Matches in a Waterproof Container

The ability to create fire is a fundamental survival skill, and having a reliable ignition source in your emergency kit is essential. Matches in a Waterproof Container provide a simple and effective way to start a fire for warmth, cooking, boiling water for purification, or signaling for help. In a survival scenario, a fire can be a critical tool for both physical survival and psychological morale.

When preparing this item for your kit, it's not enough to just toss a cardboard box of matches in. They must be protected from moisture, as wet matches are useless. The best option is to use 'strike-anywhere' matches, as they don't require a special striking surface. Store them in a durable, waterproof container, which can be a dedicated match case from a camping store or even a small, clean pill bottle with a tight-fitting lid. You can add a small piece of sandpaper or the striking strip from the original box inside the container. For added protection, you can dip the heads of the matches in melted wax to waterproof them individually. As a backup, it's wise to also include a butane lighter or a flint-and-steel fire starter, following the preparedness principle of redundancy.

In a prolonged power outage or an outdoor survival situation, you may need to cook your Canned Goods (soups, fruits, vegetables) or boil water from a stream that you've filtered with your Portable Water Filter. A fire makes this possible. It also provides a source of heat to prevent hypothermia and a source of light and comfort. Having a reliable method to create fire is a cornerstone of self-sufficiency and greatly expands your capabilities in a crisis.