Fire blankets are a popular item in home- and RV-preparedness kits.
Packed away in its bag, it doesn’t seem like much. But during an emergency, you might be glad you have one. The real question is, do these safety tools really work?
Today, we’re finding out if these devices are worth buying.
Let’s stop, drop, and roll!
What is a Fire Suppression Blanket?
At home or on the road, fire is one of the most destructive forces we face. Extinguishers are commonplace. However, there’s another tool available that you should consider adding to your go-bag.
Fire blanket manufacturers use fiberglass or other flame-resistant materials to form a powerful shield against danger. When deployed correctly, they can smother smaller blazes by cutting off oxygen.
The device’s thickness and size may vary depending on its intended use. Some can handle smaller kitchen and residential issues, while others work for more heavy-duty applications.
It doesn’t matter if it’s your appliances or cooking oil. They still work. Primarily utilized when liquids or clothing are ablaze, they’re a more personal approach to protection.
Anyone can use one of these suppression devices without training. And, as a bonus, they can also shield you if you’re surrounded by an inferno. They won’t filter out smoke, but the heat doesn’t stand a chance.
Do Fire Suppression Blankets Really Work?
The three things fires need are oxygen, fuel, and heat to grow. Traditional extinguishers remove air from the equation, and blankets work similarly.
Used together, you’ve got a powerful arsenal against the inferno.
It’s easy to get distracted when cooking, either at home or in your rig. Phone calls, kids hollering, a gorgeous sunset, or a partner who needs your help can take you away from the stove. Residential fires almost all start in the kitchen, usually by an inattentive chef.
Fire safety experts recommend turning off the stove if you must leave for any reason. This should prevent most accidents.
While you don’t need training to deploy a fire blanket, you need confidence. Tossing the blanket isn’t enough to put out a blaze. You have to get close enough to smother the flames. And even though they’re supposed to protect you from the heat, that’s tough for most people.
Something in our human nature prevents us from getting too near an inferno. But that’s precisely how these devices work.
Experts suggest keeping both spray and these flame-retardant fabrics in places where fires are most likely to break out.
Discover 5 Ways Your Camper Can Catch on Fire.
When Should You Not Use a Fire Blanket?
Fire blankets aren’t the right approach in every case. Sure, kitchens and labs are usually more contained, and that’s what designers made them for. Sometimes, reaching for one is a poor choice, especially when you could be in danger.
Your first concern should be for the safety of yourself and others, not the burning material. Insurance can replace things, but once you’ve been scorched, the marks don’t fade.
Treat infernos that involve hazardous materials, gasses, electricity, and metal from a distance. Getting close enough to use your fiberglass shield isn’t advisable in these incidents. Additionally, when things get out of hand or are too large for your device, use an extinguisher and call 9-1-1.
Our fire prevention tips: How to Fireproof Your RV (as Best as Possible)
How to Use a Fire Blanket
Proper use of a fire blanket is essential for safety and success. They’re simple, but you should use discretion before approaching a blaze.
Turn off the Heat Source
When flames get out of hand, the first thing to do is turn off the heat. That could be the stove or oven, candles, or a space heater in your home or RV. By removing one of the big three, it’s more likely that your blanket will do its job.
If it’s safe enough for you to approach, unplug the appliance to stop the flow of electricity. Turning off a burner might be risky if it’s too far gone, so use your best judgment.
In the event that you can’t get to the source, don’t put yourself in danger.
Access Fire Blanket
Anywhere a fire could potentially break out, you should have one of these devices nearby for safety. Once you’ve removed the source, get your blanket and open it. Standard packaging makes sure that if you know how to work with one brand, you can operate any of them.
Makers put two tabs on the bottom of the packaging. Grab them firmly, one in each hand, and give them a sharp pull. This action should deploy it and make it ready for use.
Try to remain calm during this process. Panic only makes it more likely you’ll injure yourself.
Keep the Blanket in Front of You
Remember that these are heat and flame-resistant, so use it like a shield in front of you. Built-in straps give you an excellent spot to hold on one side, and that’s where you should be. The device protects your hands, and you can safely approach the site.
If you can’t find the straps, wrap the fabric around your hands. Covering yourself will keep the flames off of your skin.
Place Device on Flames
Approach the fire with the blanket and place it over the burning object. Look at the blaze before you deploy it, and make sure you start with the part that’s closest to you. Doing this keeps the flames from spreading towards your body or catching onto your clothing. As long as you’ve placed it firmly, it should stay put.
Step back and let the device work as it’s intended. Otherwise, you could put yourself in harm’s way.
Give Fire Blanket Time to Cool Down
While the material in your fire blanket won’t burn, it’s still absorbing a lot of heat energy. Additionally, the fuel source will likely be hot for a while after the flames are gone. Wait until it’s cooled completely, around 30 minutes, before removing the device.
Letting it reach a temperature you can touch is vital because reignition is possible. Once you’ve put out the blaze, you certainly don’t want it starting up again.
Bear in mind that these aren’t reusable devices. Like a bicycle helmet, it’s fulfilled its purpose, and you’ll have to replace it. Thankfully, most home-use suppression systems cost around $15. We think it’s a price worth paying.
Price Check: Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket
Is a Fire Blanket Worth It?
Hopefully, you’ll never need a fire blanket or extinguisher, for that matter. But they’re another tool you have in the fight against the flames in your home or RV kitchen. Proper deployment can save you thousands of dollars in damage. They’re readily available in stores, or you can order them online.
However you get one, store them near places where fires are likely. In an emergency, they could save your life!
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