M is for Matches

Matches are an important item to have in your emergency preps. They can light candles and lamps, start a warming fire, or sterilize medical equipment in a pinch. Here are a few tips on what to buy and how to properly store matches:

1. Buy strike-anywhere matches or, better yet, storm matches. Strike anywhere matches don't require that special strip found on strike-on-box matches. They can be lit in almost any condition. Storm matches have a chemical component that keeps the match burning even in high winds. It is also coated in wax to keep the matches water-proof until needed.

2. If buying strike-anywhere matches, vacuum seal the box in plastic to keep waterproof. Store in a dry location where the matches won't be disturbed. The vacuum sealing will also keep out the oxygen required to light the matches should they accidentally rub against each other.

3. Buy smaller packages of matches and vacuum seal separately so that you do not have lots of matches exposed to the elements at the same time.

4. Store a total of at least 2,000 matches in your emergency preps. Regardless of the source of the emergency, one of the most common results is a loss of power. You will go through a lot of matches keeping lights on and keeping warm.