Let's all do something positive this year and instead of "promising" ourselves we are going to do something then not doing, let's just do it. Through out the year let's do one thing a month which are going to be helpful for everyday life and during an emergency. Nothing overly complicated and in most cases something we can easily pick up or do. When these ideas come up do not procrastinate JUST DO IT!
Next time you are at the grocery store, yes the very next time you find yourself in a grocery store, market, gas station or liquor store, buy a lighter or a pack of lighters. You will find them in most cases near the register. If they are not right there take a moment and find out where they are. The point is, do not walk out of the place without at least one and hopefully more than one lighter.
Why? Because we need a source of fire, sure we could use a rock and piece of flint…… but why if we have lighters to use. Having the ability to start a fire with a couple of pieces of wood is an OUTSTANDING skill to have and I encourage everyone to learn how it is done. What we need is a quick and simple way to make fire. Especially if we have little ones to care for!!!
Last thing you want to be doing during a situation is trying to light something. "Something" might just be a candle after the power goes out or a fire to warm yourself when your car stalls in the woods. No matter the situation quicker and easier in this situation is the best. Having to use friction in order to make a flame should be the last option in a several option system. If you have family with you during a bad day, you are injured or you simply need the flame ASAP, doing it the “cool” way is not an option.
Now you got a lighter and unless you are a smoker you are not use to carrying one, what do you do with it. Place the lighter in what you carry every day. Purse, briefcase, backpack or even a diaper bag, the idea is to have at least one and hopefully more than one handy when you might need it. Ideally you would just toss one in your pocket but most people are not use to carrying one.
Next place to put one, remember we are shooting for buying a pack of lighters, is in your car. Put it in the glove box or center console. There is room in both of these for at least one and if there is not we need to have different discussion! Then we are going to sneak into our significant others vehicle and do the same. Let them know it is in there after you put it there. odds are they won't bother to move it once the lighter is there and will only think about it again if they need it.
Last place we want to stash one or more is somewhere in the house. Not out in the garage under the box of clothes you will never wear again. Somewhere you can get to them if the power suddenly went out. Desk drawer, junk drawer or anywhere else you could find the lighter in the dark.
For extra points this month pick up a box or two of matches!!! Strike anywhere matches are better than strike on box matches but for this either will work. Get a box and put it in the kitchen somewhere. If you get two put the second box in the garage.
If you have time or walk past a camping section somewhere look for a magnesium fire starter or something similar. Pick up a couple and then try them at home. Takes some practice before you can get a fire starter. This is why these should be our last choice for emergency situations.
Why do we need fire? With fire all sorts of other things are possible;
Cold, start a fire.
Hungry, cook some food. You can skin a squirrel, great! Without fire it is going to taste kind of gross and might make you sick.
Thirsty, with fire you can boil water to make it drinkable.
Signaling, a fire can do this for you.
Fire is a foundation to so many other skills and abilities. Pick up a pack of lighters, couple boxes of matches and a fire starter tool. Next BBQ practice trying to start a fire with these instead of lighter fluid and a blow torch!!!
As Always,
Stay Safe!!!
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