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When it comes to keeping your home safe, being ready is super important. One crucial thing every home should have is an Emergency Fire Blanket. It's like a superhero cape for putting out fires! Whether it's a tiny kitchen accident or a big fire, having a fire blanket handy can really save the day and keep everyone safe.
The NFPA reports that approximately 72% of structure fires in the United States occur in residential properties. These statistics underscore the critical importance of having effective fire safety measures in place, including the use of fire blankets.
Here comes the fire blanket. You've probably seen them hanging on walls in workplaces, and are often hailed as essential tools for fire safety, but do they really work when the heat is on? We're diving deep into the world of fire blankets to uncover the truth behind their effectiveness.
Let's dive into the reality of fire blankets and explore their effectiveness in the real-world.
Fire extinguisher blankets, also known as fire blankets or fire suppression blankets are specialized safety tools designed to extinguish fires by smothering them with a fire-resistant fabric. These blankets are a valuable addition to fire safety equipment, providing a quick and effective way to suppress fires in various settings.
Fire extinguisher blankets are typically made from fire-resistant materials such as fiberglass, wool, or treated fabrics. These materials are chosen for their ability to withstand high temperatures and resist burning, allowing the blanket to safely smother flames without catching fire itself.
The construction of a fire extinguisher blanket is crucial for its effectiveness. The fabric is often layered and stitched together to create a durable and heat-resistant barrier. Some blankets may also feature additional reinforcement along the edges for added strength and longevity.
Fire Extinguisher blankets are versatile and can be used on various types of fires, including those involving cooking oils, grease, electrical appliances, and clothing. This versatility makes them an invaluable addition to any home, workplace, or industrial setting where fire hazards may be present.
Overall, the effectiveness of fire blankets is undeniable. They have proven to be valuable tools in fire safety preparedness, providing a simple yet effective solution for extinguishing small fires and preventing them from escalating into larger, more dangerous blazes.
Fire blankets are not just theoretical tools; they have proven their effectiveness time and again in real-world fire emergencies. From small kitchen mishaps to larger-scale fires, fire blankets have been instrumental in preventing property damage, injuries, and even saving lives. Let's delve into real-world where fire blankets have demonstrated their effectiveness:
In residential settings, fire blankets have successfully extinguished small kitchen fires caused by grease flare-ups or overheated appliances. These incidents are common in households and can quickly escalate if not addressed promptly.
Workplace environments, such as restaurants, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities, have also benefited from the use of fire blankets. In these settings, where fire hazards are prevalent, fire blankets have been used to contain and extinguish fires before they spread and cause extensive damage.
Educational institutions, including schools and universities, have implemented fire safety protocols that include the use of fire blankets. In the event of a fire in a classroom or laboratory, teachers and students have been trained to use fire blankets to safely extinguish small fires and evacuate the premises.
Firefighters and emergency responders often attest to the effectiveness of fire blankets in their line of work. They have witnessed firsthand how fire blankets have been used by civilians to successfully extinguish fires before they escalate.
Homeowners and business owners who have experienced fire emergencies have shared their stories of how fire blankets played a crucial role in minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of occupants.
In comparison to traditional fire extinguishers, fire blankets offer several advantages, especially for small, contained fires. Fire extinguishers can be bulky, intimidating to use, and may require regular maintenance and inspection.
Fire blankets, on the other hand, are compact, and easy to use, offer a cleaner and safer alternative to fire extinguishers, as they do not release harmful chemicals or leave behind messy residue. This makes them particularly suitable for use in food preparation areas, laboratories, and other sensitive environments.
Now, onto the million-dollar question: Do they work in real-world situations? Absolutely! Fire blankets are a staple in fire safety because they're easy to use and can quickly extinguish small fires before they escalate into something more serious.
Fire blankets are designed to extinguish fires by cutting off the fire's oxygen supply, effectively smothering the flames. This mechanism of action makes them highly effective in suppressing small fires before they escalate into larger, more dangerous blazes. Here's a detailed breakdown of how fire blankets work:
When a fire blanket is deployed over a fire, it
forms a barrierbetween the flames and the surrounding oxygen in the air.
By
covering the fire completelywith the blanket, the oxygen supply to the flames is cut off; depriving the fire of the essential element it needs to continue burning.
