15 Emergency Essentials You Don’t Want to Be Without

Heating

In cold weather, turn metal coffee cans into crude space heaters by burning four or five metal-cup tea-light candles in the bottom (after tearing off the can’s paper or plastic labels, of course).

Keep the coffee-can space heaters on stable, fire-resistant surfaces, beyond the reach of pets or small children, and never leave burning candles unattended.

Although vegetable-wax candles do not emit toxic vapors, remember that any open flame consumes oxygen. When using this as a primary heat source, crack open a door or window every few hours to let in the fresh air.