How to Use a Fire Blanket Properly

Protecting yourself from a fire means being prepared for one before it happens. Knowing how to use fire safety equipment properly can save your life or someone else. Teach your family members how to protect themselves in a fire, including teaching them how to use fire blankets. The blankets are most effective when used to smother small fires feeding on flammable liquid or when used to wrap a person whose clothing is burning. They're also useful protection if you need to move through a fire.

Instructions

• 1

  Put on fire safety gloves if you have them.

• 2

  Pull the tape down on the package until the fire blanket is released. Open the blanket to its full width. If the fire is bigger than the blanket, the blanket won't be enough to put it out. However, it should still be used if there is no fire extinguisher on hand, but it will only slow the fire.

• 3

  Place the blanket over the fire if it is an object fire. Gently place the blanket; don't toss it. Keep your hands and face between yourself and the blanket whenever possible.

• 4

  Wrap the blanket around a person whose clothing is on fire to cut off the airflow and smother the fire. If the blanket isn't large enough to completely cover the fire, help the person to roll on the ground to smother any remaining flames.

• 5

  Seek immediate medical attention for anyone who is burned. Call 911 or ask someone else to call while you tend to the burn victim.