valuable tool, it’s not a replacement for a fire extinguisher. Different fires require different approaches, and in some situations, a fire extinguisher is the only option. Here’s why it’s important to have both a fire blanket and a fire extinguisher in your home:
Tackling Larger Fires Fire blankets are best suited for small fires that can be easily covered and smothered. However, if a fire grows beyond what a blanket can handle, a fire extinguisher is necessary. Fire extinguishers can discharge a powerful spray that reaches further and can cover a larger area, making them essential for larger fires that are too dangerous to approach with a blanket.
Different Types of Fires Fires can be caused by a variety of sources, including grease, electrical issues, and flammable liquids. Fire extinguishers are designed to tackle different types of fires—such as Class A (ordinary combustibles), Class B (flammable liquids), and Class C (electrical fires). It’s important to have a fire extinguisher on hand that is rated for the types of fires that may occur in your home, as a fire blanket alone may not be sufficient for all fire scenarios.
Quicker Response for Large Fires While fire blankets are excellent for smaller fires or clothing fires, a fire extinguisher can be a faster option for larger fires that require immediate action. If a fire spreads quickly, you need to be able to respond with a fire extinguisher to prevent it from getting out of control.
Conclusion
Having both a fire blanket and a fire extinguisher in your home is a smart and comprehensive approach to fire safety. Fire blankets provide an easy-to-use, effective solution for small fires, particularly in the kitchen or for clothing fires. They are compact, require no maintenance, and can be used by anyone in the household. However, for larger fires or those involving specific materials, a fire extinguisher is essential. By equipping your home with both tools, you ensure that you’re prepared to handle any fire emergency that may arise, keeping your home and family safe.
