According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 40.3% of annual fires in the US are home fires. The number one cause of home fires is cooking, which peaks during Thanksgiving. 

Fire blankets help you reduce this risk. They’re handy fire safety tools for your kitchen. They’re lightweight, non-toxic, and easy to use. But how exactly do they work? Can you use them on any fire? If so, how do you use it? Find out the answer to these burning questions below. 

What Is a Fire Blanket?

A fire blanket is a fire safety tool. It is made of fire-resistant materials that won’t burn under extremely high temperatures. You can reuse fire blankets like the Hero Fire Blanket if they’re not damaged after use. On the other hand, most fire blankets can be used once and should be thrown away after use. 

A fire blanket is lightweight and flexible, so it can be folded into a pouch for easy storage and access. It also has tabs, which hang out of the pouch. These tabs let you quickly release the fire blanket during a fire emergency.  

Fire blankets also come in different sizes. Large fire blankets, like the XL Emergency Fire Blanket, are designed for more coverage. 

A fire blanket has three layers: the outer layer, the inner layer, and the coating. The outer layer protects your hands from the fire, while the inner layer insulates the fire, traps the heat, and prevents the fire from spreading. Lastly, the coating reinforces the fire blanket’s strength and binds the layers.

Check out this guide for more in-depth answers to, “What is a fire blanket?”. 

What Is a Fire Blanket Used For?

A fire blanket has multiple uses, including putting out small fires and saving someone on fire. Here are the uses of a fire blanket: 

• Puts Out Small Fires: Fire blankets are designed to put out small fires like electric and grease fires. Grease fires are difficult to put out since oil splatters easily. Plus, you can’t use water to extinguish a grease fire. 
• Helps Someone on Fire: You can also use a fire blanket to save someone on fire. This is especially helpful for people who can’t stop, drop, and roll. 
• Protects People While Evacuating: You can use a fire blanket to protect yourself and your loved ones as you evacuate your house. The fire blanket reduces the risk of burns and extreme heat exposure. 
• Prevents Fire Spread: A fire can spread as quickly as 30 seconds. You can use a fire blanket to contain it before it spreads to other areas. 
• Helps With Fire Training: Training with a fire blanket helps people get ready and feel confident during a fire emergency. 
• Protects You While Camping: Fire blankets quickly put out small fires that break out while cooking or sitting around a campfire. Bringing one also gives you peace of mind, letting you camp without worries. 
• Protects Your Vehicle: A fire blanket is crucial for your car emergency kit. Even vehicle manufacturers display fire blankets in their showrooms to protect repairers and vehicles from lithium-ion battery fires.
• Keeps Your Pets Safe: Animals don’t know how to protect themselves from fire. You can use a fire blanket to protect them from flames as you evacuate. 

Learn more about what a fire blanket is used for here. 

What Are Fire Blankets Made Of?

Fire blankets are made of fire-resistant materials that won’t burn under extremely high temperatures, reduce the fire’s oxygen supply, and extinguish flames. Here are the most common fire blanket materials: 

• Fiberglass: It's lightweight, flexible, and has a melting point of 2,480°F or 1,360°C. Fiberglass is typically used on a fire blanket’s outer and inner layers. 
• Aramid Fibers: Aramid fibers like Kevlar and Twaron are fire-resistant and start to degrade at approximately 932°F or 500°C. They’re usually found on the fire blankets’ outer layers. 
• Silicone: Silicone increases the heat resistance of modern fire blankets. It’s used as a coating to protect users from sparks and splashes. 
• Wool: Wool is fundamentally flame-resistant and has an ignition temperature of 570 to 600°C (1058 to 1112°C). However, it should be mixed with flame-retardant fluid. It’s commonly used on a fire blanket’s inner layer. 

Learn more about what fire blankets are made of here.

Do Fire Blankets Really Work? 

Yes, fire blankets really work. They work by removing oxygen, withstanding extreme temperatures, and putting out small fires in various settings. 

Fire can’t continue burning without oxygen, so removing it extinguishes the fire. Oxygen is also the easiest fire triangle component to remove. In addition, fire blankets are made of fire-resistant materials like fiberglass, aramid fibers, and wool. As a result, they don’t burn under extremely high temperatures, which gives them enough time to extinguish fires. 

Lastly, fire blankets can be used in many settings, including homes, offices, schools, restaurants, laboratories, and factories. 