This
smothering effect suffocates the fire, causing it to extinguish rapidly.
Fire blankets are typically made from
flame-retardant materialssuch as fiberglass or wool.
These materials are
heat-resistantand
capable of withstanding high temperatureswithout catching fire themselves.
The flame-retardant properties of the blanket ensure that it can
withstand direct contact with flames without igniting.
3. Heat Insulation
In addition to smothering the fire, fire blankets also
provide heat insulation, helping to
prevent the fire from spreadingto surrounding objects or surfaces.
The thick, woven fabric of the blanket
acts as a heat barrier, absorbing and dissipating heat away from the fire source.
This heat insulation not only aids in extinguishing the fire but also helps protect the user from heat-related injuries during the firefighting process.
Using a fire blanket is relatively straightforward, but it's essential to follow proper procedures to ensure effectiveness and safety. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a fire blanket:
Before attempting to use a fire blanket,
assess the fireto determine if it is safe to do so.
in its designated storage location. Fire blankets are often stored in easy-to-access places such as cabinets, drawers, or mounted on walls.
, keeping a safe distance to avoid exposure to heat and flames.
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by its corners or handles.
Slowly and carefully
place the blanket over the fire, ensuring that it completely covers the flames.
to allow the blanket to smother the flames effectively.
as this may reignite the fire. If the flames are out, carefully remove the blanket.
Fire blankets are highly effective tools for extinguishing small fires and play a crucial role in fire safety preparedness. By understanding their uses, placement, and maintenance requirements, homeowners can ensure that their fire blankets are always ready for use in case of a fire emergency.
Investing in fire blankets is a proactive step towards protecting lives and property and reducing the risk of fire-related injuries and damage.
Yes, fire blankets are legitimate firefighting tools that are widely used for extinguishing small fires. They are made from flame-retardant materials and are designed to smother fires by cutting off the oxygen supply.
Yes, fire extinguishing blankets are effective in extinguishing small fires when used correctly. They work by smothering the flames, depriving the fire of oxygen and extinguishing it rapidly.
True. Fire blankets work by smothering fires, which effectively removes oxygen from the fire and extinguishes it. By covering the flames completely with the blanket, the oxygen supply is cut off, suffocating the fire and causing it to go out.
Both fire blankets and fire extinguishers can extinguish small fires&#;so, how do they differ and what should you know about each? Let&#;s compare how they perform in terms of ease of use, reusability, and appropriate use cases.
Feel free to take a look at our selection of ABC dry chemical and CO2 fire extinguishers. Call us at +1 (888) 361- or to find out more about our selection of fire blankets.
Fire extinguishers are perhaps the best-known method of fighting small fires in their early stages. With options ranging from the versatile ABC fire extinguisher, which can tackle a range of common fires, to CO2 extinguishers, which do not leave residue and work on fires involving flammable liquids, gases, and electrical equipment, there&#;s a fire extinguisher for practically every application.
Unfortunately, many homes don&#;t even have a fire extinguisher, though cooking fires alone caused &#;an average of 471 home &#; fires per day&#; during a period studied between and . In contrast, extinguishers are common at work and in public spaces since they&#;re required by fire codes throughout the US in commercial buildings. Fire extinguishers are also a great idea for vehicles and, in some cases&#; such as commercial trucks, tractors, and buses&#;they&#;re required.
Fire extinguishers are relatively easy to use, and a study by the National Association of Fire Equipment Dealers (NAFED) showed they were &#;effective in extinguishing fires 95 percent of the time.&#; This, of course, applies when a fire is in a relatively early, containable stage. But even when a fire extinguisher could not completely put out the fire, the study found that it often limited damage and provided some degree of control over the situation until firefighters could arrive.
When seconds count, fire extinguishers can either stop a fire or give you time to retreat safely. We carry ABC fire extinguishers with capacities ranging from 2.5 pounds of dry chemical to 20 pounds. The capacities of the CO2 models range from 5 pounds to 20 pounds. For both the 2.5 pound ABC dry chemical and the 5 pound CO2 fire extinguishers, the continuous discharge time is rated at 9 seconds. In the 20 pound versions, the ABC fire extinguisher is rated to discharge continuously for 27 seconds, and the CO2 model can discharge continuously for 20 seconds.
