Pros and Cons of Fire Extinguisher vs Fire Blanket

February 24, 2023

There are pros and cons to using a fire extinguisher vs. a fire blanket. It’s important to know which one to use in order to maximize its effectiveness.

Fire extinguishers are suitable for putting out small fires but can be dangerous if not used properly. Fire blankets, on the other hand, can be used to smother a fire and prevent it from spreading.

Fire Extinguisher

man firing Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is a device that is used to put out fires. It typically consists of a tank of water or other extinguishing agents, a nozzle, and a trigger.

Extinguishers are classified according to the type of fire they are designed to put out. Class A extinguishers are for ordinary combustibles such as wood, paper, and textile. Class B extinguishers are for flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and grease. Class C extinguishers are for electrical fires.

Advantages of Fire Extinguisher

Fire extinguishers are part of fire safety equipment necessary for any home or business. They provide a crucial first line of defense against fires and can help prevent property damage and save lives.

Many different types of fire extinguishers are available on the market, each designed for specific types of fires. Selecting a suitable fire extinguisher for your needs is essential to ensure that it will be effective in the event of a fire.

There are several advantages to using fire extinguishers:

1. Fire extinguishers can help prevent fires from spreading.

2. Fire extinguishers can help save lives by providing a way to extinguish small fires before they get out of control.

3. Fire extinguishers can help protect property by putting out fires before they have a chance to cause extensive damage.

4. Fire extinguishers are relatively inexpensive and easy to use, making them a great addition to any home or business safety plan.

5. Fire extinguishers are available in various sizes and types, making it easy to find one that is suitable for your needs.

When selecting a fire extinguisher, it is vital to consider the type of fire that is most likely to occur in your home or business. Different fire extinguishers are designed for various types of fires, so choosing the right one is essential. Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure you use the extinguisher correctly.

Disadvantages of Fire Extinguisher

Some potential disadvantages to consider when using a fire extinguisher include:

  • Accessibility: In some cases, a fire extinguisher may be challenging to reach or may not be readily available.
  • Size and weight: Fire extinguishers can be large and heavy, making them difficult to use for some people.
  • Training: Using a fire extinguisher, such as an ABC fire extinguisher, correctly requires proper training from the fire department. Without adequate training, individuals may not know how to use the extinguisher, which can worsen the situation appropriately.
  • Effectiveness: Fire extinguishers are not always effective in putting out fires. In some cases, the fire may be too large, or the extinguisher may not be the right type for the fire.
  • Hazards: Fire extinguishers can be dangerous to use, as they may cause the fire to spread, can lead to further damage, or may put the user at risk of being injured by the fire.

Fire Blanket

Fire Blanket

A fire blanket is a type of safety device that can be used to smother small incipient fires or flames. It is made from a fire retardant material, such as fiberglass, and typically measures about 1m x 1m in size.

A fire blanket can be used to smother a fire by depriving it of oxygen or wrapping around a fire-burning person and preventing the flames’ spread.

To use a fire blanket:

1. Remove the blanket from its storage container.

2. Shake out the blanket to ensure that it is fully extended.

3. Hold the blanket over the fire, ensuring the entire fire is covered.

4. Use your hands to press down on the blanket and smother the flames.

5. Once the fire is extinguished, leave the area immediately and call 911.

Fire blankets are an essential safety device in any home or workplace. Knowing how to use a fire blanket can help prevent a small fire from turning into a larger one.

Advantages of Fire Blanket

Fire blankets have several advantages over other fire extinguishing devices, such as fire extinguishers.

  • Fire blankets are cheaper and more portable than fire extinguishers.
  • They can be used to extinguish fires in hard-to-reach places.
  • Many fire blankets can be used for persons on fire.
  • Fire blankets are also less likely to cause injuries since they can be wrapped around a person on fire rather than aimed at them.

Fire blankets are a piece of essential safety equipment in any home or business and should be kept in an easily accessible location. Be sure to check the expiration date on your fire blanket, and replace it if it is more than ten years old.

Disadvantages of Fire Blanket

Fire blankets come with a few disadvantages.

  1. A fire blanket can be difficult to deploy quickly in an emergency situation.
  2. Another is that they can smother a fire but don’t do anything to extinguish it. This means the fire could start up again once the fire blanket is removed.
  3. Finally, a fire blanket can be dangerous to use if you don’t have the proper training. If you don’t know how to use one, you could get injured or worsen the situation.

Fire Extinguisher or Fire Blanket

Fire Extinguisher or Fire Blanket

Knowing the difference between a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket is important. Here are some key things to keep in mind:

  • A fire extinguisher is designed to put out smaller fires already burning. On the other hand, a fire blanket is used to smother a fire that has not yet started.
  • Fire extinguishers require more maintenance than fire blankets. They need to be regularly checked and serviced, whereas fire blankets must only be replaced every few years.
  • A fire extinguisher is more expensive than a fire blanket.
  • A fire extinguisher leaves resin after they’ve been used, whereas fire blankets don’t typically create any mess.
  • Fire extinguishers expire, whereas fire blankets don’t.

Final Thought

When it comes to a fire safety plan, there are a couple of different ways that you can go about it. You can have a fire extinguisher on hand, or you can have a fire blanket. Both fire blankets and fire extinguishers have their advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to know which one is right for your needs.

Fire extinguishers are used to extinguish small fires, and they can be easily used by just about anyone. They’re also relatively inexpensive, so they’re a good option for those on a budget. However, fire extinguishers can be bulky and difficult to store, and they often need to be replaced after just a few uses.

On the other hand, fire blankets are much more compact and can be stored easily. They’re also usually more effective at extinguishing fires since they smother the flames rather than just putting them out. However, fire blankets can be expensive, and they can be challenging to use if you’re not familiar with them.

Which is the better option? If you’re looking for an affordable option that’s easy to use, a fire extinguisher is probably the way to go. A blanket might be the better choice if you want something more effective and easier to store.

The local fire department advised that it is best to have both a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket on hand to safeguard yourself and your family from tragedy.

Alex Bradley

Written by

Alex Bradley

Multitasking guru who’s not just wrangling words as a witty blogger, but also juggling the roles of a husband, dad, and dutiful son to an age-defying parent. With a keyboard in one hand and a toolbox of tech gadgets in the other, Alex weaves playful blog posts that crack open the world of senior-friendly gizmos. Drawing inspiration from his family adventures and late-night “Eureka!” moments, his posts are your compass to navigate the realm of safety-enhancing and smile-inducing devices for the golden-aged generation.