Knives and led torches might be a fundamental part of any survival supplies kit, but have you ever thought about carrying with you fire equipment like fire blankets, for instance?! The truth is that they might be the most neglected type of supplies for survival especially when camping. Fire blankets are a part of the personal protective gear that many people have at home or at work, but usually, forget to bring when going camping.
Whether we like it or not, fires are common especially during summer when the weather and climate are dry and fires can be started easily. Thus, bringing the most essential PPE, first aid kit, a portable fire extinguisher and a fire blanket won’t hurt anybody at all. And truth be told, these products won’t take up that much of a space when camping, but they literally save your life and the life of others when used promptly and properly.
What Is a Fire Blanket?
Fire blankets are blankets made of fire-resistant or fire-retardant materials. Their main use is to extinguish small fires in your home, garage or when caravanning, camping and boating. Being made of fire-retardant materials, these blankets can also be used for wrapping them around a person in a case of fire. Usually made of fibreglass, these supplies for survival are compact, portable and easily stored. It’s said that they can withstand temperatures up to 500°C, and depending on the needs, they can come in a range of sizes in order to meet the many customers’ needs. Usually, these blankets are made of wool in combination with aramid in order to offer better protection. When in the search for the right fire blankets, it’s recommended to purchase a blanket that meets the Australian Standards Mark AS 3504 and nothing less.
Where to Store Survival Supplies?
The simplest way to store survival supplies of this kind is in an easily accessible place. When at home, the best place to store a fire blanket is in or close to the kitchen since this is the place where most fires happen. When camping, caravanning or boating, the best place to store them is in the backpack, in the car or in the caravan.
The Importance of Having Instructions
When in the search for the right blanket, make sure the chosen model has clear instructions regarding how to use it. Finding yourself confronted by a fire can be stressful and confusing, so, acting immediately is paramount. And the easiest and quickest way to do that is when having strict rules that you can follow because in such situations you can’t think clearly.
Ways to Use Fire Blankets
Putting down a fire in a kitchen should start with turning off any heat sources (if possible) and then stretching the blanket out to cover the flame. When covering a burning area, it is recommended to leave the blanket as long as you can in order to be sure that the fire is out. If the fire is bigger, cover as much area as you can and use the fire extinguisher. If you can’t manage the situation on your own, it’s better to leave the area, close the door and call the fire brigade.
In case someone’s clothes are on fire, immediately take the blanket, wrap the person around and encourage him/her to roll on the ground until the flames are out. These blankets are also a great way to protect yourself if you need to walk through a burning area.
Note: Investing in a larger blanket might be better as that way the blanket can cover larger fire.
Important Things To Have in Mind
If the fire is bigger and a lot bigger than the blanket, then it will be no use in using the blanket to put the fire down. Instead, cover yourself with it, leave the room by closing the door behind and call for help.
Never try to throw a blanket when you’re too far from the burning spot. That way you risk missing the fire and the truth is that you won’t be able to take back the blanket and try again. An important thing to know is that once used, fire blankets should be replaced with new ones since they won’t serve their purpose after that.
When investing in a fire extinguisher, a crucial thing you need to know is that they are available in several types which explains their different use. Besides not working the same way, they are also designed for different types of fires. So, before investing in the first small and portable fire extinguisher you see in the store, it’s best to consult with a professional in order to make the right choice. Using the wrong fire extinguisher could have disastrous consequences, making the fire spread even more.