Check out this guide for more in-depth answers to, “Do fire blankets really work?”. 

Can A Fire Blanket Be Used On Any Fire?

Yes, a fire blanket can be used on any fire. But they’re most effective against Class A, B, C, and F fires. Grease fires (Class F) are the top cause of kitchen fires and can’t be put out with water. Using a fire blanket helps a lot. Check out this guide for more in-depth answers to, “Do fire blankets work on grease fires?”. 

You can also use them on electrical fires if the power source is turned off. A fire blanket is also not usually recommended against Class D or metal fires with ignition temperatures higher than the blanket’s. However, you can use it to cut off the oxygen supply of small metal fires while you get a powder fire extinguisher to completely extinguish the fire. Check out this guide for more in-depth answers to, “Can a fire blanket be used on any fire?”. 

Types of Fire Blankets

Knowing the different types of fire blankets is crucial to choosing the right one for your needs. Here are the types of fire blankets made for different fire-related situations: 

• Fiberglass Fire Blankets: These blankets are commonly used to put out household and industrial fires.  
• Cotton Fire Blankets: While not as effective as fiberglass fire blankets, cotton fire blankets can help put out fires with minimal direct contact, like when escaping a burning house. 
• Wool Fire Blankets: Wool fire blankets are commonly used in laboratories and industrial settings. 
• Silicone Fire Blankets: These fire blankets are commonly used by welders to shield themselves and floors from hot sparks.
• Hybrid Fire Blankets: This type of fire blanket is made of different materials, including the ones above. Many fire blankets nowadays use a combination of fire-resistant materials. 

Find out more about the types of fire blankets here. 

How to Use a Fire Blanket

Knowing how to use a fire blanket is necessary for any fire emergency. Here’s how to use a fire blanket properly: 

1. Pull down the tabs at the bottom of the case to release the fire blanket.
2. Cover the fire with the blanket. 
3. Turn off the heat source.
4. Keep the fire blanket on the fire until it dies. 

Find out more about how to use a fire blanket here.  

How to Use a Fire Blanket to Save Someone on Fire

Fire blankets aren’t just for putting out small fires. You can also use them to save someone whose clothes caught on fire. Here’s how to do it: 

1. Pull the tabs to remove the fire blanket from its case. 
2. Cover the person with the fire blanket from a safe distance. 
3. Wrap the blanket around the person until the fire is covered.
4. Ask the person to stop, drop, and roll if possible.
5. Seek medical attention immediately.

Learn more about using a fire blanket to save someone on fire here.  

How to Choose the Right Fire Blanket

Not all fire blankets are created equal. Some are reliable, while others are not. Here’s how to choose the right fire blanket. 

1. Determine what you're going to use it for.
2. Know what size you need. 
3. Think about storage. 
4. Check if it complies with fire safety standards. 
5. See how easy it is to use. 
6. Determine how many fire blankets you need. 

Learn more about choosing the right fire blanket here.  

Is It Worth Getting an Extra Large Fire Blanket? 

Yes, it is worth getting an extra large fire blanket because it is lightweight, leaves no mess behind, doesn’t expire, and provides extra coverage and peace of mind.  

It's an affordable investment that can save lives, protect your property, and prevent financial burdens. Whether you're cooking at home or grilling outside, an extra large fire blanket helps. Check out this guide for more in-depth answers to, “Is it worth getting an extra large fire blanket?”. 

Can You Reuse a Fire Blanket?

Yes, you can reuse a fire blanket if it’s not damaged and the manufacturer tells you it’s reusable. Otherwise, you should throw it after use. 

If your fire blanket has never been used, experts recommend replacing it seven years after it’s manufactured. But if the manufacturer tells you to replace it sooner or later, follow them. Find out how many times you can use a fire blanket before replacing it here. 

How Long Does a Fire Blanket Last?

Many people want to know if fire blankets expire. Fire blankets usually don’t have fixed expiration dates, but they don’t last forever. Eventually, moisture, direct sunlight, dust, and wear and tear will make them less effective. Factors like quality, usage, storage, exposure, and maintenance also affect a fire blanket’s lifespan. Find out how long a fire blanket lasts here.  

Can a Fire Blanket Filter Smoke?  

Some fire blankets use woven fiberglass that can trap pollutants and contaminants. However, several factors affect how well the said fiberglass filters smoke. 

