Every emergency kit — whether stashed in the trunk of the
car or stuffed in your hiking pack — should contain a tarp. There are endless
reasons why tarps are one of the most reliable and affordable emergency
supplies available, so don’t get caught in a dangerous situation without one. Here
are a few ways a tarp can help save your life when you’re in a bind.
Shelter from the
storm: Tarps are easily one of the simplest and most affordable ways to
construct a protective shelter on the fly. Because they’re so compact, they can
be carried in your hiking, camping or wilderness survival kit easily without
adding too much extra bulk or weight. You can use just about any structure,
like a tree or ledge, to support the construction of your makeshift tent. Always
choose a tarp with grommets and carry rope in your pack to make the process
move quickly.
Protection from the
elements: Having adequate protection from the elements can help your body
maintain a safe core temperature. Exposure to rain, wind and snow can cause
conditions like hypothermia, frostnip/frostbite, loss of vision and other
compromising conditions. Always choose a UV-resistant, waterproof tarp — such
as a polyethylene tarp — to help reinforce the tarp’s ability to shield you
from extreme weather conditions.
Warmth when it’s most
vital: In addition to reliable sheltering, tarps can also be used as an
emergency blanket. They can help trap in essential heat so that your body
maintains a healthy temperature until rescue. In situations where sun exposure
is a concern, tarps can effectively filter out broad-spectrum UV rays to keep
you shielded from the damaging effects of the sun.
Additional
applications: Tarps, especially brightly colored yellow or orange tarps, can
also be used as a flagging device to help alert rescuers of your location. Additionally,
they provide safe, dry temporary flooring, reliable covering of your food/supply
storage and can be even used to create a water basin for collecting rainwater.
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