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Matches

About Matches

Matches are one of the most important parts to your emergency prep supplies. Sure, you probably have some at home, but have you really stored enough? The match is the fire starter of fire starters. For emergency-use purposes, they light candles, firewood, a barbecue, canned heat, ignite a gas stove when the electricity goes out, denatured alcohol, InstaFire, lamp oil, solid fuel tablets, coal, charcoal, pinecones and other yard debris, etc. All to cook your food and keep you warm.

Store as many matches as you feel comfortable. During emergencies, neighbors may appreciate the help.

As important as matches are to emergency preparedness, they pose a very real danger to children. Be sure to keep them out of reach if you have children in the house.

Types of Matches

Matchbook

Avoid using these cheap matchbooks in your kits and emergency supplies and use the better ones.

Wooden Matches

These are much more reliable, are sturdier, and don’t absorb moisture as readily.

Long Stem Matches

These matches are safer to use for lighting wood fires, charcoal, or appliances. This will allow you to light things from a safe distance.

Wind & Waterproof Matches

These matches are designed to light in adverse conditions. These should definitely be part of your grab & go bag.

How many do I need?

    Store as many boxes of matches as you feel comfortable having. Remember to put some in your grab & go bag as well. During power outages, your neighbors might be able to use some so you can never have enough.

    Since the pandemic, there have been some notable shortages so make it a priority to get some now.

Check these stores for availability. Home Improvement Stores
Hardware Stores
Superstores
Grocery Stores
Gas Stations
Online
Do's and Don'ts
  • Do not let the matches get wet.
  • Do not store in direct sunlight.
  • Do not leave matches with children unattended.
  • Do not use gasoline or other petroleum products to help start a fire.
  • Do use dry tinder and kindling to start a fire.
  • Do keep in an airtight and waterproof container made of thick plastic.
  • Do keep in a cool area.