For every five home fires, two originate in the kitchen, probably by anyone cooking food. While this may look subtle, such fires often tend to be deadly. Thus, what are the Best Fire Blankets for home safety?
Home fires tend to cause irreversible damage if they are not put under control early. The fires can damage both your property and anyone around it. That is why extinguishing the fire early is crucial.
Traditionally, there are many ways to distinguish a fire. At the top of the list is a fire extinguisher. And although the vast majority of people think that using one is the best way, many people tend to object, mainly if a grease fire causes the fire.
Using a fire blanket is one of the most valuable ways to extinguish a fire. Though it is very uncommon in many homes, a fire blanket is helpful in not only putting out a fire but also protecting you from any fire burns.
But what is a fire blanket? As the name suggests, this blanket has been designed specifically for putting out fires. And it is not like a sleeping blanket. The blanket is mainly used for distinguishing grease fires. With grease fires being a common phenomenon in the kitchen, it’s essential to ensure you always have one around.
With so many fire blankets on the market, finding the best ones for home safety is not a walk in the park. With this article, you will understand everything about a fire blanket, from its importance and the best on the market to how to take care of it at home.
Role of fire blankets in extinguishing fires
Although a fire blanket is simple home safety equipment, it is significant in helping to mitigate grease fires. It is mainly due to its versatility and ease of use. At the same time, the compact design makes it easy to place anywhere in the kitchen and access quickly in an emergency.
But what is the role of fire blankets in extinguishing fire? How do they work?
The mechanism behind the role of a fire blanket in putting off fire revolves around the concept of a fire triangle. Ideally, any fire requires oxygen, fuel, and heat to manifest. The fire will immediately or eventually go out whenever these elements are removed. This is where fire blankets come in.
The best fire blankets for home safety work by eliminating oxygen from the fire triangle. Once the oxygen is removed, the fire will eventually go out. It may not be immediate, but the sure thing is that the fire will go out. It is especially crucial for grease fires because they are challenging to put out, unlike other fires.
Here is a detailed look at how fire blankets will prevent fires.
Smothering any fire: The first role of a fire blanket is to smother the fire. The best fire blankets for home safety work as a barrier between the fire and the oxygen supply. It means that once you cover the fire with the blanket, it completely smothers it and cuts off any external oxygen supply. The fire will automatically go out once you completely cut off the oxygen.
- Insulating: The function of any other blanket is to insulate. The fire blanket’s role is to insulate the fire from increasing. It is achieved because the best fire blankets for home safety are made from state-of-the-art materials, such as fiberglass, that are excellent for insulating properties. Covering a fire with a fire blanket insulates the heat from leaving the blanket, thus stopping the fire from spreading. The best fire blankets for home use contain the fire and ensure it burns out entirely by insulating the heat from spreading.
- Mitigating fuel source: The best fire blankets for home safety are also a barrier between the fire and any nearby fuel source. By stopping the fire from reaching any nearby combustible fuel, the fire blankets ensure the fire won’t spread, and your home will remain safe.
While the best fire blankets for home safety are ideal for putting out small gas fires and protecting against fire burns during evacuations, there are better options for managing large fires. It’s important to note that whenever there are significant fires, only use the fire blankets to protect yourself from burns as you evacuate your home.
That being said, here are the primary uses of a fire blanket.
Home Safety
One of the primary uses of the best fire blankets for home use is to prevent small fires at home. In any home, the chances of a fire happening in any section are rare. However, this cannot be said for the kitchen.
With most fires at home breaking out in the kitchen, it’s vital to ensure that you install fire blankets in your kitchen. They can be effective in smothering fires that are caused by cooking appliances using gas or electricity. They also come in handy in protecting you from fire burns whenever your whole house is on fire.
Industrial Safety
It’s not uncommon to find fire blankets in industrial settings. Like regular fire extinguishers, fire blankets can extinguish fires generated by machinery or flammable liquids. Due to the materials used to make these blankets, they come in handy when managing such intense fires. Even better, if you have large fire blankets, you can easily protect employees or equipment from a raging fire or spark splatters.
Top Picks: Best Fire Blankets for home safety
It’s no secret that the market is thronged with a wide array of fire blankets. However, this means that only some of them function well. Like any other product, there are regular and best fire blankets for home safety. Distinguishing between the two can be difficult. The good news is that we have compiled five of the best fire blankets for home use based on their features, pros, and cons. This way, you will make an informed decision when picking your fire blanket.
1. DIBBATU Fire Blanket
Regarding fire extinguishers, DIBBATU is one of the most sought-after fire blankets on the market. From reliability, design, weight, and even effectiveness, this product is unmatched amongst its competitors in the market.
