An emergency fire blanket is an important household item

An emergency fire blanket, or specially-treated insulated blanket, is an important piece of safety apparatus for the kitchen, chemistry lab, or any environment that poses threat of fire. Industrial fire blankets, sometimes called welding blankets or welding safety curtains, are specially certified to be used as protective blankets when specialized manufacturing processes are taking place.

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A fire blanket is a sheet of fire-resistant, or in some cases, fire-proof material that is used to cover the flames, cutting off the oxygen supply; or to wrap around a person whose clothes are on fire.

Advantages of a fire blanket are :

Speed of application - quick and easy to use, just throw it over the flame
Lightweight - a small child or frail adult will have no trouble using it
Easy to maintain - keep it folded and within reach
Less expensive than a fire extinguisher

Disadvantages are:

Must move close to fire to use - potential to burn hands
Effective only on very small, contained fire, such as a grease pan fire - don't attempt to stop a spreading fire with the blanket
Just one chance at extinguishing fire - if it doesn't work, you can't try again!

Since wool is a naturally fire-resistant fiber, some wool blankets are sold as home-use emergency fire blankets, but they have been tested and certified to meet specific standards of fire resistance. Any fire blanket in your home first aid kit should be approved by your local fire department. Along with your fire departments recommendations for maintaining and using the blanket, consider the below guidelines in maintaining the blanket:

After use, dispose of the fire blanket according to manufacturer's instruction
Keep the blanket in the kitchen, but away from the stove or possible source of fire.

For comprehensive household fire safety guidelines and recommendations, consult your local fire department.

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