How to use a handkerchief in emergencies and in daily life.
Handkerchiefs are not just for first aid and survival in emergencies. We can use them in other ways, too.
Wow! I thought that handkerchiefs were just for wiping your hands.
If I had known how useful they are, I would have started using handkerchiefs a long time ago.
A handkerchief is not cumbersome. Why don’t I use it every day?
This post continues with the topic that we started in #78, and follows up with more how-to’s, like the ones in #80, where we learned how to make a water bottle cover from a handkerchief. Have you tried it out yet? But wait, there’s more!!
What are the uses for a handkerchief, in an emergency?
How to use a handkerchief in emergencies and in daily life?
★ Book cover
I’m going to show you how to use a handkerchief as a book cover.
Note: step 3 is only necessary if your book is on the smaller side. If your open book is larger than half the width of the handkerchief, then you can skip step 3.
Hint: There is an optional, secret step, between steps 6 and 7. If you flip your folded handkerchief over so that the underside is face up, and do everything else the same, you will have a pocket on the outside of your book. How cool is that!
When I borrow a book from a friend, I usually use this technique to cover the book with wrapping paper. I don’t want my friend’s book to get damaged or dirty. Handkerchiefs are even better than wrapping paper, because a handkerchief is reusable!
★ Pillow
Wrap a bath towel, trainer or anything soft, to make a pillow, using your handkerchief as a pillowcase.
The handkerchief as pillowcase is very simple. You can wrap something soft in your handkerchief, or you could just drape your handkerchief on top. The point is to have clean fabric to put your face on.
I sometimes need a very thin pillow for my neck.
One bath towel is perfect!
★ Box tissue cover
This is something you can do with your handkerchief in your daily life.
I have this box of tissues in my car.
I can use the handkerchief in an emergency.
The handkerchief is so much more than just a rag for cleaning. You can decorate your home using the numerous, varied handkerchief designs that are available. You can express yourself, in your own style, using your favorite handkerchief pattern.
If you can not find a handkerchief with your favorite design, you can simply get fabric from the store and cut it into a square. Boom! Homemade handkerchief. But if you expect to wash it often, you should sew the edges of the fabric to prevent fraying.
We have still more ways to use your handkerchief!!
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.