One thing that makes this product stand out is its heat tolerance. Heat tolerance is one of the main things you must check when buying a fire blanket. This product is impressive and can tolerate temperatures as high as 580 Celsius. It can smother and put out a small gas fire quickly and effectively. Furthermore, the blanket has been thoughtfully engineered to ensure effortless installation and utilization. In the event of a fire, the deployment process is streamlined and hassle-free. Simply pull the strap, and the blanket will be ready to extinguish the flames immediately.
Moreover, this unparalleled blanket distinguishes itself from competitors by being conveniently packaged in pairs. Although its primary function is to smother small fires, including two blankets allows multiple individuals to address fires concurrently. Additionally, the two blankets can be stored in separate locations to optimize accessibility in an emergency.
Features
- High heat tolerance
- 2-pack blanket
Pros
- Easy to use
- Easy to install
- Designed for easy launch
- Convenient to use
- Does not expire
- Not expensive
Cons
- Only applicable to small fires
2. Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket
You cannot mention some of the best fire blankets for home safety on the market without mentioning the Prepared Hero emergency fire blanket. This state-of-the-art fire blanket has been designed with a highly durable material, such as fiberglass, to ensure it can easily put out the fire.
Another unique feature of this fire blanket is that it has been designed with an easy pull system. What this system does is ensure that you don’t have a difficult time deploying the fire blanket during emergencies. You simply pull on the straps, and the fire blanket will deploy immediately.
Features
- Fibreglass material
- Easy pull system
- Double-sided coating
Pros
- Highly reliable
- Easy to use
- Highly effective
- More tidier to use
Cons
- Expensive
3. JJ CARE Fire Blanket
Like some of the best fire blankets for home safety, this blanket can handle fires with temperatures as high as 580 degrees Celsius.
Another feature of this blanket is that it has been designed to be easy to install and use. It can control different fires of different sizes and in different areas, including homes, offices, and fire camps.
The only downside to this product is that it gets heated quite easily. This is mainly because it is not made of a double-sided material. So, whenever you smother a fire using the blanket, it will absorb all the heat, thus heating up.
Features
- High heat tolerance
- Comes in a pack of 3
Pros
- Has no expiration date
- Has safety gloves
- Highly effective
- Highly convenient
Cons
- It gets heated easily
4. C CRYSTAL LEMON Fire Blanket Kitchen
When you’re in the market for a fire blanket, one of the things to consider is price. Regarding this product, the price has been highly considered, ensuring that it is affordable for all consumers. The low price, apart from other features, makes this product unique. Additionally, the fiberglass materials used to make the blanket are not only highly durable but also heat resistant.
Features
- High heat resistance
Pros
- Not expensive
- Easy to install
- Highly elective
- Convenient to use
5. TONYKO Emergency Fire Blanket
The TONYKO emergency fire blanket is a coveted piece of home safety. Having been in the industry for quite some time, TONYKO has made a name for itself, and its products have not fallen short of incredible features over time.
The fact that it comes in a pack of five is incredible for this product. You can place different sizes of blankets in different rooms in your home, depending on the dangers available. For example, you can place two big blankets in the kitchen to mitigate any kitchen fires that might arise. At the same time, you can place the remaining three blankets on the exits in the bedrooms to help during evacuation.
One of the main benefits of this blanket, just like other fire blankets, is that it is much tidier than fire extinguishers. This means that whenever you deploy it, you can rest assured that you will extinguish the fire without creating more mess.
Finally, the blanket has been made with fiberglass, which is highly durable. This means that the blanket is lighter to handle and can easily smother out a fire.
Features
- Comes in 5 sizes
Pros
- Tidier than other fire extinguishers
- Made out of durable materials
- It can be used long-term
- Not expensive
Cons
- Captures fire quickly
Step-by-step instructions for deploying a fire blanket
1. Identify and Assess the Fire
Identifying and assessing the fire is the first step in deploying a fire blanket. What type of fire is it? What is the heat source? Where in the house did the fire occur?
Assessing the fire will determine whether you must deploy the fire blanket. It will also give you a better idea of the nature of the fire and whether your fir blanket can smother it. Additionally, you can determine whether you must evacuate the house. Remember that home safety is key, and deploying a fire blanket will go a long way in ensuring you are safe.
2. Eject The Fire Blanket
Upon identifying and assessing a fire, procuring fire blankets is paramount for home safety. The most effective fire blankets are securely stored within readily accessible pouches designed for swift deployment. When employing the blanket, it is advised to gently tug on the designated red straps, taking care not to exert excessive force. Vigilance in this regard is crucial, as improper handling can lead to inefficient deployment and precious time loss.
