Fire blankets are an essential accessory that are often excluded from workplace or home safety plans. These blankets are highly effective in snuffing out fires, so it’s essential to have them available. There are different types of fire blankets, which will be discussed further in the following paragraphs. Keep reading to learn how these valuable accessories can save lives in common situations.
1. Electrical & General Indoor Fires. Usually a wool fire blanket is versatile enough to stand up to these types of fires. Sometimes poorly-wired outlets, frayed cords or the cords of old heaters are likely to start an electrical fire. When this happens, a fire blanket is just as effective as a fire extinguisher. However, people who panic have an easier time using a fire blanket than a fire extinguisher. When people panic after seeing a fire, they often fumble or forget how to activate an extinguisher. Simply throwing the flame-retardant wool blanket is a fast way to put out small flames. Choose blankets that are large enough to cover the room area they’re placed in. If necessary, purchase multiple blankets. Whether using these in a home or office, place them in locations where they’ll be easily accessible. Educate family members or employees about how to use them.
2. Kitchen & Grease Fires. Wool blankets are often suitable for kitchen or grease fires. There are some fire blankets on the market that are specifically intended for kitchens. If desired, purchase these instead of a general wool blanket. Be sure to purchase enough of these blankets to cover a large grease fire. Store them in a place that isn’t too high. For example, never put one above a stove or indoor grill. In the event of a grease fire on the stove, it might be impossible to reach the blanket without getting burned. Restaurant businesses should always have these blankets available to minimize equipment damage. By the time employees use an extinguisher, equipment might be damaged beyond repair or the fire might have already spread.
3. Infant & Child Fire Protection. Fires often occur unexpectedly. Unfortunately, dangerous flames claim the lives of many infants each year. To minimize the risk of infant harm, use a special infant fire blanket. They’re sold at fire safety companies and baby supply stores. Every daycare business should always use these fire-retardant blankets on napping infants. They can also be used at home on unattended infants who are napping. Never cover an infant’s face. These blankets cling to the outline of the baby’s body, so it’s easy to wrap them up and keep them safe from flames while exiting a structure that’s on fire.
4. Outdoor Fires. Large fire blankets are ideal for outdoor fires that arise from grills, fire pits or candles. Since there is usually plenty of oxygen outdoors, it’s easy for fires to flourish. By the time a fire extinguisher is obtained, the fire might have spread far. It’s best to keep a fire blanket handy when any candles, torches or grills are lit outdoors. If the flames become out of control, throw the blanket on the fire immediately.
To prevent fires before they start, put a fire blanket over flammable materials that aren’t constantly stored at optimal temperatures. People who catch fire should try to use a fire blanket instead of rolling on the ground. Stopping, dropping and rolling doesn’t immediately eliminate the oxygen exposure as a fire blanket does. To keep as calm as possible during a fire, always remember that they are easy to put out by simply eliminating the source of oxygen with a fire blanket.
