The United States has one of the highest fire death rates in the world. Each year, approximately 5,000 people die, and 25,500 are injured because of fire. Plus, fire kills more Americans than other natural disasters combined. 

For these reasons, owning a fire blanket is crucial. It helps contain small fires before they spread to other areas of your house. Since fire can double in size in seconds, you have to act fast. 

But what exactly is a fire blanket? How does it work? What can you use it for? Find out the answer to these burning questions below. 

What Is a Fire Blanket?

A fire blanket is a fire safety tool. As the term suggests, it is made of materials that can withstand extremely high temperatures. Fire blankets like the Emergency Fire Blanket and Hero Fire Blanket can be reused if not damaged after use. 

Fire blankets are folded into pouches for easy storage and access. They also have tabs that you can pull to quickly release them during a fire emergency. Large fire blankets, like the XL Emergency Fire Blanket, are also available for more coverage. 

A fire blanket has three layers: outer, inner, and coating. The outer layer protects your hands from the flames while using the fire blanket. On the other hand, the inner layer insulates the fire, traps the heat, and prevents the flames from spreading. Lastly, the coating binds the layers and adds an extra layer of protection. 

How Does a Fire Blanket Work?

Fire blankets work based on a simple principle: smothering the flames and suffocating the fire. By doing this, fire blankets remove oxygen from the fire. Fire can’t continue without oxygen, making a fire blanket an effective tool against fire. However, a fire blanket should be able to cover the affected area to do this. For this reason, you should not use a fire blanket if a fire is bigger than it.

Aside from removing oxygen, a fire blanket also dissipates heat. Covering the fire with it for long enough cools down the base of the fire, removing another component of the fire triangle. 

In addition, a fire blanket protects you from the fire. Since its outer layer is made up of fire-resistant materials, it protects you from the flames as you put them out. You can even use a fire blanket to save someone on fire.

What Are Fire Blankets Made Of?

Modern fire blankets are made of innovative materials that are safe and effective against fire. These include fiberglass, aramid fibers, silicone, and wool. 

Fiberglass is the most common material used in fire blankets. It is fire-resistant and lightweight. Plus, fiberglass has a melting point of 2,480°F or 1,360°C, making it one of the best fire blanket materials. 

Aramid fibers, such as Kevlar and Nomex, are known for being durable and flame-resistant. These fibers can withstand temperatures up to 500°C (932°F). Plus, their high strength-to-weight ratio lets them protect you while remaining lightweight and flexible.

Silicone, on the other hand, is a synthetic polymer commonly used with other materials to enhance their fire resistance. It is regularly used as a coating for fire blankets because it can withstand temperatures of up to 200°C (392°F) for 10,000 hours and up to 350°C (662°F) for shorter periods. Silicone is also flexible, so using it as a coating doesn’t significantly affect the fire blanket’s weight or stiffen it. 

Lastly, wool is an inherently flame-resistant material that can withstand temperatures up to 600°C. However, it must be treated with flame-retardant chemicals before use. 

What Are Fire Blankets Used For? 

Fire blankets can be used in many situations, including putting out vehicle fires or saving someone on fire. Here are the top uses of fire blankets: 

To Put Out Small Fires Quickly

When you’re dealing with a minor fire, using a fire extinguisher that has toxic chemicals and requires thorough cleaning isn’t the most practical route. Using a fire blanket instead lets you put out the fire quickly and without a mess. 

Since most home fires start in the kitchen, a fire blanket lets you put out the fire without damaging your appliances. For instance, using a fire extinguisher to put out an oven fire might leave toxic residue. The same thing applies to grease fires that started on pans. 

While most people think that water will put out any type of fire, it won’t. You should never use water to put out a grease fire. Oil and water don’t mix, so putting water on a grease fire will push the oil out. As a result, the oil will explode, and the fire will spread. 

