When you find yourself in a survival situation, every piece of equipment counts. Whether you’re stranded in the wilderness or caught in a natural disaster, an emergency blanket is a must-have item for any survival kit.
An emergency blanket, also known as a space blanket, is a type of thermal blanket that is designed to reflect heat to the body. They are made of thin metallic material, which helps trap heat and keep you warm.
Emergency blankets can be used in a variety of situations, including during cold weather emergencies or when stranded outdoors. In this blog post, we will discuss how to use an emergency blanket in different situations. Keep reading!
What is an Emergency Blanket?
An emergency blanket is a thin, insulated sheet that retains body heat in case of an emergency. It is also known as a space blanket or Mylar blanket and is frequently used by disaster relief organizations and outdoor adventurers.
Most emergency blankets are made from a reflective material, such as mylar, that helps to reflect body heat to the user. Other blankets also have an insulation layer to help provide additional warmth.
In an emergency, an emergency blanket can prevent hypothermia by keeping the user’s body temperature stable. It can also be used as a ground cover or shelter, providing additional protection. When choosing an emergency blanket, it is important to select one that is large enough to cover the user’s entire body and which includes a reflective surface.
How Does an Emergency Blanket Work?
When faced with an emergency, every minute counts, so it’s important to be prepared with the right supplies, including an emergency blanket.
Emergency blankets are designed to block and capture up to 90% of your body’s radiant heat, creating a layer of warm air around you. This can make a big difference in a survival situation.
Because they are lightweight and compact, emergency blankets can be easily carried in a backpack or emergency kit. They are also affordable, so there is no excuse not to be prepared.
How to Use Emergency Blanket for Survival
Emergency blankets are essential for any hiking or camping trip. They can also be a lifesaver in the case of an unexpected weather event, such as a flash flood or severe thunderstorm.
Here are some ways how to use an emergency blanket:
Keeping Yourself and Others Warm
One of the most important ways to use a survival blanket is to keep yourself warm if you are stranded outdoors in cold weather.
If you are lost or injured, lying on the ground can cause your body to lose heat quickly. An emergency blanket can help to prevent this by reflecting your body heat to you.
Make sure the blanket is large enough to cover your entire body. If possible, choose a light-colored one, as this will help reflect heat to your body. Spread the blanket out on the ground and lie down on it.
If you are using the blanket with another person, make sure that both of you are lying on the same side of the blanket so you can share body heat.
Wrap the blanket around your body, tucking it in at the edges to keep it in place. Make sure that your head and neck are covered to prevent heat loss.
If you have time, secure the blanket in place by tying it around your waist or anchoring it to the ground with rocks or other objects. This will ensure that you stay covered if you happen to roll over in your sleep.
Making an SOS Signal
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to signal for help, simply unfold the blanket and hold it up to be visible from a distance. The reflective exterior surface of the blanket will catch the attention of rescuers, even from a great distance.
If possible, try to arrange the blanket so that it forms the shape of an “X.” This will help make the distress signal more visible. Once the blanket is in place, stand next to it and wave your arms to attract attention. If you are unable to stand, simply lie down next to the blanket and wave your arms.
Creating an Emergency Shelter
An aid blanket can be used to create a makeshift shelter to keep you warm and dry. To do this, find two sturdy objects that can be used to support the blanket. Then, drape the blanket over the objects so that it forms a tent-like structure.
Secure the corners of the blanket in place with rocks or other heavy objects. Once the corners are secure, pull the sides of the blanket taut and stake them down. This will create a waterproof and windproof shelter that can protect you from harsh elements until help arrives.
If possible, build a small fire in front of the shelter to help reflect heat inside.
Preventing Shock
Shock is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is not receiving enough blood flow. Symptoms of shock include pale skin, weak pulse, and shallow breathing.
It is also important to remember that if you are in shock, you may not be able to think clearly or move around easily. If you are injured, an emergency blanket will help keep your body temperature stable.
Heating Your Food and Keeping it Warm
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to eat but don’t have access to a stove, an emergency blanket can help. Simply place your food on the blanket and fold it over. The heat reflective surface of the blanket will trap heat and cook the food.
You can also use the blanket to keep your food warm after it has been cooked. Just be sure not to let the food come into contact with the metal surface of the blanket, as this can cause it to stick and become difficult to remove.
Drying Your Clothes
Mylar blankets can be used to dry your wet clothing if you’re caught in a rainstorm or if your clothes have become wet for any other reason. To dry your clothes, simply put the blanket over your head like a poncho and allow the moisture to evaporate. The Mylar will trap your body heat, making the drying process more efficient.
Once your clothes are no longer visibly wet, remove the blanket and hang your clothes up to complete drying. You can also dry wet shoes or socks by placing them on top of the blanket and covering them with another layer. This will help prevent blisters and keep your feet warm.
Starting a Fire
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to start a fire but don’t have the traditional means of doing so, an emergency blanket can give you the spark you need.
To start a fire, you will need an emergency blanket, some tinder, and a way to create sparks.
Fold the emergency blanket into a cone shape and place it over the tinder. Use your spark-creating tool to create a spark inside the cone. The emergency blanket’s reflectivity will help to amplify the spark, causing the tinder to ignite and start your fire.
Fishing
To use an emergency blanket for fishing, simply fold it into a triangle and place it under your fishing line. The reflective surface will attract fish, making it easier to catch them.
The emergency blanket can also be used to keep bait alive by wrapping it around the bait bucket, increasing your chances of success while out on the water.
Conclusion
An emergency blanket can make the difference between life and death in a survival situation. It is small, compact, and easy to pack and carry. These blankets are also relatively inexpensive, and an affordable option for people on a tight budget.
If you are ever in a situation where you need to use an emergency blanket, it is important to follow the instructions carefully. If used incorrectly, it could cause more harm than good.
We hope this guide has given you ideas on how to use an emergency blanket properly.
Stay safe!
