20 Ways to Utilize Blackout Curtains for Emergency Prepping
Having a well-thought-out emergency preparedness plan can make all the difference in times of crisis. One often overlooked resource in emergency prepping is blackout curtains. These curtains can serve multiple purposes beyond simply blocking out light. Let’s talk about 20 ways to utilize blackout curtains for emergency prepping. Blackout Curtains
Be aware that blackout curtains tend to be heavier to attain the light-blocking effect and may require a heavy-duty curtain rod or curtain hanger with a strong anchor point. Of course, the type of fabric influences the weight and the size of your window to be covered is also a factor. Certain synthetic materials are now made with light-blocking capabilities, so check to see what works best for you with your particular needs and budget.
1. Temperature Control
Blackout curtains are excellent insulators. Use them to regulate indoor temperatures during extreme weather conditions, keeping your living space cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. How To Heat Your Home In An Emergency Heat transfer both inside and outside your home can be an issue you try to monitor and control.
The use of these curtains can prove to be a real money-saver since maintaining a more consistent temperature and avoiding extreme temperatures can help reduce a high summer electricity bill and lower the cost of running the furnace in the winter. Preppers are always looking for ways to provide energy efficiency in their homes and blackout curtains are a great way to do so.
2. Privacy Shield
Maintain a low profile during emergencies by using blackout curtains to shield your home from prying eyes. This can be particularly useful in situations where privacy is essential. It can be an effective way to protect your young children, but also to help hide food storage and other emergency supplies from possible intruders. This is a great way to utilize blackout curtains for emergency prepping. Pros and Cons of a Human Proof Fence
3. Signal Blocker
Prevent electronic signals from leaving or entering your home by creating a makeshift Faraday cage using blackout curtains. This can safeguard your devices from unwanted access during emergencies. How Does a Faraday Cage Work?
There are different types of fabric required, so make sure you approach this with the right type of curtain to perform the task at hand.
4. Improvised Medical Area
Create a private and shaded area for medical purposes by sectioning off a part of your home with blackout curtains. This can be crucial for providing care in a discreet and controlled environment. Are You Prepared for a Medical Emergency?
To achieve the best results in this kind of environment, you may want to consider a room with blackout blinds or blackout shades that are more sturdy and can provide the sleep quality necessary for injured individuals. Either way, blackout curtains, blackout shades, and blackout blinds should also reduce noise levels so the people can get the rest they need.
5. Light Discipline
Maintain light discipline during blackout conditions to avoid drawing attention. Use some blackout curtains to control the light escaping from your windows and keep your surroundings inconspicuous. Harnessing Sunlight for Emergency Preparedness
6. Noise Reduction
As mentioned, blackout curtains offer some level of sound insulation. You can utilize them to minimize noise and create a quieter, more secure emergency environment. Why Preppers Need Earplugs
7. Emergency Sleeping Quarters
Set up temporary sleeping quarters in a dimly lit and comfortable space using blackout curtains. This can be particularly useful during power outages or when additional sleeping areas are needed. Navigating Emergency Preparedness with Oxygen
When unwanted light can affect sleep patterns during nap time when infants need their sleep, blackout curtains are an awesome option. They can also be used as emergency blankets for adults and children when rooms are converted to emergency sleeping areas.
8. Protect Valuables
Use blackout curtains to conceal valuable items from view, adding an extra layer of security to your emergency preparedness strategy. 10 Crucial Insights into the Value of Money
9. Makehift Isolation Room
In situations where isolation is necessary, blackout curtains can be used to create a designated area, helping to prevent the spread of illness or contamination. How to Prepare for Isolation
10. Fire Barrier
Blackout curtains are often made from fire-resistant materials. Create a fire barrier by strategically placing them in areas prone to fire risks. 20 Reasons to Have a Fire Extinguisher On Hand
You can refer to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) for some insight regarding how best to purchase and use the various fire barrier options available.
