A fire blanket is a safety precaution device that is used to put out minor flames that have just started. It is very flame-resistant, allowing it to be placed over a fire to extinguish it. Small household fires are best put out using fire blankets. Usually, a fire blanket is found in kitchens, where a fire may quickly occur. While a fire blanket is most widely utilized in residential and catering settings, they are also becoming increasingly popular in educational, industry, and laboratory settings.
Fire requires three things to thrive: heat, oxygen, and fuel. The fire goes out if one of these is removed. This is the principle upon which a fire blanket works.
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How to use a fire blanket
Carefully place the blanket over the flames. Remember do not toss it; instead, gently lay it down. Begin on the nearside of the flames and work your way in. Throwing the bottom of the blanket on the far side first might allow flames to climb up and over the blanket, worsening the situation.
Continue to hold the blanket over the heat source until the flame goes out. It should take around 15 minutes to complete this task. Remove the blanket only when it is completely cold. It is important to note that fire blankets are not recyclable hence cannot be used again. As a result, it can only be used once before being discarded.
Two layers of woven fiberglass cloth and an interior layer of the fire-resistant film make up a fire blanket. Their primary idea is to cut off the oxygen supply, which is one of the three components that a fire relies on to thrive, putting out the flames. To suffocate a fire, one must appropriately lay the fire blanket over its top. When the blanket is entirely covering the fire, it cuts off the fire’s air supply, thereby extinguishing it.
Fire blankets can also be draped over your body when escaping a burning building to protect you from the flames. However, they can only be used to put out minor flames and prevent them from spreading. In the event of a major fire, do not attempt to put it out yourself; instead, ask for assistance from the fire department.
Benefits of investing in fire blankets
Lifesaver
Every year, fires claim the lives of far too many children and babies. A fire blanket can be wrapped around a child or infant if a fire breaks out where they are sleeping.
In an unfortunate event that involves catching fire, a fire blanket can be used to cover the burning area. By covering your head, you may even use it to get out of a burning building. Fire blankets, on the other hand, should only be used to put out minor flames. They must cover all the flames and deprive them of oxygen to put out a fire.
Extinguishes outdoor fire
Fire blankets can also extinguish outdoor flames. These blankets, on the other hand, should be large enough to cover any sections that are on fire. Grills, candles, and fire pits are the most common sources of outdoor fires. Fires may spread fast outside due to the abundant supply of oxygen. Always have a fire blanket handy to prevent a fire from spreading too far too soon, especially when grills, torches, and candles are burning. If the flames go out of control, quickly cover them with a fire blanket.
Put out indoor and electrical fires
Electric and other flames are easily extinguished using a fire blanket. If you don’t have time to get a fire extinguisher, covering the blazing area with a fire blanket can be just as effective. By simply covering the fire with a wool blanket, you may block off the oxygen supply and put out the flames.
Besides the above-mentioned advantages, there are some more reasons which explain why one should invest in a fire blanket:
- Fire blankets are simple to use because they don’t require any prior training and may be used by anybody, whether an adult or a kid.
- One of its most important benefits is that you may use it to escape flames by wrapping it around your body.
- They may be used to quickly extinguish small domestic fires and prevent them from spreading in the early stages.
- In comparison to fire extinguishers, which may or may not function, they are always ready to use and a guaranteed solution.
- It is simple to apply on yourself to extinguish a fire.
- They’re incredibly cheap, low-cost, and simple to store.
- Their availability is not a problem; you can pick one up at your local DIY or hardware store.