Fire Blankets

What is a fire blanket?

A fire blanket is a fire-resistant sheet normally made from a woven glass fibre, their sizes vary, although 1m x 1m or bigger is normally suitable of use in the home.

How does it work?

A fire blanket is used to smother a fire, cutting its oxygen supply. Whilst it is very quick and effective, it does require the user to get close to the fire and normally if unsuccessful on the first attempt it can not be used again as the user will be unable to retrieve it.

What fires can the blanket extinguish?

A fire blanket can be used to extinguish most small contained fires in the home i.e. a chip pan or small bin. It can also be used to wrap around a person whose clothes are on fire.

Where should it be stored?

Fire blankets are best kept in the kitchen, normally on the wall where they are easily accessible. They should never be stored in the cupboard nor above or close to a cooker.    

Remember - Surfaces remain hot after being extinguished with a fire blanket and need time to cool before being touched or moved.

Fire Extinguishers

What is a Fire Extinguisher?

A fire extinguisher is a self contained device that contains a media (usually stored under pressure) which is used to fight a fire, normally in an emergency.

Types and sizes

There are four main types of fire extinguisher each of these have their own unique markings and are only suitable for fighting certain fires, below is a chart displaying this information.

In the home

Fire extinguishers come in many shapes and sizes and each have their own pros' and cons', however the most common for use in the home is a 1kg or 2kg dry powder extinguisher due to its light weight and versatility.

Location

Fire Extinguishers are best stored in a hall or another easily accessible place so they can be taken to the fire when needed. They should not be within a childs reach, fixing them on the wall is normally a good way of avoiding this. Fire extinguishers should not be stored next to a heat source.

Points to remember

• All fire extinguishers operate in slightly different ways, always check the manufactures instructions prior to use.
• When using an extinguisher to fight a fire remain on the same side as the exit to ensure you can escape safely.
• Fire extinguishers have a limited operating time, if the extinguisher is having little effect of the fire exit the building prior to exhausting the extinguisher.

Making Fire Safety Simple!