Many people are more familiar with using fire extinguishers when dealing with fire, so this leaves the crowd wondering, “When should you use a fire blanket?”
It’s essential to have proper knowledge in terms of confronting a hazardous situation. After all, fires are one of the deadliest accidents there is.
The most painful feeling a person can get is from burning. It’s better to be knowledgeable in this matter so that in case something unfortunate happens, we’ll be ready. This article will discuss what a fire blanket is, how it will save you from a blasting fire, and how it works.
What Is A Fire Blanket?
Fire blankets are mainly made from a high-quality flame-resistant fabric that a person can use to extinguish a fire. The mantle consists of two layers of glass fiber fabric and another layer of fire retardant film in the middle. The material works by cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply, which will make it stop from further burning.
Why Is It Better To Have A Fire Blanket At Home?
A home is a place where most people find their comfort. It’s a place where the worrying stops and serves as a haven from the world’s dangers. However, some disasters spare no one, and it can happen at any given time.
It’s great to have several fire extinguishers around the house, especially near the area that might cause the breakout. In most residential areas, a fire starts in the kitchen primarily due to grease or a short circuit.
In these cases, extinguishers are not the best option because they contain water and will most likely cause sparks and explosions, leaving everywhere else affected. It’s better to use a fire blanket while dealing with these kinds of breakouts. They can be thrown over the burning area to stop or lessen the blaze.
Fire blankets can also protect individuals by wrapping the fabric all over the body while exiting the affected area.
What Size Of Fire Blanket Is Recommended?
Like a regular blanket, these covers also come in various sizes. The most common dimension is 1.0m x 1.0m across 1.8 x 1.8m.
It’s recommended to pick a size according to the potential size of a fire that might occur in the concerned area. Besides that, consider the size of the person who might use it if a large fire happens to break out within the home.
When To Use A Fire Blanket?
It’s essential to remember that you should only use fire blankets to tackle small fires. When the scorching begins to grow more prominent than the blanket itself, it’s better to use it as a cover while a person evacuates the affected premises.
Emergency aids should be applied immediately, such as alerting the fire hotlines and ensuring that everybody involved in the scene is safe.
Where Should Fire Blankets Be Stored
It would be great if you always place fire blankets in areas where there is a potential fire hazard — like the kitchen, maintenance area, and such. If the fire is still controllable, immediately place the blanket over the affected section. If the fire is more prominent, then don’t try to put it out and leave the place as fast as you could.
Advantages Of Having A Fire Blanket At Home
For personal protection
Many fire disaster survivors suffered from severe burns and respiratory obstruction. While there is no guarantee that fire blankets will prevent a person from acquiring a couple of burn injuries, it’s still excellent protection to minimize the damage.
It’s also suitable to protect people with physical disability, elderly, with sickness, and incapacity will benefit from fire blankets because it keeps them safe from the flames.
Containing the early stages of fire
Fires often start small in residential homes, given that it’s not an effect of a large explosion. Fire blankets are relatively effective in containing small fires before they burst into more giant flames.
Aside from that, they don’t leave an excessive mess, unlike when using fire extinguishers. It doesn’t trigger disastrous effects like what happens when hot oil comes in contact with water.
Easy to use
Fire extinguishers usually weigh heavy, and not everyone can use one, especially in a panicking scenario. Fire blankets don’t weigh as much, so they’re easier to use to protect you from the fire.
Fire extinguishers can also be confusing and hard to control. Sometimes, it even needs initial training to fully be able to navigate it. You can use fire blankets as-is without the need for further thinking.
Conclusion
Fire disasters can be fatal, especially if a person doesn’t know the initial actions while dealing with one. Proper knowledge and training are suitable to acquire because no one knows when a fire will break out.
If your family has younger children, try to have a fire drill education to secure their safety and explain when should you use a fire blanket. Always keep in mind that the right state of mind is vital in times of a disaster. Place early precautions around the house and create an evacuation plan to ensure the family’s protection.