Useful Household Items in an Emergency

1. Make-up Mirror

A pocket-sized mirror can be a lifesaver in emergencies. You can use it to reflect sunlight to signal rescue teams or airplanes.

• Signal Airplanes: Puncture a small hole in the mirror to aim the light beam, or use a stationary object like a tree to guide your beam towards a target.
• Fire Starting: Focus sunlight onto dry kindling to ignite a fire.

Tip: Use reflections on trees or other landmarks as aiming guides.

2. Shoelaces

Shoelaces are versatile survival tools with many applications:

• Tie bundles of sticks or secure tarps for shelter.
• Create makeshift animal traps.
• Use them to fasten tools or other supplies together.

3. Paper Clip

A simple paperclip can serve as a compass to guide you to safety:

1. Unfold the paperclip into a straight line.
2. Magnetize the paperclip by rubbing it with a magnet in one direction multiple times.
3. Balance the paperclip on a cork or small piece of styrofoam.
4. Float it on still water, and the magnetized end will point north.

4. Battery

You can start a fire using a battery and steel wool. This is especially useful for staying warm or cooking food in emergencies.

• Take a 9V battery and rub it on a bundle of steel wool.
• The friction will produce sparks, igniting the steel wool.

5. Lipstick

If stranded in the wilderness, lipstick can be used to write large, visible SOS messages on car roofs, rocks, or other surfaces.

Bright lipstick colors are not naturally found in nature, making them ideal for attracting attention from rescuers.

6. Wristwatch

You can use an analog wristwatch as a makeshift compass:

1. Point the hour hand at the sun.
2. Find the imaginary line between the hour hand and the 12 o’clock position.
3. The line will point south in the Northern Hemisphere.

What Else?

Have you found other creative ways to use household items in emergency situations? Share your ideas and experiences in the comments below!