The thought of a nice, warm, fluffy blanket in an emergency is comforting but that’s not exactly what an emergency blanket is. In fact, you’re more likely to resemble the leftovers after Thanksgiving dinner when wearing an emergency blanket because it looks like a giant-sized roll of foil. However, having one of these blankets with you can come in handy in several situations.
Did you know that 1,300 people in America die every year because of excessive exposure to natural cold? To find out why you might need an emergency blanket with you at all times, read below.
What is an Emergency Blanket?
First developed by NASA in 1964, emergency blankets were a way to deflect heat from spacecraft. These thin plastic blankets are coated in vaporized aluminum. The blankets are easy to fold into small and compactible parcels that make them easy to store away or travel with.
These blankets are also easy to produce which makes them cheap to purchase. You may have seen paramedics use them for patients at the scene of an accident. They may not be as innovative as firefighting robots from LeoTronics robotics but they are useful in several different scenarios.
Their main use is keeping the user warm. The blanket puts a stop to heat loss so the person using it can remain warm and maintain a healthy body temperature.
When You Might Need an Emergency Blanket
Many people have an emergency kit when they’re traveling but few people add an emergency blanket to it. However, hypothermia is the most dangerous part of most emergencies. No one ever expects to be stranded or stuck facing the elements in an emergency.
Emergency blankets are essential for a first aid kit when you’re going somewhere you’re unfamiliar with. Whether you’re on a road trip, hiking, or anywhere you may need to wait to be rescued. Cold weather can turn to deadly weather when you’re not able to keep warm.
Additionally, if you’re injured in an accident, your body temperature can drop from shock. Using an emergency blanket can stop your body from shutting down before you’re able to seek medical attention. If you have a blanket with you, you won’t have to wait for emergency services to arrive on the scene.
Although rare, emergency blankets can also become useful in the event of a natural disaster. Community buildings like schools and sports halls should keep emergency blankets in stock.
Keeping Your Own Emergency Blanket
Your own emergency blanket would only be reserved for the worst-case scenario. Fortunately, these blankets are easy to store in a regular first aid kit because they are so compact. However, they shouldn’t be confused with fire blankets.
The best thing you can do is create your own emergency kit made up of the things you might need in a worst-case scenario. Then, no matter where you go, you can have peace of mind knowing you have what you need.
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