Basic First Aid

An emergency survival blanket is an essential item for keeping warm when a natural disaster strikes or when you find yourself stranded and need to survive on your own for a few days. Whether an emergency forces you outdoors or knocks out power that controls your home heating system, having the proper provisions to keep warm prevents you from serious medical situations.

Avoid hypothermia by making sure that your body heat does not escape in an emergency. If you use an emergency survival blanket, this will cover you from head to toe, keeping your body heat high and helping to avoid those telltale signs — shallow breathing, shivering and a weakening pulse.

When you are purchasing an emergency survival blanket, make sure that it has the following properties. The blanket should be composed of a polyethylene-based material, making it tear-resistant. It’s covering should be bright in color so you can be seen by rescuers and it should also be lightweight so you can carry it around.

You should know that not all blankets are made the same way. If you are out in the elements or without heat for extended time, the correct covering will be essential to protect you from hypothermia. The best blankets reflects your body heat back to you and prevent rain and wind from soaking in.

There are an estimated 700 deaths each year in the United States due to hypothermia. It is a dangerous condition which occurs when you are exposed to cold water or cold air for a prolonged period of time. If not treated, it can lead to death.

There is a big difference between a regular blanket and an emergency survival blanket. The latter is wind and waterproof and is especially designed to stop your body heat from getting out. Furthermore, the emergency blanket does not stiffen up when it gets very cold and it is specifically made for the purpose.

There are very many different situations you could find yourself in, prompting emergency response. Just think — a fire could take place in your home forcing you into extreme cold. The electricity in your home could suddenly go out, or you could become stranded in your car somewhere. An area emergency could force you out of your office or home, or if you work outdoors on a regular basis, or play winter sports, you might need to warm up very quickly. If you like outdoor adventures, it is not inconceivable that you could become injured or lost. Make sure that you are prepared for any situation.

An emergency survival blanket should be part of any disaster preparedness or survival kit. There should be one available for every member of your family in the event of an emergency. Even if its not needed for warmth, it is useful as an emergency shelter, sun shade protection, a tent floor, or for covering emergency kit items or other gear.

Filed under: first aid