Aluminum cans contain many products. Besides common sodas, some cans have juice or concentrates inside. When it comes to survival, these cans have many more uses than simple drink containers. Below are just five examples of why you should keep an empty can or two on hand. These are just a few ways aluminum can survival can be easily achieved.
1. Starting A Fire
One of the most vital components of surviving an emergency situation is the ability to make a fire. A can, full or empty, can easily be used to provide warmth and light. The concave shape on the bottom of a can lends itself to focusing sunlight to a point for igniting kindling. All that is required is something to polish the aluminum to a high enough shine for maximizing the amount of solar energy being reflected. Toothpaste, a chocolate bar, or some gritty mud can all be used as polishing compounds.
2. Boiling Water
Water drawn directly from a stream or river may be full of bacteria and other contaminants that would make it unsafe to drink. Because of their design, cans are ideal containers for boiling water to make it safe to consume. A small stick or narrow knife blade can be used lift the popped tab in the top and close the hole. This would prevent most of the clean water from spilling out of the can while it is being carried.
3. Signaling Device
Just as the bottom of a can might be used to focus and reflect the sun to start a fire, other parts can be used for reflecting light. The smooth finish of the can’s top can be used to signal a passing plane or search party on a nearby hill. A larger mirrored surface can be made by cutting the can open with a sharp knife or rock.
4. Tools
With a little ingenuity and some items found almost anywhere, different tools can be fashioned. Anyone that has handled a torn can knows the edges can be sharp. A little folding and a stout piece of wood are all that would be needed to make a knife for cutting rope or sharpening a stick into a stake or spear. A small piece of aluminum may also be formed into a fishing hook. Adding a sturdy branch and some string significantly increase the chances of a freshly caught dinner.
5. Stove
By using a couple of items found in most survival kits, an aluminum can is easily transformed into a small cooking stove. It does take a small degree of effort, but it is worth the work to make an easily portable stove for heating water and warming small amounts of food. Detailed instructions for forming the stove can be found on a number of websites and online videos.
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