Factors Affecting a Fire Blanket ’s Lifespan

A fire blanket’s lifespan depends on many factors, including the quality of the materials used, how it’s stored, and how you care for it. Let’s take a look at factors affecting a fire blanket’s lifespan  below:

1、Quality

The quality of materials used determines how long a fire blanket lasts.

Fire blankets made of high-quality materials withstand more extreme conditions and last longer. On the other hand, fire blankets made of low-quality materials only withstand lower temperatures and   degrade faster.

For instance, durable materials like fiberglass and aramid fibers can resist high temperatures. If your fire blanket is made of these tough, fire-resistant materials, it can do its job and put out a fire quickly. But if your fire blanket is made of inferior materials that didn’t pass safety tests, it won’t hold up well under heat. This leaves you unprotected and in danger during fire emergencies.

2、Usage

How you use a fire blanket affects its lifespan. When you use a fire blanket, its materials get exposed to heat and flames. While fire blankets are designed to withstand extreme heat and flames, they are not perfect.

Heat causes your fire blanket materials to degrade over time. The higher the heat, the more the materials degrade. In particular, the fibers undergo thermal degradation, which breaks down their molecular structure. As a result, their ability to resist high temperatures decreases. Repeated use also accelerates the degradation, making fire blankets less effective.

For these reasons, most manufacturers don ’t recommend using fire blankets multiple times.

However, some fire blankets are designed for reuse, like the Emergency Fire Blanket and Hero Fire Blanket. You can store and use them again if they’re not damaged after use. Just wipe the fire blanket gently, fold it, and put it back in its pouch.

Prepared Hero's Emergency Fire Blanket and Hero Fire Blanket are made of interwoven fiberglass layers that can withstand even the hottest of fires. High-quality fiberglass is also less prone to degradation compared to other materials, so fire blankets made of it can be reused.

While Prepared Hero lets you reuse its fire blankets (given there’s no damage after use), other brands might not. Always follow manufacturer guidelines to make sure your fire blanket works when needed.

3、Storage

How you store your fire blanket also affects how long it lasts. Proper storage helps prevent your blanket from getting damaged and makes it easy to access during emergencies.

For example, storing your fire blanket in a tight space with a heavy object on top causes stress on the fabric. Over time, these stress points can lead to tears or brittleness.

Additionally, your fire blanket should be in a spot that ’s easy to access in an emergency. We recommend putting one on your kitchen wall using a fire blanket hook . If it’s buried under other items or placed in a hard-to-see spot, you will struggle to get it quickly when needed. By storing your fire blanket properly, you keep it in top shape and make sure it will work as intended during an emergency. Check out our guide to learn more about storing your fire blanket.

4、Exposure

Exposing your fire blanket to the elements can affect its lifespan. Aside from fire, elements like moisture and sunlight degrade the fabric over time.

Let’s take a wet fire blanket as an example. If you store your fire blanket under the sink and it gets wet without you noticing, the moisture can weaken the fabric. Mold and mildew will accumulate on it, making it less effective.

Sunlight is another concern. If you leave your fire blanket out in the sun for too long, UV rays can cause your fire blanket to become brittle. This brittleness reduces the blanket’s fire resistance,making it less reliable.

Keep your fire blanket in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, moisture, and chemicals. Doing so helps ensure your fire blanket stays strong and ready when you need it most.

5、Maintenance

Many people don’t realize this, but how you take care of your fire blanket determines how long it will last.

For starters, most fire blankets don’t require much maintenance. Most of the time, wiping it is enough. Experts also recommend not using harsh cleaners because they might damage the material. Remember, always check the manufacturer’s instructions before doing anything.

Regularly check for any signs of damage as well. If you spot any issues, it’s better to replace the blanket than risk using a damaged one.