11. Water Collection
During emergencies, every drop of water counts. Use blackout curtains to collect rainwater by strategically placing them in a way that directs water into containers. 50-Year Shelf Life Canned Water-Blue Can Pure Water
12. Windbreak
Create a windbreak around your home by strategically placing blackout curtains, providing protection from strong winds during storms or extreme weather conditions. How to Survive a Windstorm
13. Solar Still
In a survival situation, use blackout curtains to create a makeshift solar still for water purification. This method can help you generate clean drinking water. How To Use Solar To Boost Your Survival
14. Garden Protection
Shield your garden from extreme weather conditions, pests, or curious eyes by using blackout curtains as durable temporary fencing. 12 Budget-Friendly Beautiful Garden Tips
15. Improvised Backpack
Convert blackout curtains into makeshift backpacks for carrying essential items during evacuations. This can be a resourceful way to transport supplies. How to Choose the Right Backpack for Emergency Situations
16. Emergency Signaling
Create improvised signals by using reflective blackout curtain materials since some blackout curtains have a shiny side. This can be especially helpful for attracting attention during search and rescue operations. Navigating Emergency Preparedness with Oxygen
17. Temporary Shelter
In a pinch, blackout curtains can be repurposed as a makeshift shelter or additional insulation for existing shelter structures. 50-Year Shelf Life Canned Water-Blue Can Pure Water
18. Vehicle Insulation
Enhance your vehicle’s insulation during extreme weather conditions by hanging blackout curtains over windows. This can help regulate interior temperatures and conserve energy. Using Your Vehicle as a Tool for Prepping You can also use these thick curtains to cover windshields during the winter so you can get a quick start without having to scrape the windows on frosty days.
19. Security Checkpoints
Establish discreet security checkpoints within your property using blackout curtains to control access and monitor movements during emergencies.
20. Community Outreach
Share the wealth of blackout curtain knowledge within your community. Organize workshops to teach others how to use blackout curtains creatively for emergency preparedness. How to Make a Community in Your Neighborhood
More Tips
- Emergency Prepping with Oak Trees
- How a Power Washer Can Help With Your Emergency Prepping
- 10 Reasons Stockpiling Emergency Supplies Makes Sense
Final Word
Blackout curtains are not just for darkening rooms, there are many ways to utilize blackout curtains for emergency prepping. By thinking outside the box, you can maximize their functionality and contribute to a more secure living environment during emergencies. May God Bless this World, Linda
copyright Images: Blackout Roman Blind Depositphotos_425399426_S By Valerii_Honcharuk, Blackout Curtains in a Modern Bedroom Depositphotos_362830098_S By Bezikus
Blackout curtains properly attached can be barriers against break ins as well. Look at the video of Waco when the ATF initially assaulted and had massive problems with the “break and rake”
HI Matt, oh yeah, I need to watch that again, good one! Linda
About 30 seconds in
https://youtu.be/9jbAIkN8b8o?si=KshvOz1IigOOVQCZ
HI Matt, oh my gosh, I noticed so many things in that short clip. Thanks for sharing that one. I watched another on but this one hit me hard what our law enforcement have to deal with and the ATF, etc. I did see the black out curtains, wow…Linda
Not so sure they needed to “deal” with it but it’s a good example of how to that gives you the advantage
HI Matt, you are right for sure. Linda
About the makeshift isolation room – I would add another layer of protection by also using some of those shower curtains we have in our stash, or a layer of plastic painter’s “tarp”. As long as this would not cause an air flow disruption, it would help to trap the spray of coughs and sneezes if it is an infectious disease such as we had/have with COVID. The shower curtains could be removed to be washed and the plastic painter’s tarps could be discarded – both as needed.
With the winds getting up to 70mph here in my area, I think using anything for a windbreak would be nearly impossible to set up!! So, curtains would not be my first line of defense with high winds.
For vehicle insulation, I would likely opt for heavier insulation. Not sure what that reflective material is called – reflexit??? – anyway, it is insulating and if it is covered with fabric, even more so – could use the curtains for that. But, with its insulating properties, if one made the curtain material like a pocket and it could be removed, the reflecting properties could then be used to cool your vehicle by reflecting sunlight (NOTE: I saw this technique in a tiny house van set up.)
I remember when my daughter was in 6th grade, she was in a club that took common articles and brainstormed how these articles could be used. It was a very interesting problem-solving technique. I remember one of the articles was a bandana – these kids came up with like 100 ways to use a bandana – all in 15-20 minutes. They were just calling out potential uses at random! Perhaps that is something we should all do all the time!
HI Leanne, oh my gosh, your daughter had a great experience with the gth grade club she was in!! There are so many scenarios, we really do need to talk with our families about what we can and what we may not want to do. Great comment, Linda