Today, we’re going to get you up to speed on fire blankets and why you need one.
Because being able to suppress and extinguish a fire FAST can be vital to your survival. And while most people think fire extinguishers are always the best answer, I think that’s wrong.
Often, a fire blanket is a better tool in a fire emergency.
So let’s discuss the following important fire retardent blanket topics:
What Is A Fire Blanket
A fire blanket is a device that quickly extinguishes a fire. It’s a safety tool with many uses in a fire but is primarily designed to smother flames and deprive them of oxygen.
It’s a specialized sheet with fire retardant material. A blanket designed to withstand 900+ degrees and comes bundled for easy storage. And rapid deployment with a quick-release mechanism.
It’s primarily made of woven fiberglass. This fiberglass is packed with a fire retardant material that is silicone-based.
They undergo extensive testing to make sure they are effective at stifling flames. And suppressing the spread of fire when properly used.
They also have no expiry date, so it’s a 1-time investment in a life-saving device.
A fire must have 3 things for it to burn:
- Fuel – This can be paper, wood, oil, grease, or other combustible material
- Heat – The sun as well as open flame, spark, or the fire itself
- Oxygen – It’s the air we breath
Taking any of these elements away will kill the fire. Unfortunately, you can’t just reach into the flames and remove one.
Fire extinguishers are effective at putting out fires with special chemicals. But they often require some training to use them properly. They also make a huge mess, and cleanup can be extensive.
Using a fire-retardant blanket eliminates those issues.
How Does A Fire Retardant Blanket Work?
You may be asking, how does a fire-retardant blanket put out a fire?
A fire blanket only needs to be dropped on the flames to take away the oxygen. It’s effective at choking out the flames by smothering the fire.
It just needs to be large enough to cover all of the flames and left in place until you’re sure the fire is out. They are ideal for when a fire starts or when you need protection from the intense heat of an active fire.
If you must escape through a burning room, wrapping one around you can make a significant difference. The difference between escaping to safety unscathed or perishing in the flames.
It is a must-have piece of emergency gear for carrying a child or pet through the flames to safety.
Simple and Effective!
You can buy these blankets in different sizes. They come in smaller kitchen blankets sizes or larger blankets for:
- Home
- Business
- Industrial fire prevention
How To Use A Fire Blanket In An Emergency
Here’s a short video showing you HOW to use a fire blanket in an emergency:
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What Should Fire Blankets Be Used For?
The name spells it out pretty clearly. An emergency fire retardent blanket is designed for one primary purpose: to combat open flame.
Are fire blankets effective? You bet! There are many applications where a fire blanket will save property as well as lives.
Here is what these blankets are used for:
1. Fire Suppression
A fire blanket for house protection is wise. If a fire starts, you can quickly smother it and stop it before it spreads. It makes sense to have several in your home or a bug-out cabin.
2. Fire Rescue
If there’s an active fire, what can you do if you need to rescue someone but can’t access them?
Let’s say the heat and flame are already too extreme? Well… a fire-retardant blanket can protect you so you can get in there.
3. Thermal Shield
Protecting family members and pets from a fire is crucial. You can use it as a thermal shield so none gets burned.
Every second counts in a fire. And having a fire barrier to protect you until help arrives literally saves lives.
4. Cooking/BBQ/Camping
Accidents can happen while cooking, and you need to react fast when there is a fire while cooking.
Outdoor cooking is especially dangerous if it spreads to forested areas.
5. Engine Compartment
If you have a fuel leak or rupture after an accident, you want to be able to smother flames quickly. Otherwise, you could end up losing your vehicle and your life.
That’s why you should add a fire retardant blanket to your vehicle’s emergency kit.
6. Personal Fires
If a person’s clothing catches fire, you can effectively smother it. This can prevent major injuries by having one close by.
Where Should A Fire Blanket Be Located?
If you’re a prepared survivalist, then you can think of a dozen places where you should add a fire blanket.
For example, every home, vehicle, survival bag should have one as well as your IFAK. Any place that may require a fire suppression device is your location.
Smaller blankets can be stowed in your prepper gear. And larger ones should be at your home, bunker, and off-grid location.
At home, keep them close to the kitchen in a closet or cupboard.
The idea is when you need one, you shouldn’t have to run around looking for it.
Fire Extinguisher vs. Fire Blanket
A fire extinguisher is more widely known than a fire blanket. You see extinguishers at work and in commercial/retail businesses.
You probably have a few at your home as well. They are great for extinguishing fires and should be part of your fire safety system.
But I think fire blankets need to become more widespread. They have some important advantages over fire extinguishers.
So let’s go over both the pros and cons of fire extinguishers vs fire blankets.
Fire Extinguisher
Pros
- Very effective for putting out early fires
- Can be operated at a safe range
- Come in various sizes
Cons
- May be hard to operate, so training is recommended
- Make a huge mess
- Have to be refilled after use
- Must be inspected regularly
Fire Retardent Blanket
Pros
- Great for putting out small to medium fires
- Have multiple uses, including fire suppression, thermal shield, and fire protection
- Come in various sizes for home, commercial and industrial use
- Portable and light-weight
- Easy to use
Cons
- Must be closer to the flame
- One time use
They both have their roles in fire safety, but a fire blanket is something we can easily carry and use fast.
It’s also more versatile to extinguish fires and protect loved ones trapped in flames.
That’s why we all should have them and be ready to use them!
