![]() The blanket might not land flat, which compromises its ability to smother the fire and puts the blanket at risk of burning. It’s tempting to throw the blanket over the far side of the fire, but it’s not a good idea. Start on the side closest to you and spread it across the fire, front to back. To best extinguish the fire, remove the blanket from the package by its tabs, and hold the tabs as you gently lay the blanket over the fire. The process is simple, but you must stay calm, which is easier said than done. How do I place a fire blanket on a fire?Ī. Hikers and campers can use fire blankets in areas that have “leave no trace” policies.Ī fire blanket is most effective when the fire is still small. Even if you’re able to extinguish the fire on your own, call the fire department to verify that the situation is safe and the fire won’t reignite. If no date is listed, replace the blanket about seven years after it was made.Ĭall the fire department. Like fire extinguishers, fire blankets can expire. If you’re extinguishing a fire on a stove, grill, or microwave, make sure you turn off the heat source. It’s normal for some smoke to pass through the blanket. Leave the blanket where it is until it’s cool, then you can handle it. ![]() Allowing this time ensures the flames are fully smothered. Keep the fire blanket on the fire for at least 15 minutes. ![]() Position it a reasonable distance from the heat source but not so close that flames could prevent you from reaching it. A larger, heavier blanket is more challenging to control, and a poorly placed blanket can be ineffective at cutting off a fire’s oxygen supply. Fire blankets don’t typically come in sizes larger than this. The oblong shape makes it easier to wrap around the body.įire blankets measuring 1.8 square meters (about 34.8 square feet) and weighing more than three pounds are intended for places like commercial kitchens or workshops. Large: Rectangular blankets measuring about 1.2 by 1.8 meters (about 23.22 square feet) and weighing over two pounds are a good pick for places where clothing fires are likely, such as kitchens or welding shops. Medium blankets that measure about 1.2 square meters (about 15.45 square feet) and weigh about a pound and a half can be used to combat larger kitchen fires and small clothing fires. Small blankets measuring roughly 1.0 square meter (about 10.75 square feet) and weighing about a pound can smother a small kitchen fire and combat a small clothing fire. And a very heavy blanket could hamper your escape from a burning building.Ĭonsider the following fire blanket size recommendations as you shop: You don’t want to struggle to lift an oversize blanket in an emergency. It’s tempting to buy the largest blanket possible so you’re ready for anything, but that isn’t necessarily the best idea. It’s the size that makes a fire blanket suitable for a particular situation. Signage: Grommets will do the trick for home use, but commercial operations should consider extra signage or very conspicuous storage to alert employees to the presence of the fire blanket in case of emergency.įire blankets don’t have many features: they are basically blankets made of fiberglass and occasionally Kevlar. Mount the blanket close enough to the heat source that it’s easily accessible but not so close that flames could block your access to it. Look for fire blankets that come in packages with grommets at the top that allow for easy hanging. Grommets: If you’re concerned about fire in your kitchen, fireplace, or grilling area, look for a fire blanket you can hang up in the area. ![]() Look for a fire blanket that comes in small, brightly colored pouch that is easy to find if and when you need it. Pouch: If you plan to keep a fire blanket under a sink, in a closet, or in an emergency kit, packability is key. When shopping for a fire blanket, it’s important to think about where you expect to use it and store it. Fire blankets can be used to fight any kind of fire, unlike water, which is hazardous to use with grease or electrical fires.
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