This post is by Bernie Carr, apartmentprepper.com
I am always aware of the threat of fire, especially in an apartment complex. And you already know about the close call we had last week. With the recent wildfires in Northern California, fire danger is something we all must consider our emergency preparedness efforts. With this in mind, I thought it would be a good opportunity to review a Fire Escape Kit from Go-Time Gear.
The Fire Escape Kit (pictured above) comes in a handy, portable size, that you can stash in any drawer or under furniture.
What’s included?
The kit includes everything you’d need to quickly escape a fire. It comes with:
- heat resistant gloves – to help you open heated door knobs
- fire escape mask – so you can avoid smoke inhalation
- mylar blankets – to protect your skin
- light stick – to light your way
First, I examined the mask. It comes in a shrink wrapped package. I verified that all of the packages have a notch in shrink wrap so the user can quickly tear open the package for quick deployment in a fire. It also has an expiration date. I asked the co-founder the following:
Why do they have expiration dates, is it the filter that degrades? Are they safe to use after?
There is an expiration date because the filter and mask have a five year life from the date of manufacture when unopened in the original shrink wrapping. Our customers can expect a minimum of 4.5 year shelf-life. While they aren’t necessarily unsafe to use after expiration, the filter may no longer be effective.
Trying out the mask and gloves
Now it’s time to try the mask. Before putting it on you need to pull an outside tab, and an inside tab to allow you to breath. You should also widen the opening before fitting it over your head. On the first breath I took, I smelled plastic, presumably because it was previously sealed. However, I did not experience this after the first deep breath. To avoid this, it’s better to do an exhale to drive out any plastic smell.
To test whether the filter works, I started roasting a large batch coffee beans. Long time readers know I make coffee off grid, using a cast iron pan on a propane stove. It gets very, very smoky. I can attest the mask filtered out all smells even as I stood over the roasting beans. I then used the heat resistant gloves to grab the heated cast iron pot. I did feel some warmth but there was enough protection for my hands. The gloves would allow you to quickly open door knobs, or push heated objects away, but it is NOT for long term use, nor would I use it as oven mitts. The kit is designated as a one use item, and that is what it’s intended for: allow you to escape a fire as safely as the situation allows.
Fire Escape Kits and Masks are only available at https://www.gotimegear.com/
This is a popular item and has been selling out these past few months due to high demand after the recent wildfires. They have now restocked.
The Giveaway
One lucky winner will be chosen to receive four Fire Escape kits, provided by Go Time Gear:
The giveaway starts today 11/9/2017, and ends at midnight 11/17/2017. Winner will be contacted via email, and must respond within 48 hours of the email notice. You have lots of chances to win.
© Apartment Prepper 2017
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We roast our own coffee too, but you’re right, it’s smokey. We use a propane stove outdoors once a week and do several batches to keep us in fresh coffee.
This is just what I’ve been looking for to include in our preparedness supplies, thanks for the great review and for sharing!
We have a fire extinguisher near the door to our apartment. I test the smoke detector monthly. And we keep a go bag by the door in case of fire or other emergencies where we would need to evacuate quickly.
How will the mylar blankets protect your skin from fire? Won’t the mylar melt onto your skin?
Hi Patrick B, Thanks for bringing up this question. We contacted Go-Time Gear and here is their response: The emergency blanket included with the kit is designed to reflect ambient heat while the user makes their escape. It isn’t designed to protect the user’s skin from flames. If someone is looking for a blanket to protect their skin from flames, there is another type of blanket commonly used in kitchens and on boats made from fiberglass which better serves that purpose. Here’s an example: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00IYCE7IC/. A word of caution with that style of blanket, however. Once pulled from the packaging, fiberglass will be in the air and the fiberglass will irritate the skin if you wrap the blanket around you as it comes in contact with your skin. Irritated skin is better than a burn, but I thought I’d point that out. We have tested that style of blanket as well and they were effective in our testing. Hope this helps.
I live in a second floor apartment and have a concrete courtyard I can jump from via my patio window, if needed. I’d use one of a number of exercise bands or straps that would get me low enough not to break bones since I’m pretty lightweight. I know they have those window ladders but my huge rubber band I use for helping with pullups would be perfect.
I also have an old fire extinguisher in the kitchen, which is also by the front door. It says it’s full but I know it’s pretty old and I’ve not tested it in a long time. Just last week there was a recall on it (Kidde brand) so a new (free) replacement is on its way to me! The fire escape mask looks like a great item to have though. Smoke gets you so quickly. Thanks for the review and giveaway.
We have fire extinguishers on every floor of the house, extra mylar blankets stashed away in closets, and have taught the kids how to escape from a second floor in case of an emergency. I love the idea of these fire escape kits for those in our family who would be farthest away from us in case of a nighttime fire.
No, I do not think we are adequately prepared for a fire right now. This blog post has made me realize that this is something that we need to spend some time getting prepared for.
I have no fire safety items! This would be a start!
We have extinquishers in two locations at our home and we have gone over escape routes with our kids.
I don’t think I’m as prepared as I could be, even though a house fire has long been a serious fear for me. We do have several fire extinguishers in easy reach, fire alarms, and all of our windows and doors are clear.
I have 2 fire extinguishers and have bug out bags by the most likely exit.
i think we are pretty prepared but could always have more help. we have a plan on what to do and have working smoke detectors we check
We have smoke detectors and extinguishers,
I have no fire safety items. This would be great for that.
I think we’re semi prepared, we have a fire extinguisher and we practice drills to get out of the house in case of a fire.
We have a meeting place planned and I also have a ladder upstairs that can hang out the window.
We have an escape route and plan.
We actually know where we will all meet. The kids know to stay to the ground when there is a lot of smoke and cover their face. do not stay or try to grab anything everything is replaceable and nothing is worth risking your life over.
I am not prepared. We just moved into a new place. I need to check smoke detectors and get a plan.