Most people agree that it’s important to practice fire safety in the home. This includes keeping a fire extinguisher, fire ladder and fire blanket in your home. Many people are not familiar with fire blankets and how they work. A fire blanket can mean the difference between life and death. Fire deaths occur every day, yet many could be avoided with some simple preparation.

Fire blankets are affordable and easy to use. They work by snuffing out the fire to keep it from spreading. There are different types of fire blankets, including those that are used on fires, as well as those that can be used on people. A fire blanket is particularly good for putting out kitchen fires, which are often grease fires. Fire blankets are thrown onto the top of the fire to effectively smother it out. Without oxygen, a fire can no longer burn and a fire blanket works to eliminate oxygen from fueling the fire.

Fire blankets can also be used to put out fires that are actually burning on people. You probably remember the old phrase “stop, drop and roll,” referring to what to do if you find yourself on fire. The idea is to stop running – running simply adds additional oxygen to spread the fire – drop to the ground and roll your body to smother the fire; a fire blanket performs the same function. It can also be used to wrap around yourself as you make your way out of a burning building.

Fire blankets are affordable and can be easily stored and washed. They are typically made of special fireproof woven material, such as heat retardant wool or coated materials. They are quite effective for putting out small fires, particularly in the kitchen, but can be used on any fire. Since they are inexpensive and easy to store, they should be made part of every home’s emergency fire safety kit.

Fire blankets are very easy to use. Simply unfold the blanket to its full size and throw the blanket onto the middle of the fire. If the fire is contained to a specific area, such as the stovetop or the toaster, put the blanket directly onto the area to cover it as completely as possible. Keep a fire blanket in everyone’s closet and explain the use for it. It can be used to wrap around yourself as you try to escape from a burning area of the home, and it will safely get you through harm’s way. Practice using them so that you know how to work with them and can find them easily in case of an emergency situation. You can purchase fire blankets at any fire safety shop or online.