Using Tarp in an emergency

For those who did not know, Tarpaulin (commonly called tarp) is used in emergency and disaster relief situations all over the world: 

Due to its strong and flexible nature, tarp is an excellent temporary shelter and has been used in disaster situations ranging from earthquakes, floods, fires as well as tornadoes and hurricanes/typhoons. Relief agencies and disaster management organisations  have helped save thousands of lives the world over by using tarp material in the construction of emergency relief shelters in very many varying places including South east Asia after the 2004 Tsunami, The earthquakes in Haiti and Pakistan recently as well as the most recent typhoon in the Philippines. Tarp is used in conjunction with shelter kits as it is UV resistant, storm resistant, water proof (or water resistant). The tarp material is also cheap to manufacture and buy despite its many uses.

Tarp is especially used in cold weather situations: The tarp material is not very permeable. Meaning that particles do not move easily through the material (hence it being UV/water resistant). This also means that the tarp material is a great insulator of heat. 

In cold weather climates or certain times of the year, being trapped in cold weather can be life-threatening due to hypothermia. 

If you are in such a situation whether it is a camping trip gone wrong or you stuck in your car on a snow swept road, Tarp can literally save your life.

Great Uses For a Blue Tarp

Blue tarps have some fantastic uses. They are one of the most common and useful tarps you can buy. We thought it would be a good idea to highlight some of these uses below.

·         With help from some study cord, you can create a pup tent between two sturdy trees. You can use rocks and sticks to pin the edges to the ground.

·         If you have a creative side, why not cut up your blue tarp and fashion yourself a rain poncho. You will never have to get soaked again.

·         If you have a damaged or leaving roof, a blue tarp is the perfect temporary fix.

·         If you love having barbeques but hate having wet wood, use a blue tarp to cover it. Your wood will be dry all year round.

·         On those hot summers days, why not throw your blue tarp on the grass and let the hose run water down it. You now have the perfect water slide for your kids’ entertainment.

·         If you are lost in the wilderness, your blue tarp can be used to flag down helicopters.

·         If you are looking for instant shelter from the sun, your blue tarp can be assembled literally anywhere for a quick fix. Attach it to your vehicle or tree to create the perfect shelter.

·         A blue tarp is great for those that want to set up a temporary stand at a flea market.

What other ideas can you come up with?