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Saturday, April 16, 2011

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.  

9 comments:

Kerry said...

I haven't seen the strike anywhere matches. I must look for those now for my "tornado box". Thanks:)

SJerZGirl said...

Great suggestion! One thing we don't have here is matches. None. Not a single one. Thanks for the kick start.

Another A-Z Challenger stopping by to visit. You can find me at:
The Frustrated Foodie

Derek Odom said...

You bet! We keep a whole bunch in the Jeep and in the house. I’m big on being prepared. Great write-up.

Unknown said...

Great reminder! It's often the small--but important--things we tend to forget.

Marie Anne said...

I need to buckle down and get my kit together. I've got some supplies that would be needed during an emergency situation, but don't have it all together as I should.

Putting matches on my list for next trip to town.

Elizabeth Mueller said...

and hide them from your 11 year-son who likes to watch things burn! ;)


♥.•*¨Elizabeth¨*•.♥

M Pax said...

Agree with Elizabeth. My cousin burned his house down playing with matches outside.

Sylvia Ney said...

Great idea fr a blog. Everyone needs these helpful tips. I’m glad I found your blog. I’m stopping by from the A to Z challenge and I look forward to visiting again.

nutschell said...

i just recently finished outfitting my bugout bag and these tips will come in handy.I love survival stuff so i'm glad I found your blog.
Great meeting you through the A-Z!
nutschell
www.thewritingnut.com