Here is a fun and easy project for you to try. Homemade emergency heaters are an awesome idea and they are easy to make. They can be used as a heater in your home, a heater in your car during the winter months, a heater for camping or a heater for your 72-Hour kits. You only need three things and just a few minutes to make them.
Something else you might consider is that these heaters would make an awesome gift for friends or family who are working on preparedness. Gift giving instructions are included below.
Here is what you need:
1 empty quart can with lid (purchase at any paint store – Under $3 at Home Depot)
1 pint bottle rubbing alcohol - 70% isopropyl alcohol (store with an extra bottle of alcohol to refill; the alcohol burns, not the toilet paper)
1 roll toilet paper – cardboard removed
Paint can opener (optional, or use screwdriver)
How to make your emergency heater:
1. Remove core of toilet paper
2. Fold the roll of toilet paper in half and stuff into the empty quart can.
3. Slowly pour 1 pint alcohol into can. (Pour alcohol in just before lighting)
4. Light with a lighter or match.
5. To extinguish, replace the lid.
6. Put the following instructions in with the rest of the items.
Instructions for using Emergency Car Heater:Use 70% isopropyl alcohol-any higher percent the flames could be too high. Do not use scented alcohol, it will smell awful in your car. 4 pints of isopropyl will keep a car 60 to 70ยบ for 24 hours. They are extremely safe and don’t produce carbon monoxide.
Warnings: Be careful! The can rim will be hot to touch during and for a while after burning, although the can could be held from the bottom even while the heater is burning. It is suggested that you carry a metal pan or cookie sheet or fold a square of tin foil into fourths to set the heater on. Do not pour more alcohol on the heater while burning. Wait for it to burn out or smother with metal lid. **It is recommended that you keep a window cracked open while burning the heater. Burning anything in an enclosed space depletes oxygen. ** This heater is NOT recommended for cooking!
To make as a gift: Remove core of toilet paper. Fold the roll of toilet paper in half and stuff into the empty quart can. Put the can, the alcohol, paint can opener and a box of matches or a lighter in a Ziploc bag separately so the recipient may pour the alcohol in the can when heat is needed. Copy the information above and include it with the kit.*Optional: Include a small ceramic tile or folded aluminum foil to set the heater on when lit.
2 comments:
Love this idea. I am going to try it.
I use a small christmas tin with a lid for mine. I also use a roll of streamer paper (aka crepe paper). The package says "flame resistant" which means it doesn't burn as much as the toilet paper and it "wicks" the alcohol liquid better. 1 tin, one roll of streamer and 70% alcohol. The lid extinguishes the flame when done. Just pop the lid on the tin to avoid alcohol evaporation. Just an alternative idea.
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