Article  How to Use Fire Blankets Fire blankets are a useful method for putting out fires, at times faster and more effective than using a fire extinguisher.  However, misuse of a fire blanket can result in injury, so it is important to know how to use one properly. First, know how a fire blanket works.  Fires require not just fuel, but also oxygen in order to burn.  While you can't do much about the fuel, a fire blanket takes away something else that the fire needs: its oxygen.  By dropping the blanket over the fire, the flames are quickly and permanently put out by smothering them. A fire blanket works more effectively than dropping a regular blanket over the flames, however.  This is because it is made to NOT act as fuel when dropped on a fire.  The blanket is fire retardant, which means that it will not burn very easily, if at all.  Small household fire blankets  are usually made of fiberglass, but larger blankets are treated with chemicals that make them fire retardant. The first rule of using a fire blanket is to always protect your hands.  While the blanket won't burn, don't forget that your hands will!  By dropping the blanket over the fire, you are bringing your hands very close to an intense heat source.  You can protect yourself by holding the blanket so that it is between your hands and the fire.  Don't hold it by the edges; instead, pinch the blanket about six inches from each corner, and hold it so that the material drapes over your hands and shields them from the fire.  Then you can drop the blanket over the fire without worrying about your hands getting burned. You can also use a fire blanket on a person whose clothes are on fire.  Instead of dropping the blanket over the fire, wrap the person in the blanket quickly and snugly to smother the flames. A fire blanket is designed to be easy to use.  Most small, household-use blankets are stored folded up in a container that is easy to open, so that you don't waste time unraveling the blanket before you can put it over the fire.  Many industrial blankets are larger in size and are stored in cabinets, which are also designed to be easy to open.  Be sure, whenever you buy a new fire blanket, to read the instructions and familiarize yourself with the product.  Knowing how to use it will enable you to react faster in case of an emergency. These blankets are useful to have on hand in case of fire, so you may want to store several around the house and carry them with you on certain trips.  For instance, one or two of these blankets can save you from a real catastrophe if you are camping and your campfire gets out of control.  A fire blanket is also good to have around when you are grilling in the backyard, working in your workshop, or even just burning a fire in your fireplace. There are many ways to protect yourself from fire.  Fire blankets are just one of the ways you can put out a fire that has already started, but of course the best method is always prevention.  Whether you are camping, grilling, burning a fire in your fireplace, or cooking in the kitchen, always be sure to follow all safety precautions to the letter.  Even though it is good to have one on hand just in case, with any luck you will never have to actually use your fire blanket. Category General Author Anonymous Add To Favorites Print This Article Email Article To A Friend Post Comments   Rate This Article (0) 1 - Poor2345 - Good678910 - Excellent Added On Mon Apr 12th,2010