Fire blankets are an effective tool that can be used to combat against serious fire outbreaks. In case of a fire outbreak, the blankets could come in handy. They work by restricting the flow of oxygen on the fire, thus dousing the flame effectively. However, to use the fire blanket effectively, it is important for you to make sure that you understand the important ways in which it’s supposed to be used. There are several tips to keep in mind to use these blankets in an effective manner. Here are five simple ways to ensure that you are able to use fire blankets in the best possible way.
- Find Out the Fire Classification
You can’t use fire blankets for extinguishing all kinds of fires. Instead, you need to first figure out the category of the fire. It should be class F if you are going to use the blanket. This kind of fire is caused by burning oils or fats, and if you have these in your environment, you need to make sure that you use a blanket to douse it. The temperature tends to increase dramatically with such fires, and they can’t be extinguished with water. You need that blanket on to extinguish it.
- Turn Off the Fire Source
The next thing you need to do is turn off the source of the fire, if you safely can. The fire is being caused by something, and you need to figure out what that is and turn it off. For instance, if it’s being caused by a burning cloth, you need to extinguish it first before using the blanket. Doing this is important as it’s going to reduce the chances of the fire spreading further.
- Holding the Blanket Properly
If you are going to wear the fire blanket, it is important that you cover it properly, and then hold it in front of you from the sides. To prevent your hands from getting burnt, you need to make sure that you roll the corners of the edges inward. This way, your fingers won’t sustain any burns when you are walking out. Make sure that the blanket covers your head properly as well.
- Placing it on the Fire
If you are going to place the fire blanket on the fire, you need to make sure that you do so slowly. Do not throw the blanket on the fire, as that’s probably not going to result in full coverage. Make sure you protect yourself while placing it on the fire so that your body is not too close to it. You need to lay it down from the closest to the further point using the tips of your hands so that they remain protected at all times.
- Know When to Leave
Once you have placed the blanket on the fire, it’s time for you to leave. Don’t stay around as that could lead to difficult circumstances!
