| An emergency blanket is a staple for any first aid | | | | thicker, quilted style polyester blankets can retain |
| kit or emergency preparedness kit. These small, | | | | approximately 90 percent. |
| lightweight blankets are relatively inexpensive and | | | | When shopping for this, it is a good idea to think |
| can be bought at department stores, army | | | | about when the blanket may be needed. Because |
| surplus stores, or from online retailers. These are | | | | the blankets can double as shelters, this is useful |
| valuable tools that can potentially save lives in the | | | | for camping or hiking trips. The blankets can |
| event of a car accident or other emergency. | | | | protect against wind and rain as well as repel heat |
| These are made with a very thin material that is | | | | in areas where shade is not available. The |
| similar to foil. They are sold as reusable but many | | | | standard size for most emergency blankets is 84 |
| opt to dispose of them after they have been | | | | inches long and 52 inches wide. This is adequate |
| used. The cost of the blankets is usually around | | | | coverage for one person from head to toe. A |
| one to two dollars. Once the blanket has been | | | | few manufacturers produce blankets that are a |
| removed from its packaging, it does take some | | | | bit bigger and are big enough to cover two |
| effort to refold. The blanket would also need to | | | | people. |
| be cleaned before reuse. | | | | If the blanket will be used in remote areas or in a |
| Blankets made with Mylar material are often | | | | rescue situation, a neon orange color blanket is a |
| prone to tearing or flaking if handled roughly. | | | | good idea. The blanket is lined with orange on one |
| Emergency blankets made with insulated | | | | side that makes it easy for rescue crews to |
| polyester are sturdier and can withstand several | | | | identify from the air. If orange is not an option, |
| uses. Generally most Mylar blankets can retain | | | | the reflective silver or gold material the blankets |
| about 80 percent of a person's body heat. The | | | | are made with will also aid visibility. |