A fire blanket comes in handy when putting out different types of fires, including grease fires and pit fires. You can also use it to wrap someone who caught fire, which is useful when they can't drop and roll.

But are fire blankets reusable? Can you rely on them again? In this post, we'll talk about whether it's safe to reuse a fire blanket or not.  

How Do Fire Blankets Work?

Fire blankets are fire prevention tools designed to put out small fires before they turn into raging infernos. They’re made from fire-resistant or fire-retardant materials that can withstand extreme heat.

When placed over a fire, a fire blanket cuts off the oxygen supply. This smothers the flames and prevents the fire from spreading. It works because oxygen is an element of the fire triangle. Without it, fire can’t continue burning. 

In particular, the atmosphere contains 21% oxygen. According to the National Fire Protection Association, most fires require at least 16% oxygen, so there’s plenty of oxygen in our atmosphere to start a fire. Fortunately, oxygen is the easiest component to remove. Fire blankets take advantage of this by covering the fire and cutting its oxygen supply. 

You can also use fire blankets to save someone on fire. For instance, you can use the Flame Shield (our cape version of a fire blanket) to escape a burning house or help someone on fire. 

Plus, fire blankets are a cleaner alternative to fire extinguishers. Unlike fire extinguishers, they don’t leave a mess. They also work on different fire types, including paper, electric, and kitchen fires. You can even bring them camping since they’re lightweight.

What Are Fire Blankets Made Of?

Fire blankets are made of different fire-resistant materials. These include fiberglass, silicone, aramid fiber, and wool. 

Fiberglass is one of the most common modern fire blanket materials. It’s lightweight and can withstand extremely high heat and degradation. In particular, fiberglass has a melting point of 2,480°F or 1,360°C. Prepared Hero’s fire blankets are made of durable inter-woven fiberglass layers with special double-sided coating.

Silicone is another material used to increase the heat resistance of modern fire blankets. However, pure silicone fire blankets are heavy and more difficult to use than fiberglass. As a result, manufacturers coat fire blankets with silicone to protect users from sparks and splashes. Silicone fire blankets are also more common in industrial (e.g., foundries) than in residential settings. 

In addition, aramid fibers like Kevlar have high heat resistance and low flammability. They start to degrade at approximately 932°F or 500°C and are flexible enough to be wrapped around objects or people during an emergency. 

On the other hand, wool is inherently flame-resistant and has an ignition temperature of 570 to 600°C (1,058 to 1,112°F). However, it has to be treated with flame-retardant fluid before it can be used.

Are Fire Blankets Durable?

Yes, fire blankets are durable enough to withstand extreme heat. Most fire blankets can handle temperatures of over 1,000°F (538°C) without catching fire, depending on the material. 

Plus, most fire blankets are designed to be tear-resistant. In general, they have a lifespan of up to seven years, though the exact period varies depending on the brand. You should also store your fire blanket properly and check it for signs of damage like discoloration and fraying. 

Are Fire Blankets Reusable?

No. Fire blankets are made for single use. After you use one on a fire, replace it with a new one. That includes Prepared Hero’s fire blankets.

Here’s why. Fire blankets are made of heat-resistant and non-flammable materials that protect you from heat. Once you cover a fire with it, the fire blanket will start depleting the fire of oxygen. Without oxygen, fire can't keep burning, so it eventually dies.

In the process, the heat can damage the blanket, and some damage is hard to see. So don’t reuse it. Throw it away and get a new one, even if it looks fine.

Treat every fire blanket this way: replace it after you use it once.

Prepared Hero's Emergency Fire Blanket is no different. After you use it on a fire, replace it so a fresh one is ready by the stove.

How Often Should You Replace Your Fire Blanket?

You should replace your fire blanket after it gets damaged by a fire. Throw it away and get a new one to keep your family and property safe.

If your fire blanket is unused, experts recommend replacing it seven years after it's commissioned. If the manufacturer tells you to dispose of it sooner or later, follow them instead. 

Can You Repack a Fire Blanket?

Let's say you turned the stove on time to stop the fire from spreading, or you had a false alarm and took the fire blanket out of its pouch. Can you put it back and use it next time?

Yes, you can. You can fold the Emergency Fire Blanket and put it back inside the pouch if it hasn’t touched the fire. Don't forget to put the tabs out and hang them. That way, the fire blanket will be ready when you need it again. 

If the blanket has touched a fire, don’t put it back in its pouch. Dispose of it properly and get a replacement.

How Often Do Fire Blankets Need to Be Replaced?

You can’t use a fire blanket again, so replace it after every use. That includes the Emergency Fire Blanket and the Hero Fire Blanket.

You have to throw your fire blanket away if it’s damaged after use. Unfortunately, damaged fire blankets are not reliable. They won’t work as well and might put your life in danger. Get a replacement as soon as possible. It’s a small investment that can save lives and property. 

Does a Fire Blanket Need to Be Replaced After Use?

Yes, replace a fire blanket after you use it on a fire. If it never touched the fire, you can fold it and put it back in its pouch.

For instance, you took out the fire blanket because your smoke detector sounded. However, it was a false alarm. Since the fire blanket didn’t come into contact with the fire, you can put it back in its pouch.

Here’s another example: your stove caught on fire. You quickly grabbed the fire blanket to smother the flames. However, the fire blanket got tears in the process. In this case, the fire blanket needs to be replaced. 

Can You Only Use a Fire Blanket Once?

Yes, fire blankets can only be used once. They should be disposed of after use. Prepared Hero’s fire blankets are made of woven fiberglass and a double-sided coating, and they should be replaced after use too.

Until you need it, keep the Emergency Fire Blanket or Hero Fire Blanket in its pouch and check it now and then for damage like discoloration and fraying.

It’s smart to keep a spare, so you’re still covered while the replacement is on its way.

Do Fire Blankets Go Bad?

Yes, most fire blankets go bad. However, how fast they go bad depends on many factors, including the materials used and the fire’s intensity. 

For example, fire blankets made of low-quality materials can’t withstand extremely high temperatures. As a result, they’ll burn more easily. On the other hand, fire blankets made of high-quality materials can withstand higher temperatures and don’t burn quickly. 

Fire blankets certified by safety standards also don’t go bad as quickly as non-certified ones.

Are Fire Blankets Worth It?

Yes, fire blankets are worth it. They can put out small fires before they become huge problems. A small flame can turn into a major fire fast, so you better be prepared. Fire blankets are small investments that make a huge difference during an emergency. 

They’re also easy to use, with no special training needed. Simply cover the fire with the blanket and wait for it to die. With the right know-how, older adults can use them too.

Fire blankets also don’t leave a mess like fire extinguishers do. They don’t contain chemicals that leave residue.

Here’s a quick look at the differences between Prepared Hero’s fire blanket and a regular fire extinguisher:

The Prepared Hero Difference

Having the right fire blankets is crucial to your and your loved ones’ safety. Fire blankets are handy in kitchens, camping trips, and even cars. Unfortunately, not all fire blankets are made equal. While they have the same purpose, there are key differences between Prepared Hero’s fire blankets and regular fire blankets. Check them out below:

Conclusion

Fire blankets are made for single use. Once a blanket has smothered a fire, throw it away and replace it right away. That includes Prepared Hero's Emergency Fire Blanket, so keep a spare on hand.

So, what are you waiting for? Get your Emergency Fire Blanket now and protect your loved ones from devastating fires. You can also check out Prepared Hero’s other fire prevention tools here. Stay prepared, hero!