Emergency thermal blankets are much different than those you will find in a traditional bedroom. These blankets are made from a thin sheet of silver or gold plastic material that can be used in an emergency situation to maintain body heat.
How It Works
Your thermal blankets work in several different ways to maintain body heat. Your body loses heat from radiation, which simply means that the surface of your skin radiates heat, through respiration when you breathe and through both convection and conduction. The wind chill factor indicates the amount of heat that you can lose through convection as the wind works to cool your body when it perspires. A thermal emergency blanket actually works to keep moisture and radiant heat near your body by trapping a layer of air that insulates.
The thermal blanket provides a layer of insulation that can keep in up to ninety percent of your body heat when used properly. You will want to know some basic instructions on the use of these blankets before using them yourself, especially if you are in an emergency situation. In most cases, you will want a dry, warm area to use the blanket in and have some other warmth providing blankets to use, as well as the thermal emergency blanket.
Using Your Blanket
A thermal blanket doesn’t provide the same kind of warmth that a traditional wool or cotton blanket provides. If you are planning on spending some time outdoors in the very cool weather then it is usually a good idea to make sure you have other supplies on hand to use along with your thermal emergency blanket. For example, a thin wool blanket can be an optimal covering when used in addition to a thermal emergency blanket. Even though the thermal blankets that you use will keep the body heat in, they may not provide the additional heat you need when you have an already low body temperature.
You may also want to look for thermal blankets that are layered with Mylar and an inside material to provide superior warmth and trap body heat. A good variety of emergency blanket is used by wrapping the blanket lightly around your body. You do need a small space between your body and the blanket to trap air, which then works to insulate your body. When using the blankets in the outdoors, make sure you have some basics with you in the case of an emergency, including the following:
- Two or three thermal blankets per person. You will want to make sure the blankets are the right size for adults, and you will need one for the body and one for the head.
- A warm sleeping bag that can withstand temperatures in excess of these you will be experiencing. For example, if you expect it will be 40 degrees Fahrenheit then your sleeping bag should be made for subzero temperatures just to be on the safe side.
- Heat packs that work with the addition of water, or disposable heat packs that can be applied as needed.
- Sturdy tape for taping the emergency thermal blanket around the feet in the case of an emergency.
With each of these items you will want to ensure each person has a supply in their own pack to ensure they are prepared for an emergency should they get lost from the group. Even something as simple as a small wool blanket and a few additional heat packs can make a big difference when hiking or backpacking in extreme temperature. An extra thermal blanket can also be used as a makeshift shelter as needed.
Applying the Blanket
When using thermal blankets you should be aware of the most effective method of use. In extreme cases, such as when you or someone in your group is in danger of hypothermia, you will want to use the emergency blanket right next to the skin rather than over clothing. Wrap one blanket lightly around the body and pull the excess length up over the feet like an envelope. Tape the foot area of the blanket and any creases with a good, sturdy tape to seal the blanket. You will also want to use an additional blanket for the head, making sure to leave the mouth and nose open.
Since your body also loses heat by respiration you will want to use a light covering over the mouth and nose to reduce the loss of heat. Wool is one of the best materials for using in this type of situation but any handkerchief or cloth will work in an emergency. Make sure the person can breathe well after applying the cloth, and use any additional blankets or sleeping bags that you have on hand to supply additional insulation to the body. Thermal emergency blankets do insulate, but aren’t as good as a regular blankets for producing additional heat outside what the body has.
Preparing for an Emergency
When you need to prepare for an emergency there is nothing that is more important than having supplies on hand to maintain your body heat. If you live in a climate with snow in the winter, or even if you have snow year round, then you will want to have several thermal blankets in each car you own as well as in your home. Having a supply of these blankets in your first aid kit for emergency is just as important as having disinfectant and bandages on hand. Make sure you have enough for each person in your family to use. Typically, two to three blankets per person is recommended.
When using thermal blankets in the outdoors you also need to be prepared with other supplies to maintain body heat. Even in temperatures as high as fifty degrees Fahrenheit you can have hypothermia if exposed to high winds or if you happen to fall into cold water. These blankets are a must-have addition for all backpackers, hikers and campers who enjoy the outdoors in cooler temperatures.
