What You Need To Know About Fire Blankets

You’ve probably heard of and have even seen fire blankets, however, do you actually know what they’re for and how you should use them? In simple terms, fire blankets are most commonly used in kitchens, designed to fight smaller fires. Want to find out more? This blog will explain to you everything you need to know about fire blankets, from what they are and how is best to use them.

Do you know what fire blankets are made from? 

Usually, fire blankets use woven fire-resistant materials that can withstand up to 900 degrees Celsius of heat and they’re conveniently kept in a container that can be attached to a wall. This means that they can be easily seen and easy to reach, in seconds if needed!

How do they work?

Fire blankets work by smothering flames when placed over them. This is because the blanket starves the fire of oxygen allowing it to be extinguished. Fire blankets work best on small fires before they get larger and more dangerous. This is why you’ll typically find them in kitchens, but they can also be used in other settings, like industrial industries and educational places. The blanket can be pulled easily out of its container and be used to smother the fire. They’ll protect the users’ hands from any burns. Blankets don’t require any special training but users should know its instructions ideally.

How can I use them?

Depending on the situation, there are a variety of ways to use a fire blanket based on your surroundings and the fire you’re presented with. A general example would be to ensure the heat source is off before releasing the fire blanket. Once the blanket is out of its container it should be used as a shield, aiming to have it wrapped around your hands to protect you from burns, before using it to smother the fire. Then you should leave the blanket in place until it has definitely cooled and the fire is no longer alight, you don’t want it to accidentally reignite! However, if the fire is bigger than your fire blanket you shouldn’t attempt to smother it, instead leave the premises and call for help.

What else can they be used for?

As well as using fire blankets directly on a fire they can also be used to smother a person if their clothes are on fire. Firstly, ensure the person is on the ground, and use the blanket to wrap them in to starve the flames of oxygen. Being on the ground also means that the flames are less likely to get to the person's face or hair. A fire blanket is a good alternative to a fire extinguisher in cases like this. 

Whilst fire blankets perform similar tasks to fire extinguishers and might be the better option in some circumstances, fire extinguishers are still needed and can extinguish larger fires if the blanket isn’t successful in containing and stopping the blaze. Therefore it’s crucial that you have a variety of fire safety equipment available.

Here at Fire Stoppers, our team can offer you fire safety, tips, advice and guidance, we’re here to help keep your fire safe! Visit our website to find out more about the fire safety services we offer.

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