3. Coorectly Hold the Blanket
Acquiring a fire blanket is the first step; properly handling this equipment is equally critical. As with any tool, precise and efficient blanket use relies on correct handling. It is essential to hold the blanket by its designated straps to ensure the safety of your hands from burns. Furthermore, the proper grip promotes optimal body protection against any potential burns.
4. Smother the Fire
After holding your fire blanket properly, the next step is to cover the fire. It’s important to differentiate between throwing the blanket over the fire and covering it gently. While the fire may be hot, you must compose yourself and gently cover the fire with a blanket. Throwing the blanket over the fire will increase the chances of the fire spreading, unlike smothering it.
5. Turn Off The Heat Source
In the event of a kitchen fire, it is highly probable that a heat source is fueling the blaze. Should the source of said heat be left unattended, the fire will inevitably intensify and continue to ravage. To avoid such a catastrophic outcome, it is crucial to disengage the heat source immediately. A regulated heat source, such as a gas stove or cooker, will sustain the fire. One may be better equipped to contain the inferno and impede its spread by promptly switching off the ignition source.
6. Leave The Fire Blanket Over The Fire.
Once you turn off the heat source, chances are that the fire will still be on. However, the fire will slowly burn out due to a lack of oxygen and heat sources. Regardless, avoid taking the fire blanket off immediately. Wait a bit to ensure the fire is entirely out.
7. Call the Fire Service
Smothering the fire with one of the best fire blankets for home safety is not the end of it all. Even after the fire is out, you must ensure you can contact the fire department. The professionals will check for potential damages to gas lines or hidden dangers that may cause the fire again. It is more significant whenever you have a smoke alarm, even after putting out the fire. The presence of fire will only mean that there could be an underlying danger beyond the initial fire.
While these are the essential steps to take when using a fire blanket, it’s vital to ensure that you keep a keen eye on your safety. Call anyone in the house to exit when using a fire blanket. It ensures they don’t get into harm’s way if the fire is uncontrollable.
Now that you know the steps to using a fire blanket, here are the everyday things you must avoid. You can use the fire blanket effectively and efficiently to manage the incoming fire.
Improper use: You should always use a fire blanket sparingly. When you use a fire blanket properly, you run the risk of making it work properly. A good example is when a fire blanket does not cover the whole fire. It means the fire will be fueled by oxygen, allowing it to continue.
Releasing the blanket early: Just like impartially covering the fire with the blanket, releasing the blanket too soon to cover the fire will limit its effectiveness.
Pour water on the fire: The most significant component of water is oxygen, and pouring water on a grease fire will not reduce the intensity of the fire but increase it. When using a fire blanket, avoid pouring water on the fire. On the contrary, cover the fire with the fire blanket and let it work.
Fire Blanket Maintenance and Care
Like many home safety items, fire blankets don’t have an expiration date. However, this does not mean you shouldn’t maintain or care for them. Remember that at some point, you might need to use the fire blanket, and taking care of it will only ensure that it works when needed.
However, before delving into the nitty gritty of taking care of your fur blanket, it’s important to consider how to store it properly. When storing your fire blanket, ensure that the area is easily accessible. It is recommended to store the fire blankets in high-traffic zones.
These include the hallways and around the exits. Additionally, ensure to store one in the kitchen since kitchens are highly susceptible to fires. However, avoid placing them above cooking stoves or anything hot. It will only make it difficult to access the blanket when there is a fire.
Now that the fire blanket has been securely stored, it’s time to learn how to maintain and take care of it properly.
The first thing you have to do is clean the blanket regularly. It does not mean you have to unpack the blanket, clean it, and put it back. For the best fire blankets for home safety, removing them for cleaning is not possible. It is because they have been designed for one-time use, and you cannot return them once you remove them from their compartments.
When cleaning, ensure that you check the surrounding area of the blanket. If there is any accumulation on the outside box, clean it off gently with a dry cloth. Generally, maintenance and care of a fire blanket revolve around cleaning the surroundings and ensuring it is easily accessible. The access must be unobscured and should be placed in an accessible place.
In the event of a fire, it’s paramount to ensure that you discard the fire blanket. Chances are that it will be burned out and no longer be of use. However, as a rule of thumb, once you use a fire blanket, it should be discarded and a new one installed. The rationale is that as much as the blanket might be burned in a small area, its overall integrity might be compromised, and it may fail to function when used again. Therefore, ensure to always replace your fire blanket after using one.
Conclusion
Choosing the best fire blankets for home use is not a walk in the park. While there are different products on the market, choosing the best fire blankets for home safety always boils down to your choices and preferences.
However, when choosing the best fire blankets for home safety, it’s essential to check the quality of the materials used to make the blanket. At a minuscule level, the fire blanket should be made from fiberglass material, making it lighter to use and ensuring that it is highly durable.
RELATED: