Car fires are a serious threat that can happen to anyone, anywhere, and anytime. Be prepared for this emergency whether you drive a traditional or an electric vehicle.
A fire blanket is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your car from fire. A fire blanket is a simple but effective device that can smother and extinguish small fires by cutting off the oxygen supply.
This article will guide you through the different types and sizes of fire blankets for car, the factors to consider when choosing one, the best practices for using and maintaining one, and the recommended fire blankets for car based on expert opinions.
Read on to learn how to choose the right fire blanket for car emergencies.
What is an Emergency Fire Blanket and How to Use it in a Car
An emergency fire blanket is a fire-resistant material that can prevent small fires. A fire blanket is better than water or fire extinguishers for car fires because it can:
- Stop the fire from getting oxygen and spreading
- Reduce the smoke and fumes that can harm you
- Work on electric car fires that water or foam can’t
How to use a fire blanket in a car
- Park your car away from other cars or buildings
- Turn off your car and unplug the battery
- Call 911 and tell them about the fire
- Wear gloves and clothes that cover your skin
- Take the fire blanket out of its case and open it
- Cover the whole car with the fire blanket
- Tie the fire blanket down with straps or weights
- Watch the fire with a heat camera or wait for it to go out
- Don’t take off the fire blanket until the firefighters come or the fire is gone
Tips and warnings when using a fire blanket in a car
- Don’t use a fire blanket on a person or an animal
- Don’t use a fire blanket on a big or wildfire
- Don’t use a fire blanket again if it is torn or burned
- Don’t touch the fire blanket or the car until they are cold
Also Read: Best Winter Emergency Car Kits to Consider in 2024 [Expert Reviews & Buyer’s Guide]
Types and Sizes of Fire Blankets for Car
Fire blankets for car come in different types and sizes, depending on their materials, durability, and purpose. Here are the main types of fire blankets for car:
1. Single-use fire blankets
These are one-time-use fire blankets that you can throw away after use.
- They are made of thin fabrics, like fiberglass or wool, with fire-resistant chemicals.
- They are cheap and light but may not work well for high-heat or repeated fires.
2. Reusable fire blankets
These are fire blankets that you can use more than once.
- They are made of thick, aramid, or carbon fibers that can resist heat and flames.
- They are expensive and heavy but can handle more intense or frequent fires.
3. Extreme lithium fire blankets
These are fire blankets that are made for electric car fires.
- They are made of special materials that can stop and isolate the fire in lithium batteries.
- They are the only fire blankets to deal with electric car fires, which can start again even after being put out with water or foam.
Fire blankets for car also come in different sizes, depending on your car’s size and the fire’s size. Here are the main sizes of fire blankets for cars:
1. Small fire blankets
- These are fire blankets that are good for small cars or bikes.
- They are 1 x 1 meter or 1.2 x 1.2 meters in size.
- They are easy to store and use but may not cover the whole car or stop big fires.
2. Medium fire blankets
- These are fire blankets that are good for medium cars or vans.
- They are about 1.8 x 1.8 meters or 2 x 2 meters in size.
- They are better at covering and stopping fires but may be hard to carry and handle.
3. Large fire blankets
- These are fire blankets that are good for large cars or trucks.
- They are about 3 x 3 meters or 4 x 4 meters in size.
- They are the best at covering and stopping fires but may be hard to store and use.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Fire Blanket for Car Emergencies
When you buy a fire blanket for your car, think about these factors:
1. Your car type and size:
Different cars have different fire risks and needs. For example, electric cars can catch fire from their batteries, and large trucks can have bigger fires. Choose a fire blanket that fits your car type and size. For example, choose an extreme lithium fire blanket if you have an electric car and a large fire blanket if you have a large truck.
2. Frequency of the car fire
Choose a fire blanket that matches how often and bad car fires are for you. Buy a reusable fire blanket if you live in a place with many car fires or use your car for work. If you hardly face car fires or use your car for fun, you may choose a single-use fire blanket.
3. Storage
Buy a fire blanket that is easy to store and use in your car. It should have a waterproof bag or a cabinet to hang on the wall with handles or straps you can hold or tie.
4. How good and strong the fire blanket is
Choose a fire blanket made of good and strong materials that can stop high heat and flames, lasts long, and does not need much care or change.
5. Price
Choose a fire blanket that fits your budget and gives you good value for money. Most probably a fire blanket with a warranty or guarantee covering any damages.
Best Practices for Maintaining a Fire Blanket for Car Emergencies
A fire blanket can save your car and your life from a fire, but you need to maintain it properly. Here are some tips on how to do that:
- Check the fire blanket often for any damage, such as holes, tears, or burns
- Get a new fire blanket if it is broken or old
- Store the fire blanket in a cool and dry place, away from sun or heat
- Keep the fire blanket in its case or cabinet, and don’t fold or squeeze it
- Follow the maker’s instructions for cleaning and caring for the fire blanket
Recommended Fire Blankets for Car Based on Expert Opinions
1. LaSyL Emergency Fire Blanket
The LaSyL Emergency Fire Blanket is a must-have addition to your home and kitchen safety equipment. This fire suppression blanket offers a mess-free solution for small fires, featuring an innovative oxygen-blocking design that effectively extinguishes liquid or grease fires. Its versatility caters to various fire hazards, providing a reliable and efficient method to suppress flames and enhance overall fire safety.
