Did anyone happen to catch this 30 minute program on the History Channel tonight? I thought it was pretty "light" and I was expecting to learn of things to expect...like the types of gases, etc, and how to deal with this.

It basically was recommending a supply/materials list that the American Red Cross suggested. List found on redcross.org.

I thought it terribily irresponsible not to recommend a side arm as protection, but then again, I'm a born and bred Kentuckian and this is not uncommon in my part of the world.

I actually have gotten more information from posts made by Old Bald Guy and BeachDoc on this website on the types of gases, agents, etc, there are and the effects.

All in all, the program was very disappointing and not insightful at all. Guess I should have expected this from a "mass market" tv station.

I watched it, and agree that it was pretty much a waste of time. I was a little surprised (and happy) that they actually said that running out and buying a gas mask for the entire family is just a waste of time and money. The recommended stuff to have on hand was nothing more than common sense, and what everyone should have stored all the time anyway. I did get a kick out of their sealing a room from the outside air with plastic and tape. I still want to know, if you completely seal a room, how do you get oxygen to breath???

I've been pretty mixed about the "gas mask" thing. I've worried if I'm being irresponsible for not having these available to my family. Then again, I guess they'd have to carry them around with them 24 hours a day (assuming they even fitted properly). And how would you know when to put it on? I guess if you're lucky and you notice people dropping like flies en masse and assuming you just didn't inhale for a bit, you'd know....

But the "little" dusk masks recommended by the Red Cross on that "documentary" was even a worse joke...they don't even work for me when I mow the yard!

I saw it too and thought it was totally weak!

I was looking forward to a nice episode of "Conquest" after "Mail Call" went off. But even when this thing came on I thought, "well, this might be good... I might learn something." Now, I just wish I'd gone to bed early.

You could definitely peruse this site for a half hour and get more/better info than what that program had to offer. I even thought about sending a letter to the History Channel about it, but then I figured some of their audience may have actually needed that information. Not everybody comes here and discusses survival all day like us! <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />

An N95 or P100 rated surgical mask will filter out up to 99.997% of things like TB, Inhilation anthrax and airborne smallpox among other things. It is useless of course against any chemical attack.

While not a permanent solution it may get you out of an unpleasant situation to a safer area.

The key to these masks is the seal. I plan on duct taping the edges to get a good seal if and when the time comes. The size, price and convenience of carry of these masks make you more likely to take one with you.

A good fitting "NEW!" high rated gas mask is the way to go albeit expensive, no less than $150 for a good one. Don't even think of buying a used surplus mask of any kind. They are surplus for a reason. The failure rate on new masks is high enough let alone used.

Should you buy one?

To tell you the truth, I don't know.

But one thing I do know is when you need one the most there won't be any.

Mike

Thanks Mike.

Know any reputable places that sell those gas masks?

Do you mean gas masks, or the surgical masks?

I creatively procured my masks and filters before leaving the military but I do have a couple of friends who have had good dealings with a couple of online vendors.

What kind of mask are you looking for? What kind of protection?
Masks these days are like buying cars there are a lot of options for them.

Mike

I guess good NBC type masks. Would be looking for two adults and two that fit a nine and four year old...if there's such a thing! I'm assuming I can get the "medical" kind at a local drug store.

Thanks

You can pick up the medical kind at some places don't confuse them with dust masks because they are very different. I like the fold down flat version vs the preformed because it packs very small.

As for NBC rated masks, if I were in the market for one I would be considering the M95 mask. You will pay a little more for it but unlike others it has a 20 year shelf life and its filters 10 years. Make sure you get the NEW full NBC filters for it. I suggest a minimum of 2 filters per mask.

http://www.approvedgasmasks.com/scott-m95.htm

There are other masks out there that will work as well but for an extra few $ a mask, you can have the best.

As for kids masks I really have no experience with them. There seems to be a lot to choose from for kids.

http://www.approvedgasmasks.com/child-masks.htm

I would contact the vendor and ask LOTS of questions and ask about warranties and guarantees.

Don't forget to shop around and buy NEW only.

There are a few things you should never buy surplus or used. Underwear, parachutes and gas masks.

Mike

Thanks so much, Mike. It helps alot!