Why Not Having A Fire Blanket In Your Kitchen Is A Mistake (& Our Top Recommendations)
Nobody wants to go through a house fire. Unfortunately, they are reported about every 88 seconds in the United States, with about 50 percent beginning in the kitchen. Although you can take steps to reduce kitchen catastrophes, like not storing certain pots and pans in your oven, you should always have a plan just in case. For many, a fire blanket may be enough to save your household from a major disaster.
Available in a range of sizes, fire blankets are designed to put out small fires by smothering them. Often made from woven fiberglass, they are made with other materials like wool and kevlar. One advantage that fire blankets give over other products like extinguishers is their ease of use. Very little instruction is needed, and they're super lightweight, which makes fire blankets an excellent product for people of all ages and physical abilities.
If you purchase a fire blanket, you can mount it directly on your kitchen wall for easy access. If you do so, make sure that you don't place it right by the stove. You don't want to be accidentally blocked from accessing it. When a fire occurs, all you need to do is turn off the heat source if possible. Then grab your fire blanket and, using the blanket's corners to protect your hands, gently place it over the fire. Leave the blanket on for at least 15 minutes or until the area isn't giving off heat. If you haven't done so already, use that time to dial your fire department.
When you shouldn't use a fire blanket
Although fire blankets are handy tools, they have their limitations. To start, you cannot use them for fires that are bigger than your blanket. These products work by cutting off a fire's oxygen supply. If any part of the fire isn't trapped under the blanket, it will continue to burn. You also shouldn't use one if a fire feels too wild or hot for you to approach safely.
In addition, it's not recommended to use fire blankets for electrical fires or those involving flammable metals. You also shouldn't use a fire blanket if your fire has an accelerant like gasoline as a source. These fires tend to burn quite quickly and have flare-ups. This is when the fire suddenly jumps and can easily burn you. In addition, the accelerant can soak into your blanket, which may cause the fire to reignite. So, these fires are best handled with fire extinguishers to avoid any accidental injury and ensure they are properly put out.
As to how long your fire blanket will last, it's best to follow the manufacturer's guidelines that are printed on the pouch. If you don't have them, replacing the blanket every 7 years is a good rule of thumb. Although some companies state that you can reuse your fire blanket multiple times if there is no visible damage. In contrast, others recommend exercising caution and replacing them after it has come into contact with any fire.
What to look for when purchasing a fire blanket
When buying a fire blanket, essential factors to consider include size and material. For kitchens, the ideal size ranges from 3.3 feet by 3.3 feet to 3.9 feet by 3.9 feet. This is enough to cover small fires while also still being easy to handle. Generally, you will be in good shape using materials like fiberglass or wool although you can also search for blankets with a flame-retardant coating for extra security. If you find blankets made of other materials, make sure that they are compatible with cooking oils and fats, as these are a common source of kitchen fires.
Lastly, you need to ensure that the company you're purchasing from follows safety standards. This helps you know that your fire blanket's design has been adequately tested. Certifications that you can look for include the NFPA 701, which measures textile flame resistance, and EN-1869, which sets standards for fire blankets intended for small or kitchen fires. In the United States, you can also look for UL safety marks, while European products may use CE certification.
One popular option that meets these standards is the Prepared Hero Emergency Fire Blanket, whose 40-inch by 40-inch blanket is available for $20.79. This blanket is made of woven fiberglass so it's suitable for liquid and grease fires. One reviewer (via Amazon) wrote, "I can tell you it does put out grease fires and any other fire." Another (via Amazon) stated, "I tested the deployment and they are easy to get out for use. Feel durable and the design is practical."
Other fire blankets to consider
Another highly-rated option is Mart Cobra's Emergency Fire Blanket, which is available in a two-pack for $29.87. These blankets are also made from fiberglass and have a CE certification. One reviewer (via Amazon) wrote, "This fire blanket works great as we used it this past Thanksgiving dinner. The size was big enough to cover the fire and wiped clean with ease."
However, one thing to be aware of is that fiberglass fire blankets can release small fibers that may irritate your skin and lungs if inhaled. As one reviewer (via Amazon) wrote regarding Mart Cobra's product, "A minute into demonstrating the blanket to my family, I started feeling a prickly feeling on my arms. That's when I noticed many fine fiberglass shards had shed off the fire blanket onto my clothes, the couch, and carpet."
If you want to avoid fiberglass, you can also consider Parcil Safety's Silicone Coated Emergency Fire Blanket for $49.97. At 60 inches by 60 inches, this option is a little larger than the others mentioned, but it is still a suitable size for your kitchen. Regarding the coating, one reviewer wrote (via Amazon) that it "does work and is worth the extra cost." They added, "Opening the velcro flap and touching the blanket was a big surprise. All the other blanket reviews mention fiberglass all over the place and stuck in fingers. NOT with this model."
Other ways to prevent (or manage) kitchen fires
Although fire blankets are fantastic to have, you shouldn't rely on them alone. It's important to keep a fire extinguisher in your home to tackle larger or electrical fires. There are five classes of fire extinguishers: A, B, C, D, and K. Each class refers to the type of fire it is appropriate for. For example, Class B extinguishers are for fires caused by liquids and flammables, including grease, while electrical fires should be contained with Class C extinguishers. You can find the type labeled on their sides. If you have an extinguisher, it's recommended to replace disposable ones every 10 years, while rechargeable ones should be recharged every 6 years.
You can also follow preventative measures like learning what kitchen ingredients pose a hidden fire risk. For example, most people know to be wary of grease and cooking oil but common pantry stables like flour can become explosive when they are dust. When cooking, take precautions and have a lid or baking sheet nearby to smother any pan fires. If there is a grease fire in your kitchen, remember not to put it out with liquids to avoid an explosion. Instead, you can extinguish grease fires with a handy kitchen staple: baking soda. To do so, turn off the heat, pour in baking soda, and then cover the pot with a metal lid or pan. Don't be afraid to use a ton of it, either. It takes a lot to put out a fire, and you'd rather be safe than sorry.