Many women carry a purse when they leave their home. It usually contains essentials they know they may need. An emergency kit ought to contain these same items. Women have specific needs that are not met by basic emergency kits. Men can also improvise with these same items or include them to help a woman in need. Think of the many ways you could use each everyday item listed below in an emergency:
Chapstick
Hand sanitizer
Elastic hair ties
Bobby Pins
Compact makeup mirror
Tampons
Maxi Pads
Lotion (Corn Huskers)
Chapstick - Chapstick is basically a tube of wax. There are many uses for chapstick:
Lip balm
Chapped hands
Keep foreign matter out of a wound.
Keep infection away from sores.
As a fire starter, pull cotton off the tip of the q-tip, fluff it out, take a bit of the chapstick and rub it into the fibers, then use a lighter and touch it to the cotton. The wax makes the cotton burn longer. You can also use the juniper tree bark and rub the wax into it. Put the other end of the q-tip into the top of the chapstick and it will burn quite a while as you turn the canister. The longer your makeshift lighter works, the more likely you will be able to get a real fire going. It can also serve as a makeshift birthday candle.
Chapstick can lubricate wire threads like on a flashlight and can make it more waterproof.
It can protect steel knives and keeps them from rusting.
It helps with friction when using tools like a grip or vice - smooths it out.
It helps with anything that needs lubrication.
Reading glasses - smear onto glass; the layer of chapstick can then be polished and keeping it from fogging up.
Lubricate zippers by rubbing chapstick over the zipper, running it back and forth, and it will be in better condition and longer lasting.
Leather - protects it and helps make it more water-resistant - same for canvas.
Can remove a ring from off the finger quickly
Old drawers or windows - helps them open and close.
A pinprick in a tent can be helped by rubbing some chapstick onto it.
You can use a chapstick canister to hide money (stash)
Corrosion on car batteries
Relieves pain on feet from blisters. Same for nose sores
Keep eyes from getting too much sun - rub under your eyes.
Hand Sanitizer - many uses since it typically contains alcohol
Removes clothes stains
Fire starting aid
Emergency deodorant
Clean smartphone and computer keyboard
Elastic Hair Ties - basically an elastic version of paracord
Tightly close bags
Cordage
Money clip
Secure candles
Makes waistbands looser
Tie-dye fabrics
Cord tamer
Mark drinking glasses
Keep sleeves up
Sock saver
Bookmarker
Compact Makeup Mirror
Signaling - Morse code
Firestarter
See behind you
Store things inside
Bobby Pins
Picking locks
Money clip
Zipper head
Keep survival food fresh
Tampons - one of the most versatile items women carry
Gunshot wounds
Filters large sediment from water
Fire kindling
Dressing for a wound
Apply sunscreen
Earplugs
Toothbrush
Add a little eucalyptus oil on a tampon and stick it up the nose
Sachet to clean bag smelling clean
Use to filter water
Maxi Pads
Kindling
Wound dressing
Extra padding
Utilize tape side
Sleep mask
Puffy eyes
Underarm to protect clothes
Soothe tired eyes - put in the freezer
Temporary slippers - one on the bottom of the foot and another across the top.
Remove makeup with micellar water.
Corn Huskers Lotion - an essential part of emergency kit
Chapped, cracked, and irritated skin
Prevents trench foot
These are just a few uses for women’s essential purse items. Comment below on other ways you've used everyday items for emergencies.