Fire is one of the most common and dangerous hazards in our homes. Every year, thousands of children are injured or killed by fire-related accidents. As a parent, you want to protect your family from this threat. But how can you do that?
One of the simplest and most effective way to prevent and fight fire is to have a fire safety blanket at home. A fire safety blanket can smother small fires or shield you from flames.
In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about child-friendly fire safety blankets. Ultimately, you can make your home safer and more prepared for fire emergencies, especially for your children. Let’s get started.
What is a child-friendly blanket?
A fire safety blanket smoots small fires or protects you from flames. It is made of fire-resistant material, such as fiberglass, wool, or silicone, and has handles or loops for easy use. A child-friendly fire safety blanket should be easy to access, store, maintain and suitable for camping or outdoor activities.
However, a fire safety blanket is not perfect for every fire situation. It has some advantages and disadvantages you must consider before buying one.
Here are some of the pros and cons of a child-friendly fire safety blanket:
Pros:
- A fire safety blanket can be quickly and easily deployed to cover a fire and cut off its oxygen supply. It can extinguish small fires, such as cooking oil fires or clothing fires, in seconds
- A fire safety blanket does not produce harmful chemicals or fumes. It is safe to touch and handle, even for children and pets. It does not cause any skin irritation or allergic reactions. It also does not damage the surface or the object that it covers.
- A fire safety blanket is compact and foldable, making it easy to carry and store. It can fit in a backpack, a car trunk, or a kitchen drawer.
- A fire safety blanket can be reused if not damaged or contaminated. It can be washed and dried or simply shaken off.
Cons:
- It can only cover a limited area and volume of fire or complex fires like electrical, flammable liquid, or gas. It may not be able to extinguish the fire completely and can pose a risk of electrocution or explosion if used incorrectly.
- The blanket is not designed for electrical fires or flammable liquids. It can conduct electricity or ignite the liquid, causing more damage. A fire extinguisher or a fire hose for these types of fires is better.
- A fire safety blanket must be inspected regularly to ensure quality and performance. It may accumulate dust, dirt, or grease over time, affecting its fire resistance or durability.
- It may not always be available in some situations, such as in public places, remote areas, or emergencies.
Types of Fire Safety Blankets
Different fire safety blankets are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. Some of the most common types are:
Fiberglass fire blankets
- These fire blankets are woven fiberglass and ideal for commercial use.
- They are lightweight, durable, and non-toxic.
- They can resist temperatures up to 1,022°F and have a fire rating of B1, making them suitable for extinguishing fires involving flammable liquids, such as cooking oil or gasoline.
Wool fire blankets
- These fire blankets are made of wool and are often used in residential settings.
- They are thicker and denser than fiberglass fire blankets, which makes them more effective for containing heat and flames.
- To enhance their fire resistance, they are treated with a flame-retardant chemical, such as hexafluorozirconate and zirconium acetate.
- They can resist temperatures up to 570°F and have a fire rating of A, making them suitable for extinguishing fires involving solid materials, such as wood or paper.
Silicone fire blankets
- These fire blankets are made of silicone and are flexible, reusable, and eco-friendly.
- They are easy to clean and store and can be used for multiple purposes, such as cooking, camping, or welding.
- They can resist temperatures up to 1,100°F and have a fire rating of A.
How to Choose a Fire Safety Blanket for Your Home
A fire safety blanket can be a lifesaving tool for your home, especially if you have children or pets. But how do you choose the best fire safety blanket for your needs?
Here are some factors to consider:
1. Fire rating and certification
The fire rating and certification of a fire safety blanket indicate its ability to withstand and extinguish different types of fires. Different regions have different standards and regulations for fire safety blankets, so ensure that the fire safety blanket you buy meets the requirements of your area. Some common standards and certifications for fire safety blankets are BS EN 1869, AS/NZS 3504, and ASTM F 1989.
2. Size and weight
The size and weight of a fire safety blanket determine its coverage and portability. Choose a fire safety blanket large enough to cover the fire completely but not too large that it is difficult to handle or store.
The recommended size for a fire safety blanket is 40 by 40 inches, which can cover most kitchen fires. The weight of a fire safety blanket should be light enough to carry and deploy easily but not too light that the wind or the fire can blow it away.
3. Ease of use
The ease of use of a fire safety blanket depends on its design and packaging. Choose a fire safety blanket with clear instructions and labels that can be easily accessed and released from its container. Choose a fire safety blanket that has handles that can protect your hands from the heat and allow you to control the blanket better.
Examples of Child-Friendly Fire Safety Blankets
If you have children or pets at home, you should choose a fire safety blanket that is safe and suitable for them. Some examples of child-friendly fire safety blankets are:
Aksipo fire blanket:
- This is made of fiberglass and comes in different sizes.
- It has a fire rating of B1 and is certified by BS EN 1869.
- It is lightweight, durable, and non-toxic.
- It has a bright red color and a cute cartoon design that can attract children’s attention and make them feel less scared.
Prepared Hero fire blanket
- This fire blanket is made of fiberglass and silicone and comes in packs of different sizes.
- It has a fire rating of A and is certified by ASTM F 1989.
- It is flexible, reusable, and eco-friendly.
- It has heat-resistant gloves and a reflective strap to enhance safety and visibility.
Mart Cobra fire blanket
- This fire blanket is made of fiberglass and silicone and comes in two packs.
- It measures 40 by 40 inches and is half a millimeter thick.
- It can resist temperatures up to 1,022°F and has a fire rating of B1.
