BLANKETS

							BLANKETS
In an emergency situation blankets may be needed for various reasons. They may be used to provide warmth, padding, for
carrying, sheltering, comforting, and medical applications. Blankets are made from many types of materials: wool, fleece,
acrylic, polyester, nylon, cotton, rayon, down, and mylar, and come in many sizes.
Blankets should be a part of all emergency kits and be kept in all of our vehicles, especially during the winter months.
Most of the items mentioned here may be purchased from any sporting goods or emergency supply stores and most
department stores.

Bedding: Blankets and quilts used for bedding are usually made from very soft and warm materials and are sized
according to bed size. These types of blankets can be comforting to an individual in an emergency situation. These cloth
type of blankets may also be rolled tightly and used as splints or may be used to provide shade or as a padded ground
cover. They are not waterproof and may not be effective shelter in wet conditions.

Outdoor blankets: Some blankets are designed specifically for outdoor use. Sport blankets and picnic blankets are
examples of these. Some of these blankets have a soft layer with a waterproof backing making them both warm and
protective in adverse weather.

Sleeping Bags: Sleeping bags are an obvious choice for emergency use. They provide the comfort of bedding and are
designed for outdoor use and are compact and warm. Sleeping bags may cost anywhere between $15 and $200 depending
on features.

Emergency Survival Blankets: Most emergency survival blankets are based on a reflective material concept and are
designed to retain body heat. There are many types and sizes of survival blankets all of which are very compact,
waterproof and reflective for high visibility. They may range in cost from less than a dollar to over twenty dollars
depending on their features. Single layer blankets or bags are very thin, light weight, and inexpensive. They are also
considered to be single use due to their low cost and the fact they can easily puncture and tear.

Multi-layer survival blankets or bags may have up to four layers of various materials. These blankets are more expensive
($10.00 to $30.00) and are much more durable and flexible. As well as retaining body heat, these blankets may come with
hoods, drawstrings, grommets, or velcro fasteners. They may be used as blankets or as shelters and ground cloths. They
may also come in bright colors for visibility and may even float.

SHELTER
In extreme emergencies where people are forced to leave their homes emergency shelters are usually set up in schools,
churches, etc. These would be the first and best alternative. However, in the event these shelters are not available, other
alternatives must be sought. The primary purpose of shelter is to provide protection from the elements.

Recreation Vehicles: Motor homes and camper trailers make wonderful emergency shelters. Self-contained and mobile,
they provide all the requisite needs for shelter under virtually all circumstances. The only requirement is to keep them
stocked with food and fuel necessary in an emergency.

Vehicles: A vehicle may also be used as a shelter. Vehicles provide protection, heat and communication (radio) along
with mobility. You need to make sure that the vehicle is properly ventilated and the exhaust is not obstructed at any time
while the engine is running.

Tents: Tents are another excellent form of shelter. They are compact and portable and provide protection from the
elements. Tents come in all sizes and shapes and are made from different materials. Some are lightweight while others
provide better protection from severe weather. Prices range from less than $10 to several hundred dollars depending on
size and features. Some tents have multiple rooms.

Tarps, Blankets and Ponchos: Tarps, blankets and ponchos may be pressed in to service as emergency shelters in
extreme circumstances. They may be used as tents or as ground covers. It is usually necessary to have additional items
such as rope, ax, hammer and tent stakes handy to use them effectively. If using blankets that are not waterproof, make a
two-layer tent with a gap so the water runs off the first layer before soaking through.
Emergency Shelter Building: Your shelter should be away from natural hazards and pests, but near building material,
fuel and water. The type of shelter needed will depend on weather conditions, time of day, available materials, available
tools, your physical condition and how creative you are. If you are injured or it is late in the day, you may want to build a
temporary shelter for the night. It is highly recommended that you obtain a survival manual or book containing shelter
building ideas.

Shelter Requirements: Good ventilation, no condensation. Highly visible. Ease of entrance and exit. Water and wind
resistant. Comfort and warmth.

You should always try to take advantage of any natural shelter or formations. A depression in the ground that could be
easily covered over. The side of a hill or rock that could support a lean-to. The natural shelter beneath a large pine tree. A
snow cave in a snow drift.

A tarp tent is adequate under good, warm weather conditions.
A simple lean-to provides adequate shelter from light rain and little wind.
A sturdier frame and enclosed shelter would be required in light snow, rain and wind.
A snow cave might be called for in deep snow conditions.

PRICE EXAMPLES
    Survival Blanket (silver): Army Navy; $1.99, Emergency Essentials; $1.75, Walton Feed;
      $1.80, case of 100 for $163.35 + shipping
    Survival Bag (silver): Emergency Essentials; $5.00, Walton Feed; $3.60 + shipping
    Sportsman’s Hooded Blanket/Poncho (multi-layer, grommets, red/silver): Emergency Essentials; $15.49
    Space Brand All Weather Blanket (4 layer, orange/silver, grommets): Emergency Essentials; $13.99, REI; $11.95
    Protech Bag (double layer with drawstring): REI; $19.93
    Adventure Medical Survival Emergency Blanket (silver/red, emergency & first aid instructions printed on bag):
      REI; $3.95
    Thermo-Lite Emergency Blanket (soft four-ply, orange/silver): Emergency Essentials; $9.99
    Thermo-Lite Bivvy Sack (one person, polyolefin fabric): Emergency Essentials; $19.99, REI; $25.00
    Thermo-Lite Bivvy Sack (two person, polyolefin fabric): Emergency Essentials; $24.99
    Land/Shark Bag Shelter (aluminized film, ripstop reinforced, waterproof, orange/camo, drawstring, tether &
      seadog clip, deters shark attacks in water!): lsinfo@corpairparts.com, Corporate Air Parts: $39.95 + $6.99
      shipping
    Tube Tent: Army Navy; $3.99, Emergency Essentials; $5.50
    Wool Blend Blanket: Army Navy; $16.99, Emergency Essentials; $12.99
    Nylon Poncho: Army Navy; $14.99, Emergency Essentials; $13.99
    Usborne Survival Skills (survival book): REI; $5.95
    Outsmart in the Outback (first aid/survival skills): Stat Medical Supply; $5.95