What Is an Emergency Blanket Used For?

Emergency blankets, also called space blankets, are must-haves for any survival kit. These thin, lightweight blankets are designed to reflect heat and can be lifesavers in emergencies. In this blog, we'll cover the 15 ways you can use an emergency blanket and why it's essential for anyone who spends time outdoors.

How Do Emergency Blankets Work?

 

 

Emergency blankets are made from a thin, reflective material, usually a type of plastic with a metallic coating. When you wrap yourself in the blanket, it traps 90% of heat your body naturally gives off and reflects it back, helping you stay warm. These blankets were originally developed by NASA in 1964 for the U.S. space program to protect spacecraft and astronauts from extreme temperature fluctuations in space. They are extremely lightweight, typically weighing less than 2 ounces. They're compact and when folded, they're about the size of a deck of cards. It's used by marathon runners, emergency personnel and hospitals.

What Can You Use an Emergency Blanket For?

 

 

Here are 15 ways to use an emergency blanket:

Keep Warm: You can use a space blanket to provide life-saving warmth when temperatures drop. Just wrap it around your body to trap your body heat and stay warm. The radiated heat can help prevent heat loss and hypothermia.

Emergency Shelter and Emergency Sleeping Bag: An emergency blanket can act as a makeshift shelter or even as a sleeping bag during emergency situations. You can use it as a tarp to protect yourself from rain, wind, or sun.

Signal for Help: If you're lost or in trouble, you can use the reflective surface of an emergency blanket to signal for help. You can either tie it to a stick or lay it flat somewhere elevated. It can catch the attention of rescuers from a distance.

Collect Water: You can use an emergency blanket to collect rainwater or dew. Just lay it out flat, and it can help you gather water in an emergency.

Ground Tarp: You can place an emergency blanket on the ground to create a barrier between you and the cold, wet ground. It helps keep you dry and adds a layer of warmth.

Keep Gear Dry: If your gear is at risk of getting wet, you can wrap it in an emergency blanket. It helps keep your equipment dry and protected from the elements.

Reflect Heat: You can use an emergency blanket to reflect heat from a fire or other heat source back toward you. This can help you stay warm without using extra fuel.

Keep Food Warm: Wrap your food in an emergency blanket to keep it warm for longer. This is especially useful in cold weather when food cools quickly.

Reflective Oven: You can create a simple solar oven by using an emergency blanket to reflect sunlight onto your food. It’s a handy way to heat or cook food when you don’t have a stove.

Arm Sling: In case of injury, you can use an emergency blanket to make a temporary sling or bandage. Wrap it with duct tape to stabilize an injury until you get proper help.

Emergency Stretcher: You can use an emergency blanket as part of a makeshift stretcher to carry someone who’s injured. It’s strong enough when used with sturdy poles or branches.

Wrapping Injured Limbs: You can wrap an injured limb with an emergency blanket to immobilize it. This can help prevent further injury and provide some comfort until help arrives.

Fishing Lure: The reflective material of an emergency blanket can be cut into strips and used as a makeshift fishing lure. It catches the light and attracts fish.

Waterproof Barrier: You can use an emergency blanket to line the inside of your shelter next to the rain fly or sleeping area. It creates a completely waterproof barrier that keeps you dry during wet weather.

Rain Poncho: You can use the blanket as a rain poncho. Just wrap it around yourself.

Summary

Emergency blankets are versatile and essential tools for anyone who spends time outdoors or prepares for emergencies. They work by reflecting body heat, keeping you warm, and offering protection from the elements. With so many practical uses, they're a must-have for your survival kit.

Stay prepared with Emergency USA’s top-quality emergency blankets. Lightweight, compact, and highly effective, our blankets are designed to keep you safe and warm in any situation. Shop with us today.