For one, a material should trap extremely tiny particles to filter smoke. This usually happens through diffusion, interception, and electrostatic attraction. For example, the HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter used in air purification appliances can trap particles as tiny as 0.3 microns with a 99.97% efficiency. 

Another factor that affects a material’s capability to filter smoke is porosity. Porosity is the pressure to pull or push air through the material. The higher the porosity, the more pressure it needs to pull or push air through the filter. However, a fire blanket can’t trap extremely small particles nor have enough porosity to filter smoke. In other words, it can’t filter smoke. 

Do you want to know more about fire blankets and smoke filtration? Check out this guide for more in-depth answers to, “Can a fire blanket filter smoke?”. 

How to Care for Your Fire Blanket

1. Put it away from moisture, high temperatures, and chemicals.
2. Inspect your fire blanket at least once a year. 
3. Follow manufacturer instructions for taking care of your fire blanket. 
4. Don’t reuse your fire blanket if it’s damaged.

Find out more about taking care of your fire blanket here.  

How to Store Your Fire Blanket Properly

1. Wipe off residues, fold, and keep your fire blanket in its original pouch if it’s reusable. 
2. Put it in a dry location, away from moisture, extreme temperatures, and chemicals.
3. Don’t put it in contact with fats, cooking oils, or flammable materials when not in use.
4. Don’t store used blankets that touched fire; check for damage first.

Find out more about properly storing your fire blanket here.  

Fire Blanket vs. Fire Extinguisher: Which Should You Choose?  

Fire blankets and fire extinguishers are both effective fire safety tools. They’ve been saving lives, protecting properties, and promoting a culture of safety. However, they have differences that you should be aware of. 

For one, a fire extinguisher is heavier than a fire blanket. It also leaves a mess, while a fire blanket doesn’t. Plus, fire blankets are easier to use and don’t require training like fire extinguishers. 

Fire extinguishers are also harder to store since they are bulky, while a fire blanket can be hung on the wall with a fire blanket hook. In addition, fire extinguishers expire, while fire blankets usually don’t. Lastly, you can cover someone on fire with a fire blanket, but you can’t use a fire extinguisher on a person. 

Fire blankets and extinguishers have unique features that you can use to determine the best option. If you want a more lightweight, affordable, space-saving, easy-to-use, no-mess tool, go with a fire blanket. Otherwise, use a fire extinguisher. 

Who Should Use a Fire Blanket?

Everyone should think about having a fire blanket. It’s useful for homes, workplaces, and other places where small fires might happen. Let’s take a look at who can benefit from fire blankets below: 

• Homeowners
• Renters
• Kitchen workers
• Laboratory workers
• Campers
• Welders
• Pit crews
• Firefighters
• Science teachers
• Mechanics
• Boat owners
• The elderly 
• People with disabilities
• Parents with young children

Check out this guide for a more in-depth explanation of who should use a fire blanket. 

How to Dispose of Used Fire Blankets

Knowing how to dispose of a fire blanket ensures your safety and conserves the environment. Whether it’s made of fiberglass or silicone, following the right steps helps you stay responsible. Here’s how to dispose of used fire blankets safely: 

1. Know what material the fire blanket is made of. 
2. Ask the local waste management office for specific guidelines based on the fire blanket's material. 
3. Let the fire blanket completely cool down. 
4. Put it in its pouch or a sturdy trash bag. 
5. Seal and throw it away. 

How Many Fire Blankets Do You Need at Home?

In general, we recommend at least one fire blanket per person and one per high-risk location. This is usually four to 12 blankets in one household. Prepared Hero offers up to 51% off on 12-pack fire blankets. The more fire blankets you buy, the more affordable each one becomes. 

The exact number of fire blankets you need at home depends on many factors, including the purpose, area size, fire hazards, and local fire regulations. Remember, it’s better to have fire blankets and not need them than to need them and not have them. Find out how many fire blankets you need at home with this guide. 

Where to Put Your Fire Blankets at Home 

Now that you know how many fire blankets you need at home, it’s time to know where to put them. 

Knowing where to put your fire blanket at home affects how quickly you put out a fire. Think about needing a fire blanket only to forget where it is. Remember, your fire blanket’s location can determine if a small fire can become an inferno that burns your house down. Here’s where to put your fire blankets at home:

• Kitchen
• Living Room
• Bedroom
• Garage
• Exits

Know exactly where to put your fire blankets at home here. 