To Save Someone on Fire

You can also use a fire blanket to save someone on fire. If a person’s clothes are on fire, wrapping them up in a fire blanket helps. Covering someone with it smothers the flames and dissipates the heat. 

A fire blanket is especially useful to people who can’t stop, drop, and roll because of age or a medical condition. In a similar fashion, you can’t just use a fire extinguisher on a person’s face or body. Fire extinguishers have irritating chemicals that can cause respiratory issues when used on a person. 

Plus, you can use a fire blanket to evacuate your house when it’s surrounded by flames. Simply drape it over you and your loved ones as you walk. 

To Contain Fire While Waiting For Help

You can use a fire blanket to contain a fire while waiting for help. For instance, if a small fire occurs in your workshop or garage with flammable liquids, you can cover the affected area with a fire blanket, call 911, and leave your house. 

While there’s no guarantee that the fire won’t spread, you increase your chance of putting out the fire while waiting for help. This also helps make the job of the fire department easier since you did your part to prevent the fire from spreading before their arrival. 

To Put Out Vehicle Fires

Fire blankets are lightweight, convenient, and versatile. You can leave one or more of them in your vehicle for fire emergencies. 

However, you must take note that you can only use fire blankets if they can cover the affected area. If you want more protection for your vehicle while traveling, keep a fire spray there. Fire sprays are not as heavy and bulky as fire extinguishers, so you can keep them in your car. 

Is a Fire Blanket a Good Idea?

Yes, a fire blanket is a good idea because it’s easy to use, non-toxic, reusable, and lightweight. 

Fire blankets are easy to use because they don’t require prior training. Simply pull the tabs, cover the affected area, and wait for the fire to die. This is especially useful to people not trained to use a fire extinguisher. 

In addition, fire blankets don’t have toxic chemicals that might cause respiratory issues. They don’t leave a toxic mess as well, which can be harmful to your children, the elderly, and your pets. 

Plus, fire blankets like the Emergency Fire Blanket and Hero Fire Blanket can be reused if not damaged after use. This is great for the environment and your pocket since you don’t have to keep buying a lot over a short period. 

Lastly, fire blankets are lightweight, which means they can be used by people who can’t carry a heavy fire extinguisher. 

Do Firemen Recommend Fire Blankets?

Yes, firemen recommend having fire blankets at home. 

Tim Griffin, a firefighter in the Carmel Fire Department, recommends everyone have a fire blanket at home. According to Griffin, fire blankets are quick and easy to use, making them a practical fire safety tool. 

Prepared Hero safety experts Chris (retired fire captain), Matt (active firefighter), and Brian (retired firefighter) agree with this. According to them, having fire blankets at home prepares people for fires. 

It’s also best to use them with other fire safety measures, such as fire sprays, fire extinguishers, and smoke alarms. 

What Is Better: A Fire Extinguisher or a Fire Blanket?

Fire blankets and fire extinguishers are effective defenses against fires. However, deciding which to get first depends on your needs, where you’ll use them, and your budget. 

For instance, if you’re not trained to use a fire extinguisher but want fire protection, get a fire blanket. They don’t require training, and you can quickly learn how to use them. Check out our article on how to use a fire blanket for more details. 

Where you live matters as well. If you live in a small apartment with an open kitchen, get a fire blanket. Fire extinguishers are heavy and bulky, so you won’t have enough space for them. On the other hand, fire blankets barely need space since you can hang them on the wall using fire blanket hooks. 

Fire extinguishers are also more expensive than fire blankets. If you can’t spend hundreds of dollars on fire safety yet, fire blankets are a more cost-effective option. 

Having a fire blanket and a fire extinguisher provides maximum protection. However, each has unique benefits during a fire emergency. If your budget pushes you to choose one, check your place for fire hazards to make an informed decision. 

Conclusion

Fire blankets are more than just a handy tool— they’re crucial to keeping your home and loved ones safe. So, what are you waiting for? Get some fire blankets now to protect what matters most. Stay prepared, hero!