Best Fire Blankets On The Market
Skilled survival has done all the leg work, so here is a list of the best fire retardant blankets available:
JJ CARE- Fire Blanket for Home 40 “x40” 2 pack
JJ CARE is a leader in the fire retardant blanket market. They have several sizes of fire suppression blankets, including this 40″ x40″ size.
They’re ideal for extinguishing small fires. And you can move them on an open flame of any source, including oil or grease.
They are constructed from flame-retardant material with 2 layers of fiberglass fabric. And a layer of fire retardant as an inner layer.
This construction aids in depleting the oxygen a fire requires to burn. These blankets are non-toxic, so it’s safe to protect your children and pets in case of an accidental fire.
The package comes with 2 blankets and 2 hooks to put up where you can hang them.
Also included are 2 pairs of safety gloves. They are straightforward to use and small enough to fit in your kitchen, car, office, and in your camping pack.
A great fire blanket kit to protect you and your family for sure.
Leberna – Fire Retardant Blanket XXL
Here is a large blanket that works for your home and business.
The Leberna fire suppression blanket is what you want when a fire starts in your kitchen. It is much larger than most blankets, and that’s important.
Obviously, you want to put out a fire quickly when it starts. But if the fire takes off, you need to get out of the building safely. Thats’ why having a heat shield that covers your whole body is vital.
They follow the EN-1869: 1997 standard for cooking fire suppression. And it can isolate high temperatures up to 1076℉ or 580℃.
By covering larger fires, they will suffocate the flames and cut off the oxygen supply.
A woven fiberglass fabric with a fire retardant inner layer makes up the blanket.
You will have no problem protecting loved ones with this XXL size. That way, all family members can get through the flames and out to safety.
Great for grilling, camping, cooking in the kitchen, and having in the car in case of a fire emergency.
Supa Ant – Eco-Friendly High Visibility Fire Blanket
The Supa Ant blanket has the highest temperature tolerance on the market with 1500F. It is CE certified and measures at 39.3″ x39.3″ for regular and 47″ x47″ for large. This gives you great coverage for small to medium-sized fires.
Perfect for home use as well as RV, camping, and office. This blanket is also evident in fluorescent orange color. And it’s the only eco-friendly blanket on the market.
Besides their high flame retardant rating, they are thicker in general. Plus, it uses a higher quality 500GSM fabric that helps to increase its tolerance.
This emergency blanket will protect you and your loved ones from accidental fires. As well as creating a sizeable thermal shield to help you escape the flames.
EVERLIT – [2-Pack] Fire Blanket Size XL 47”x47”
This blanket has lots of positive reviews. That proves it’s a high-quality product. EVERLIT is here to protect you during your indoor and outdoor fire emergencies with their large, 47″ x47″ fire-retardant blanket.
Its woven construction provides protection up to a temperature of 1000F. And will effectively smother all flames fast.
They include 2 heavy-duty grommets. That way, you can hang these blankets on the wall. Or even throw in a pair of heat-resistant gloves to round out your fire protective gear.
It’s all packaged up in a stain-resistant pouch with a hook and loop closure.
EVERLIT is a veteran-owned company. And they’re committed to protecting you and your loved ones.
They have a 60-day return policy and a 5-star rated customer support team. These guys definitely stand behind the quality of their fire-retardant blankets.
SKAMZ – Premium Fire Blanket Size XL 47.2×47.2inches 3-Pack
SKAMZ has an emergency fire blanket suitable for your house, kitchen, office, car. And even taking on holidays and day trips. You never know when there will be a fire, and it is vital to be ready to put out the flames before they spread.
This 47.2″ x47.2″ fire-retardant blanket gives you great coverage. And it’s easier to use than a fire extinguisher.
They come in several size packs, from 1 to 5 blankets. And they include stainless steel self-adhesive wall hooks. That way, you can hang them anywhere.
This blanket can fight extreme temperatures of up to 1100F. And is effective at cutting off the oxygen during a fire.
It also meets EN-1869:1997 standard for cooking fire suppression.
SKAMZ blanket is big enough to wrap around children or pets to protect them in an emergency fire. That way, you can get them out unharmed.
People feel safe in their homes, but fires can start quickly, usually in the kitchen. Having a SKAMZ blanket close by to put out the flames will save your life.
Aaaspark – 3 Pack – 60″ X60″ Fire Emergency Blanket
Are you looking for a larger-sized fire retardent blanket? Aaaspark has you covered.
They sell a 60″ X60″ emergency blanket. This size works effectively for kitchen, fireplace, camping, car emergencies, and your grill.
It’s constructed from fiberglass cloth with a thickness of 0.45mm. And the pull-up tapes are flame retardant as well. This makes it safer for handling and protects you and your property better.
This blanket can isolate temperatures up to 1074F. That way, you’ll effectively stifle fires as well as use the blanket as a thermal heat shield.
60″ x60″ is excellent coverage too. So having one of these larger blankets to go along with several smaller ones is wise. Now, you’ll be able to handle most flames before they take hold and cause large-scale damage.
The Aaaspark fire retardent blanket bundle comes with 3 blankets. So right out of the package, you have protection in multiple areas.
Final Thoughts
Having several fire blankets around your home, office, and a car is an essential tool for your safety kit.
They are easy to use and don’t leave a mess in their wake. Make sure you add a few of these to your survival arsenal.
They will help you meet the demands of a crisis situation. That will make you a Skilled Survivalist.
The post Fire Blankets – Why They’re Often Better Than Fire Extinguishers appeared first on Skilled Survival.