1. Home
  2. Prepare Your Home
  3. Loss of Power
  4. Matches
Matches

How to Choose the Right Matches for Emergency Storage

Matches are one of the most important parts of your emergency prep supplies. Sure, you probably have some at home, but have you stored enough for a prolonged emergency? The match is the quintessential fire starter. For emergency use, matches help you ignite candles, firewood, barbecues, gas stoves, denatured alcohol, InstaFire, lamp oil, solid fuel tablets, and more - providing the initial spark needed to start a fire for cooking and warmth.

As important as they are to emergency preparedness, matches can be dangerous in the hands of children, always keep them well out of reach.

Types of Matches for Emergency Preparedness

Matchbook

Avoid using cheap matchbooks in emergency kits—they’re prone to breaking and unreliable in damp conditions. If included, store in a waterproof container and use only as backup.

Wooden Safety

Sturdier than matchbooks and easier to handle. However, they’re still vulnerable to moisture unless stored properly. Best used indoors or in dry environments.

Long Stem

Ideal for lighting stoves, grills, or campfires safely. Their extended length helps prevent burns and improves reach in tight or awkward spaces.

Wind & Waterproof

Highly recommended for emergency kits. These matches are designed to ignite in wind, rain, and damp conditions—perfect for outdoor survival or grab-and-go bags.

Stormproof

Burn even after being submerged in water and stay lit in high winds. A top-tier choice for extreme weather, flooding, or wilderness emergencies

Strike-Anywhere

Can be lit on most rough surfaces—no striker needed. Useful if gear is lost or damaged, though availability may be limited due to safety regulations.

How many do I need?

    When it comes to storing matches for emergency preparedness, it’s safe to say you can never have enough. Store what you feel comfortable with for in-home use and as a necessary component of your shared essentials bag should you need to leave home. This specific type of go bag is attended to by an adult.

    Consider having extra supplies on hand to share with family and friends in the event of a prolonged power outage. Remember to always store matches out of reach of children to ensure their safety.

Check these stores for availability. Home Improvement Stores
Hardware Stores
Superstores
Grocery Stores
Gas Stations
Online
Do's and Don'ts
  • 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.
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about using matches as emergency fuel.

  • Matches ignite through a friction-triggered chemical reaction. Striking a match generates heat, causing the chemicals in the match head—typically potassium chlorate and sulfur—to react. The striking surface contains red phosphorus, which converts to highly reactive white phosphorus under heat, igniting the sulfur and wood to produce a flame.

  • Matches provide the initial spark needed to start a fire, making them essential for cooking, heating, and lighting during emergencies. They can ignite a variety of fuels including candles, firewood, alcohol stoves, and more.

  • Windproof and waterproof matches are highly recommended for emergency use. Long stem wooden matches are also a great option for safely lighting fires. Avoid low-quality matchbooks, which tend to break easily.

  • Store a large supply for both home use and evacuation kits. Include extra to share with others during prolonged emergencies. Keep matches in a waterproof container and store them in a cool, dry place out of children’s reach.

  • Keep matches in an airtight, waterproof container away from direct sunlight and heat. Avoid storing them in areas where they could get wet or be accessed by children.

  • Do use dry tinder and kindling. Do keep matches cool, dry, and secure. Don’t use gasoline or other accelerants, and never leave matches unattended with children.