The smaller extinguishers are recommended for vehicle, home, or office use, while larger ones are needed for bigger areas and those with more combustible materials, like warehouses or production environments. The capacity needed for a specific fire extinguisher is defined by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and codes, which we discuss in more detail in this guide.
The range of a fire extinguisher also varies with its size and capacity, but all of them allow a user to stand off some distance from a fire. QRFS&#;s CO2 fire extinguishers are all rated for 4-8 feet of range, whereas ABC models gain a little more distance as they get larger. For example, the 2.5 pound Buckeye ABC fire extinguisher is rated for a range of 9-15 feet, while a 20-pound model is rated for 15-21 feet&#;allowing you to open up on the fire from the recommended distance of 8 to 10 feet. You can then work your way to the base of the fire if possible, or retreat if you are not able to contain it.
A fire extinguisher can be used by most people, but employing one safely and effectively does call for a bit of training. Note that Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations require formal training for facilities under their jurisdiction.
The right way to use a fire extinguisher is often described by the acronym P.A.S.S:
While doing this, you should take care to begin spraying while standing at a safe distance, even if the spray is not quite reaching the base of the fire. You can move closer if the fire is dying out as you advance.
The P.A.S.S. technique is explained and demonstrated in this video:
The larger a fire extinguisher is, the longer it will be able to fight a fire&#;and the heavier it will be. People who lack upper body strength may struggle to pick up a larger fire extinguisher like a 20 lb. model or take it off a wall bracket safely. A 5 lb. model can be handled by most people, but it is, of course, lower in capacity and range.
If you&#;ve got a choice between a fire and a mess, you&#;ll choose the mess every time. But the cleaning required after using a fire extinguisher is something to consider. Our &#;Guide to Fire Extinguisher Clean Up&#; details the steps that you must take after a discharge.
Cleanup needs vary by type, and common ABC fire extinguishers, unfortunately, leave a residue that is one of the more difficult discharges to handle. You may need professional help cleaning up after a discharge, especially if the residue has gotten into ductwork&#;the dry chemical is toxic, and you must avoid getting it into any waterways.
Once a fire extinguisher is used, it must be replaced or recharged, even if it was not completely discharged. Commercial grade fire extinguishers can often be serviced and recharged after use, but many inexpensive extinguishers, like those sold in retail stores, are designed for one use only and must be replaced.
The cost of replacing a fire extinguisher varies. For example, ours range from a little over $30 for a 2.5 lb. Buckeye ABC fire extinguisher to over $300 for our 20 lb. Buckeye CO2 model.
In contrast, recharging and doing full testing on a fire extinguisher usually ranges from about $20 to $70. Thus, it&#;s more cost-effective to recharge larger fire extinguishers, whereas smaller ones are often simply replaced. This is because much of the servicing cost is labor and parts&#;elements which are similar in expense regardless of capacity.
Fire blankets work on a simple principle: smother the fire and deprive it of oxygen. To do this effectively, they have to be nonflammable themselves and provide as much of a barrier for heat and oxygen as possible. A modern commercial fire blanket will contain a fiberglass layer to achieve this purpose and the blanket will be designed to keep the fiberglass from coming in contact with skin.
A fire blanket should be mounted on a wall near (but not directly over) the area where it might be needed. For example, NFPA codes and standards stipulate that fire extinguishers be placed within 30 feet of cooking equipment, and it&#;s proper to place a fire blanket within this range as well. A fire blanket typically comes with a protective cover that clearly identifies it and instructs the user on how to extract the blanket.
If a person&#;s hair or clothing is on fire, wrapping them up in a fire blanket can be an important part of the &#;stop, drop, and roll&#; technique which is taught to minimize burns and injury. According to NFPA, blankets are especially useful if the person involved is not physically able to move rapidly due to age, medical condition, or physical limitations.
In a similar situation, discharging a chemical fire extinguisher around a person&#;s face could cause serious lung irritation, which could compound problems caused by smoke inhalation.
If a fire is out of control and you are surrounded by flames, a fire blanket may also help protect you and those you are helping if you must evacuate near areas exposed to flames.