- It has quick-access pull tabs that can be easily accessed when the blanket is hung on a wall.
How to Use a Fire Safety Blanket Correctly
Here are the steps to use a fire safety blanket correctly:
- Pull the tabs to release the blanket from the container. Make sure the blanket is large enough to cover the fire completely.
- Hold the blanket before you with your hands protected by the corners. You can also wrap the edges around your hands to prevent burns.
- Cover the fire completely with the blanket and turn off the heat source if possible. Do not leave any gaps or openings for the fire to escape.
- Leave the blanket until the fire is out and the area is cool. Do not remove the blanket too soon, or the fire may reignite. Call the fire department if the fire is still burning after 15 minutes.
Child-friendly fire safety tips?
- Install and test smoke alarms in your home
- Keep matches, lighters, and candles out of reach of children
- Teach children how to stop, drop, and roll if their clothes catch fire
- Create and practice a fire escape plan with your family
- Identify and eliminate fire hazards in your home, such as overloaded outlets, frayed wires, or flammable materials
- Educate children about the dangers of fire and how to use a fire safety blanket
- Store and maintain your fire safety blanket properly
- Have a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit handy
- Avoid leaving cooking, heating, or electrical appliances unattended
- Stay calm and follow your fire escape plan in case of a fire
How to Teach Your Children About Fire Safety and Fire Safety Blankets
Teaching your children about fire safety and blankets can help them protect themselves and others in a fire emergency.
Here are some tips on how to teach your children about fire safety and fire safety blankets:
- Use books, videos, and games to introduce the topic of fire safety. For example, read Fire Safety for Kids by the American Red Cross
- Draw a fire escape plan together and practice fire drills a few times a year. Ensure your children know two ways to get out of every room, where to meet outside, and how to call 9-1-1.
- Show your children how to use a fire safety blanket correctly. Explain the steps to use a fire safety blanket, such as pulling the tabs, holding the blanket in front of you, covering the fire completely, and leaving the blanket in place until the fire is out.
- Do make it fun and engaging. Use songs, rhymes, and stories to help children remember the fire safety rules.
- Do use age-appropriate language and examples. Avoid using technical terms or scary scenarios that might confuse or frighten your children.
- Do praise and reward your children for learning. Acknowledge their efforts and achievements in learning about fire safety and fire safety blankets.
- Don’t scare your children. Avoid showing them graphic images or videos of fire disasters or injuries. Don’t make them feel guilty or responsible for preventing or stopping a fire.
- Don’t assume your children know what to do. Even if your children have learned about fire safety and fire safety blankets before, don’t take it for granted that they will remember or apply their knowledge in a real situation.
- Don’t leave your children unsupervised around fire sources. Keep matches, lighters, candles, stoves, heaters, and other ignitable substances in a secured location outside your children’s reach.
How to store and maintain a fire safety blanket
To store and maintain a fire safety blanket properly, you should follow these steps:
- Place the fire safety blanket in an easily accessible location, preferably near potential fire hazard areas, such as the kitchen, the fireplace, or the workshop. Avoid placing the blanket where a fire might prevent access to it or where it might be damaged by heat, moisture, or sunlight.
- Inspect the fire safety blankechent regularly for signs of damage, such as holes, tears, or frayed edges. If the blanket is damaged, replace it immediately. Do not use a damaged blanket, as it may not work effectively.
- Clean the fire safety blanket if it becomes dirty by washing it in cold water and hanging it up to dry. Do not use any detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners, as they may affect the fire resistance of the blanket.
- Check the expiration date of the fire safety blanket and replace it when it expires. Fire safety blankets have a limited lifespan and may lose effectiveness over time.
What are some common mistakes people make with child-friendly fire safety blankets and how to solve them?
Some common mistakes people make with child-friendly fire safety blankets and how to solve them are:
1. Storing the blanket in a hidden place
This can make accessing the blanket in a fire emergency difficult or impossible.
Solution: Place the blanket in a visible and accessible location, such as near the kitchen, fireplace, or bedroom. Label the blanket clearly and teach your children where to find it.
2. Using the blanket incorrectly
This can reduce the effectiveness of the blanket or cause more damage to the fire.
Solution: Follow the instructions and steps carefully and cover the fire completely with the blanket. Do not leave any gaps or openings for the fire to escape. Do not remove the blanket too soon, or the fire may reignite.
3. Forgetting to check or clean the blanket.
This can compromise the quality and performance of the blanket.
Solution: Inspect and clean the blanket regularly and replace it if it is damaged or contaminated. Do not use any detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners, as they may affect the fire resistance of the blanket. Check the expiration date of the blanket and replace it when it expires.
4. Relying solely on the blanket for fire safety.
This can give a false sense of security or prevent you from taking other necessary actions.
Solution: Use the blanket to supplement other fire safety measures, such as smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and fire escape plans. Remember, a fire safety blanket is only effective for small fires. If the fire is too large or spreading, get out of the area and call for help.
Conclusion
This article taught us about fire safety and fire safety blankets, which can smother small fires or protect individuals from heat and flames. We have also learned how to store, maintain, and use a fire safety blanket correctly and how to teach our children about fire safety and fire safety blankets.
Having a fire safety blanket at home can help us prevent, escape, and survive a fire, especially for our children, who may be more vulnerable and curious about fire. Therefore, we encourage you to buy a fire safety blanket, check your smoke alarms, and review your fire escape plan today.
Thank you for reading, and please feel free to share your feedback or questions with us. Stay safe