An online ad promoting Prepared Hero Fire Blanket is seen on YouTube. Local firefighters are cautioning residents on the purchase and use of fire blankets, saying "tried and tested" fire safety practices are recommended instead.--YOUTUBE SCREENSHOT
newsdesk@medicinehatnews.com
An upswing of internet ads featuring fire blankets that promise to save your home from a potential disaster, like a cooking fire, claim a flame retardant fibreglass is used to extinguish a blaze on a cooktop.
However, Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services cautions the purchase or use of fire blankets, as they are not UL Certified and there are no Canadian safety standards for the product.
Instead, local fire firefighters recommend sticking to “tried and tested” fire safety practices and provided some examples online.
Firefighters say it’s important to keep a proper-fitting lid nearby while cooking, if a pot happens to catch fire, carefully place the lid on the pot and turn off the stove. Do not move the pot until it has cooled down.
If the fire doesn’t go out, get out of the area and call 911.
Testing working smoke carbon monoxide alarms every month and making sure batteries are replaced annually is also important. It’s recommended to have a working alarm on each level of a residence.
Creating and practising a home escape plan is also encouraged to ensure each person in the residence knows how to exit safely and meet at a designated spot outside.
The Canadian government says most home fires happen when an open flame or heat source is left unsupervised, and provides several online safety tips to prevent kitchen fires.
Aside from avoiding all unsupervised cooking, it’s recommended to keep the stove top clear of all objects that can burn while cooking. Do not throw water on an electrical appliance if it catches fire, instead use a portable ABC-rated fire extinguisher.
Caution should be used when cooking with oil and deep-frying because hot oil can easily catch fire. A thermostat-controlled deep-fryer is recommended to monitor oil temperature, and oil should only be properly disposed of when it has fully cooled down.