Cooking fires often start with a relatively small amount of grease in a container like a pan or pot. People are often reluctant to discharge a fire extinguisher because of the cleanup effort and expense involved, and Class K fire extinguishers are specifically required &#;for fires involving combustible cooking media (vegetable or animal oils and fats).&#; Sometimes, people pour or throw water onto a grease fire, with disastrous effects.
Putting a lid or pan over a fire in a container is the right idea&#;if done effectively, it will smother the fire. But it can be risky, because you may not have enough protection from the flames as you bring this cover down over them.
Using a fire blanket lowers this risk. FIRST, turn off the source of heat, if possible. A quality fire blanket will have straps to help you wrap your hands up completely to protect them. You must quickly drape the fire blanket over the fire without throwing it or fanning the flames. Once it&#;s on, leave it in place until you&#;re certain the fire is out.
This video from the fire department in New South Wales, Australia provides an excellent demonstration of how to use a fire blanket on a cooking fire:
If upper-body strength is an issue, fire blankets sized like the Wilson and Cousins 60&#; x 78&#; fire blanket are easily handled, as they typically weigh no more than two to three pounds.
Some people are concerned about what will happen when they use a fire extinguisher and are confused by the different types of extinguishers available; they may not know exactly which one should be deployed. While these concerns can and should be addressed by training, using a fire blanket may be a more straightforward decision if a fire is small enough.
Fire extinguishers must be replaced or recharged after every use, whereas fire blankets should always be replaced after any use in a fire, even if they appear to be intact.
The EPA instituted a partial ban on products containing asbestos in because of the serious risks of lung disease associated with the material. Asbestos was extremely common in fire blankets before that time. If you have any old fire blankets in your home or workplace that you suspect may contain asbestos, contact an asbestos removal specialist. Don&#;t use them, handle them, or disturb them.
The correct technique to use a fire blanket requires you to place it right on top of a fire. If flames are high above the source or widespread, this may be difficult or impossible to do safely.
If a fire is becoming widespread, a fire blanket can&#;t be deployed effectively. A typical fire blanket size is about five feet wide by six feet long. Sizes much larger than this can become unwieldy for one person to handle. If the fire is extensive, it&#;s not a good idea to attempt to use a fire blanket, except as mentioned above for personal protection.
Without proper training, it could be easy to panic while approaching a fire, causing you to drop or throw the blanket. This could make things worse by spreading flaming liquids or fanning the flames. If you fail to wrap your hands in the corners of the blanket, you could burn yourself. For all these reasons, deploying fire blankets should include some training in how and when they are used, just as you would for fire extinguishers.
You should not be without a fire extinguisher&#;they are required for commercial spaces and highly recommended for all homes. They can prevent or minimize damage before the fire department can arrive and often put out fires in their earlier stages. But while fire extinguishers are more familiar to most of us, especially in the US, you should consider adding fire blankets to your fire protection strategy.
A fire blanket may help avoid a cleanup effort and they are particularly useful for small cooking fires that are caught early. This piece of equipment could also be a life-saver for yourself, a family member, or a coworker if someone catches on fire or needs to evacuate near flames. Fire blankets are an especially good idea for kitchens and areas where vessels and containers might catch fire. And they are also worth considering if you have elderly or infirm people in your home or place of business&#;who may not be able to drop and roll to smother a fire on their person.
QRFS carries a variety of fire extinguishers for home, commercial, and industrial use. Our selection includes Buckeye portable dry chemical fire extinguishers &#; rated for Class A, Class B, and Class C fires &#; in sizes from 2 1/2 pounds (1A:10B:C) to 20 pounds (10A:120B:C), and CO2 fire extinguishers up to 20 pounds (10B:C).
View our full selection of fire extinguishers and accessories, including covers, cabinets, and signs.
If you would like to purchase a fire blanket, QRFS carries a 60&#; by 78&#; Wilson and Cousins fire blanket that comes with straps and a protective cover. If you have any questions, call us at +1 (888) 361- or .
This blog was originally posted at blog.qrfs.com. If this article helped you learn something important about fire extinguishers and fire blankets, check us out at Facebook.com/QuickResponseFireSupply or on Twitter @QuickResponseFS.
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