How to Use a Fire Blanket

Fire blankets are essential to extinguish and stop the spread of a fire. This is a useful item to enhance your safety and to make sure you, your family members and your belongings are not injured or damaged. A fire blanket is a sheet made out of fire-resistant material and is usually stored in a container mounted on a wall. If you have a fire blanket but you’re unsure about using it, read on for the steps you can follow.

Step 1

The first step is to take out the fire blanket, which can be done by pulling down the two tabs hanging from the bottom. By pulling on the tabs, the blanket is quickly released to help you rapidly deal with the problem.

Step 2

You should then place the blanket over the fire, but make sure it’s placed down gently. Although you might be in panic mode, it’s important to try and remain calm. Panicking can cause you to think irrationally, which might worsen the situation.

When placing the blanket, start with the nearest side and move inwards. Choosing to throw the blanket to the farthest side can result in the flames creeping over the blanket, allowing it to spread. Once the fire is covered, you’ll usually see smoke running through the blanket, but don’t panic. This is normal.

If the fire is on you or someone else, wrap the body with the blanket and stop, drop and roll. This is a safety technique that will help to extinguish the flame. Once you think the fire is gone, call for medical assistance immediately, especially if there are any burns or if the burns look concerning.

Step 3

If the fire was started by a heat source, turning it off is the next step to follow. This is usually done at the start, but in the midst of an emergency, putting out the fire first is ideal. By turning off the heat source, you’re lessening the risk of the fire spreading and increasing how quickly it can go out.

Step 4

The next step is to leave the blanket in its place for at least 15 minutes. If the blanket is on you or someone else, leave it wrapped around the body for the same time. This will make sure that the flame is smothered, but don’t touch the blanket until it’s cool again. You should then call the fire department or medical assistance for any burns.

Step 5

The final step is to replace your fire blanket with a new one. Fire blankets aren’t suitable to be reused since it might not be effective when used again. When disposing it, make sure it’s room temperature to the touch before throwing it away. You can also place it in cold water to be extra safe.

These are the steps you can follow when using a fire blanket, but it’s good to remember that instructions are also present on the container. If you need advice, help, or for any enquiries, get in touch with our fire system experts from our directory here. Alternatively, our first aid professionals can also help.

For emergencies, dial 999 immediately.

If you don’t want to risk your safety at home, have a read through our article on the Fire Safety Tips at Home.

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