Where to Put Fire Blankets at Work

An estimated 16,500 office and store fires occur in the US each year. Having fire blankets in the workplace keeps employees safe and gives them peace of mind. Here’s where to put your fire blankets at work:  

• Office Kitchen
• Laboratories
• Near Machines
• Storage Rooms
• Near Electrical Equipment

Know exactly where to put your fire blankets at work here. 

Can You Use a Fire Blanket to Walk Through a Burning Room?

Yes, you can use a fire blanket to walk through a burning room. In particular, a fire blanket protects you from flames, falling debris, serious burns, and smoke. Learn more about using a fire blanket to walk through a burning room here. 

Teaching Kids How to Use a Fire Blanket

According to Red Cross, children under five are twice as likely to die in a house fire as other people. Teaching your kids how to use a fire blanket gives them the confidence to put out fires when no one else is around. It also teaches them what to do if the fire is too big for them to handle. Here’s how to empower your children by using fire blankets: 

1. Teach your children the basics about fire and fire blankets. 
2. Introduce the fire blanket to each of your kids. 
3. Show them how to use the fire blanket.
4. Make learning fun for them.
5. Practice with your children.

Do you need more in-depth instructions? Check out the complete guide to teaching kids how to use a fire blanket here. 

Fire Blanket vs. Baking Soda: Which Is Better?

Baking soda is a common ingredient in kitchens. It’s so popular that some people use it to put out fires. While baking soda helps, it’s not the best option when putting out fires.

For one, you need a lot of baking soda to put out a small fire. It also doesn’t work on all types of fires, which might leave you empty-handed during an emergency. Plus, you have to clean up the mess after using it. Imagine the powder all over your kitchen― not a great sight. 

A fire blanket works better than baking soda when putting out fires. For one, fire blankets can put out different types of fires quickly. Fire blankets also don't leave a mess and protect you from splashes and flames. Here’s a more detailed answer to the fire blanket vs. baking soda debate. 

Fire Blanket vs. Wet Towel: Which Is Better?

Many people think a wet towel can help them put out a fire. While it can help extinguish specific types of small fires, you can’t use it on a grease fire. Anything with water can make a grease fire worse and cause an explosion. A wet towel is also not the best option when putting out fires, especially if it can’t fully cover the affected area. Lastly, you can’t use a wet towel to help someone on fire because the towel can scald the person and melt once it’s dry. 

Hence, a fire blanket is more effective than a wet towel. For one, you can use a fire blanket on a grease fire while it’s protecting you from oil splashes. It can also fully cover pots and save someone on fire. Here’s a more detailed answer to the fire blanket vs. wet towel debate. 

Fire Blanket vs. Lid: Which Is Better?

Another popular way people put out fires, especially those that happen in kitchens, is by using lids. Like fire blankets, lids work by reducing the fire’s oxygen supply. Similarly, lids have to completely cover the fire for them to work. However, using a lid has limitations and can be dangerous. 

For one, a lid can only extinguish a fire if it’s in a container. It can only cover a small area and might explode if the fire gets too hot. The exploding lid, especially glass, can injure you. 

Hence, a fire blanket is better than a lid. It can put out a fire even if it’s not in a container. Plus, it has better coverage than a lid. A fire blanket won’t explode and can protect you from burns, cuts, and other injuries. Here’s a more detailed answer to the fire blanket vs. lid debate. 

When Should You Not Use A Fire Blanket? 

A fire blanket is a convenient and effective tool, but it has limitations. As much as we want it to work all the time, there are instances when it’s not the best choice. Knowing when not to use a fire blanket is just as important as knowing when to use it. Here are the instances when you shouldn’t use a fire blanket: 

• When the fire is too large

• When the fire is growing too fast

• When the fire blanket is damaged or old

• When accelerants fuel the fire

• When the power source is not turned off

• When the fire’s close to exploding

• When the fire involves toxic chemicals or fumes

• When metals with higher ignition temperatures cause the fire

Check out why you should not use a fire blanket in these situations here. 

Conclusion

Fire blankets are a must for every home. They’re a quick, easy, and effective way to put out fires, save lives, and protect your property. Plus, they can be a lifesaver, whether you’re dealing with a grease fire, walking through a burning house, or saving someone on fire. 

They’re also affordable and often reusable, making them a practical choice for those who can’t afford expensive fire extinguishers. Just remember to store them in an accessible spot where you can grab them quickly during fire emergencies. Stay prepared, hero!