Emergency Light, Fire Starter and Signalling from Crayons, Crisco and Other Household Items
[Blog Link]CRAYON CANDLE & FIRE STARTER
As a candle (crayndle), stand the crayon (including the paper label) vertical on the flat end of the crayon on a non-combustible surface and light the pointed end of the crayon for a 30 minute candle.
As a fire-starter, break it in small pieces (save the unused pieces for later), place a piece in the tinder bundle and light it to get the fire started.
Naturally, crayons can also be used for writing and to mark things.
CRISCO (Shortening)
Remove the stick after pushing in the wick.
Smear the top of the wick with Crisco to get it to burn better.
Place the can on a non-combustible surface
There; you’ve got one of the longest burning emergency candles on the planet. It's been said that these can burn for more than 30 days straight!
YUMMY!
CAUTION: Consideration must be given to the foil-lined cardboard tube container as a fire hazard. If left to burn long enough, the melted oil of the shortening can make it's way into the cardboard paper, making it perfect fuel for fire. Consider transferring the shortening into a metal can or glass container (with a lid) to make the candle before lighting it.
As a fire-starter, smear some Crisco on a small piece of wood and place it in the tinder bundle and light it to get the fire started.
Candles from Household items: With a bit of wick and household items like crayons, shortening/lard, butter, vaseline, olive oil, orange peel, chapstick or any items that contain oils, alcohol, kerosene, tallow or paraffin, you can make an emergency candle or lantern. Learning to improvise in any situation, with what is readily available, is the mark of a true survivalist. Use your imagination; it could save a life.
CAUTION: Candles, in general, have a bad reputation of causing house fires. Makeshift improvised candles are even more dangerous. There are much better options (a battery powered lantern is preferable). However, if you find yourself in a cabin in the woods in the middle of the night with no electricity and the batteries in your flashlight are about to die, then something like this will work. But they come with a high flammable risk, so be careful. Use only as a last resort, burn only on a non-combustible surface and keep close watch on any makeshift candle.
See Also:
Candle from Shortening
Candles from Household Items
Water Jug Lantern
Battery-Less Devices
Emergency Lighting Products