Household Hacks You Should Know

When it comes to life-saving gear, you are limited only by your imagination – and your commitment to use it. Luckily, there are plenty of versatile items you already own that can double as survival gear.

Continuing our “Back to Survival School” theme for this week, here are some items – combined with knowledge of basic survival skills – that may one day give you the advantage in a survival situation.

• Aluminum foil. Great for signaling, it can create a bowl for cooking, or when connected to each side of a battery can be used to start a fire.

• Bag of chips. Because of their oily nature, it can make a signal fire.

• Bandana. Fanning smoke signals, bandages, signaling.

• Batteries. Can never have enough of these and other than the obvious are great for starting fires.

• Bed sheets. Shelter, clothing, signaling. 

• Bleach. Great for disinfecting and can be used to make unsafe water potable.

• Bra. The cup of a bra makes an effective facemask when in a toxic or dusty/smoke-filled environment.

• Cans (food/coffee). Makes a much-needed makeshift stove or fireplace.

• Chapstick. A nice little candle when a cotton wick is inserted into the middle. Also ideal for making things waterproof.

• Coffee filters. Filter dirty water, toilet paper, bandage. 

• Cotton balls. First-aid or tinder for fire.

• Dental floss. Can be used as fishing line or to make a snare.

• Duct tape. You name it. Pound for pound the best.

• Frozen bag of veggies. Ideal for use as an ice pack to reduce heat/swelling.

• Hand sanitizer. Other than the obvious, great on cuts and to start a fire.

• Pantyhose. Can be used as a fish net and to help filter water.

• Plastic bottle. Good for storage, and you can make a solar still by cutting the bottom off, folding it inward, placing upside down and being patient.

• Pop can. Can make a fishing rod by wrapping with dental floss and the tab can be made into a fishing hook.

• Salt. Can preserve food and be used as an antiseptic for sore throats.

• Socks. The thin liner socks are great to prevent blisters and are also ideal for water filtration.

• Trash bags. Outstanding raincoat, water collection and shelter.

The true sense of the word “improvise” means you could take just about anything and make it help you survive. Be creative and never quit.

HaloXT Tactical Flashlight

Speaking of items that can provide you with more than one usage, I’d like to remind you of our HaloXT Flashlight with its nine functions.

In addition to its light functions, this tactical flashlight has small solar panels so you can charge it with just the power of the sun. As well as a glass breaker, a seatbelt cutter and a compass. The HaloXT also has an anti-slip handle and an adjustable wrist strap.

Despite the fact that it’s small, lightweight and easy to handle, it’s extremely sturdy. That’s because it’s made from aluminum alloy. It can handle abuse. And that includes dropping it on the floor or ground, and banging it against something.

It will continue to perform perfectly. This flashlight is weather-resistant, shock-resistant and corrosion-resistant. It even includes a magnet so you can secure it to your car and use both hands to work. 

Here’s how you can get yours... or better yet, several of them.