Fire experts weigh in on how to use this safety tool if and when an emergency strikes.

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A fire blanket is almost exactly what it sounds like.

So, are fire blankets a smart alternative totraditional fire extinguisherswhen it comes to small household fires?

fire blanket on wall next to window

Credit:Nickbeer / Getty Images

KC Zacharyis the firefighter captain at the Caldwell Fire Department.

Robert Troxelis the reconstruction project manager at Master Restoration.

When to Use a Fire Blanket vs. an Extinguisher?

Good news: most small kitchen fires can be stopped with either a fire extinguisher or a fire blanket.

Budget-wise, both tools fall within a similar cost bracket, with blankets being slightly more affordable.

Where Should You Store Fire Blankets?

When it comes to fire safety, thelocation of preventative and extinguishing toolsis incredibly important.

Garages can also be a second best choice.

Be strategic about your storage location based on your home’s configuration and the needs of your household members.

How Do You Use a Fire Blanket?

If you’ve never used a fire blanket before, the steps are pretty straightforward.

Which Emergencies Can Fire Blankets Really Help in?

During the process, a grease fire ignited and caught the homeowners shirt on fire.