What other ways are there to use a handkerchief in emergencies?
Handkerchiefs are not only for first aid. We can use them in other ways too, during an emergency.
I thought bandanas were masks and hair accessories. I didn’t know that they have other uses.
Oh! I saw a TV reporter put a handkerchief in his pocket. Nice!
I have towels, but not a handkerchief.
A handkerchief is a valuable, multi-purpose tool in an emergency! We can use it for first aid, but we can also use it as a survival tool. Once you appreciate how useful handkerchiefs can be, you will want to set them up in your emergency stockpiles and in your emergency backpack. You might even start carrying a handkerchief with you, in your pocket, all the time.
If you didn’t read my previous post #78. please check it out.
We’re going to continue what we started in the previous post.
What are the uses for a handkerchief, in an emergency?
How to use a handkerchief in an emergency?
★ Signal flag
Tie a handkerchief to a stick and wave it high, to attract attention. Use a brightly colored handkerchief to signal for help.
★ Rope
Tie handkerchiefs together or cut a handkerchief into strips, and and tie them together to make a rope.
★ Weapon
Put a rock or other heavy object inside the handkerchief and wrap it up to create a weapon. Swing it at an attacker to defend yourself! Or use it to break a window so you can escape.
★ Bag
Tie all four or just two corners of a handkerchief together, to make a bag.
Method 1
Method 2
Method 3
★ Water pre-filter
Pour the water through the handkerchief to remove sediment, bugs, and other floating debris from the water. It will absolutely NOT remove any microscopic organisms (bacteria, protozoa, or viruses), or any harmful chemicals, but it can help before using additional filtration or purification methods (like chlorine or a micro-filter).
★ Fire starter aid
Cut your handkerchief into small pieces and use it as tinder, or soak it in oil to create a torch.
We have a special cotton fabric in Japan ↓↓
In Japan, we have Sarashi, which is a soft, gauzy cotton fabric, which is used to make everything from clothing to household linens like napkins, dish cloths, and handkerchiefs. We also use it in the hospital.
It’s better than nothing, So, why don’t you add the handkerchief to your pocket or bag?? There are still more ways to use your handkerchief, that I haven’t talked about yet. I will tell you ways to use it in your daily life, next time. Check out the next post!!
See you next time.
Remember, “Protect your life by yourself” （自分の命は自分で守る). You need to survive first, and then you need your emergency supply. No matter how well you prepared your emergency supplies, if you die, then all of your preparations will have been for nothing. First and foremost, keep your health up all the time. Build your stamina so that if you need to, you can evacuate as quickly as possible. Stay healthy.