Key Features:
- Effectively suppresses and extinguishes liquid or grease fires, ensuring a mess-free solution.
- Made of 430+ GSM 100% fiberglass flame retardant fabric, capable of resisting temperatures up to 1076°F (580℃).
- Meets CE and SGS safety standards, making it an essential component of any fire safety kit.
Benefits:
- LaSyL fire blankets provide a dependable solution for small fires, giving users peace of mind in emergency situations.
- Suitable for various fire hazards, including those in the kitchen, fireplace, camping, office, or grill.
- In addition to fire suppression, the blanket can also serve as a protective cover for individuals in case of a fire.
Potential Drawbacks
- The 40×40-inch size may have limitations in covering larger fire incidents.
Ease of Use
Using the LaSyL Emergency Fire Blanket is simple. Pull down the tab, spread it over the flames to smother them, and turn off the heat source. The user-friendly design ensures quick and efficient application, promoting a straightforward approach to fire safety.
Durability & Finish
Crafted from high-quality 430+ GSM 100% fiberglass flame retardant fabric, this fire safety blanket ensures durability and resilience. The final appearance, once applied, reflects a commitment to quality and safety standards.
2. Macarrie Fire Blanket
The Macarrie Fire Blanket stands out as a reliable and versatile emergency tool for fire safety. Designed for ease of use and effectiveness, this fiberglass fire emergency blanket is a valuable addition to any home, kitchen, car, office, or camping kit. Composed of quality fire-resilient fiberglass, it offers a secure and mess-free solution for various types of fires.
Key Features
- Made of two layers of fiberglass fabric and an inner layer of fire-retardant sheet, the Macarrie Fire Blanket is a robust and reliable safety cover.
- With the capability to resist temperatures up to 550 degrees Celsius or 1022 degrees Fahrenheit, it meets the demands of diverse fire hazards.
- Pull-down tabs make application quick and straightforward. Spread the blanket over the fire, suffocate the flames, turn off the heat source, and wait for the blanket to cool before disposal.
Benefits:
- The Macarrie Fire Blanket offers a clean solution to fire suppression. It cuts off the oxygen supply, leaving the scene mess-free and avoiding confusion.
- Suitable for various fire types, including liquid and grease fires, it’s an ideal tool for rescuing in the kitchen, fireplace, grill, car, camping, office, and more.
- The versatile blanket can also be wrapped around the body as an emergency heat shield.
Potential Drawbacks:
- The pack of 6 fire blankets might be more than necessary for individual households, potentially leading to excess inventory.
Ease of Use
The Macarrie Fire Blanket boasts an easy-to-use design. Pull down the tabs, spread the blanket over the fire, suffocate the flames, and turn off the heat source. The simplicity of the application ensures that users can respond quickly to emergencies, contributing to the overall effectiveness of this safety tool.
Wide Applications: This fire retardant blanket is versatile and can be applied to various types of fires, making it an ideal tool for multiple scenarios, including the kitchen, fireplace, grill, car, camping, and office. Its multifunctionality adds to its overall value.
3. JJ CARE Fire Blanket – 10 Packs with Hooks
The JJ CARE Fire Blanket offers a comprehensive home and kitchen fire safety solution. This pack of 10 high-heat-resistant fire suppression blankets is designed to tackle various fire types without the mess associated with traditional extinguishers. Crafted with precision and adherence to EN-1869:1997 cooking fire suppression standards, these flame-retardant blankets provide a reliable and efficient means of handling fire emergencies.
Key Features
- An advanced fire safety tool that cuts off the oxygen supply to flames, making it effective against liquid, grease, and various fire types.
- Composed of two layers of woven fiberglass and an inner fire-retardant film, the JJ CARE Fire Blanket adheres to high-quality standards, withstanding temperatures up to 1076℉ (580℃).
- Simple ABC handling – unfurl the blanket, drape it over the flames to smother, and toss it onto the fire. Turn off the heat source for a complete fire suppression solution.
Benefits:
- The set includes ten 40×40-inch Fire Blankets, providing extensive coverage for various locations. Paired with protective gloves and adhesive hooks for easy storage, it ensures a complete emergency preparedness package.
- Ideal for fire rescue scenarios, these non-toxic blankets safeguard adults, children, and pets. Portable and non-expiring, they are a must-have in kitchens, by fireplaces, during camping, and around grills.
- Crafted from top-notch fire-resistant materials, these fire blankets are reliable and portable, making them convenient wherever fire safety is a priority.
Potential Drawbacks:
- The pack of 10 may be more than needed for smaller households, potentially leading to excess inventory.
Ease of Use
Handling fires with JJ CARE Fire Blankets is straightforward. Unfurl the blanket, drape it over the flames, and toss it onto the fire. The inclusion of protective gloves ensures safe handling during emergency situations.
Total Emergency Package
Including ten 40×40-inch Fire Blankets, protective gloves, and adhesive hooks for easy storage make this emergency fire blanket a total package for comprehensive fire safety.
Conclusion
A fire blanket proves indispensable for car emergencies, swiftly isolating and extinguishing fires while minimizing toxic smoke. Choose wisely based on vehicle type, fire frequency, storage, quality, and cost.
Opt for reputable brands like Bridgehill, Darley, and Fire Isolator, backed by customer reviews and expert opinions. Follow best practices for use and maintenance, ensuring preparedness. Invest in a suitable fire blanket, keep it accessible, and enhance car safety.
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