Gas Mask

[Bakeness7]

I've just recently started preparing myself for the SHTF scenario that may or may not happen in our country. One of the things I'm looking at getting is a gas mask. I was wondering what type of gas mask those of you are much more prepared than I am have gotten. Do you just go to a military surplus store and get whatever they have? Or are there any in particular that you would recommend? I've read a little bit about the Israeli Army N15 Gas Mask, is this a good way to go for the price?

 

[FindLiberty]

You must live too close to ground zero if you think you'll be needing a mask!

Got (spare, various) filters?

 

[Dr.3D]

I've just recently started preparing myself for the SHTF scenario that may or may not happen in our country. One of the things I'm looking at getting is a gas mask. I was wondering what type of gas mask those of you are much more prepared than I am have gotten. Do you just go to a military surplus store and get whatever they have? Or are there any in particular that you would recommend? I've read a little bit about the Israeli Army N15 Gas Mask, is this a good way to go for the price?

It all depends on what you are tying to protect against. If you are worried about nuclear fallout, then just think about dust. If you are worried about some kind of organic gas, then it will need to have an activated carbon filter. If you are worried about pathogens, then it will be necessary to know how small the pathogen is and have a filter rated smaller than the pathogen is.

I don't worry so much about having a gas mask as much as I do having water, food, shelter and heat. A simple paper dust mask is probably enough to keep out most pathogens.

 

[dannno]

Don't forget these:

http://www.nukepills.com/

 

[Dr.3D]

I've had one of these for the past five years and it works great. I took it to the dentists office and when I had my teeth x-rayed, it went off with two beeps.

http://www.nukalert.com/

 

[noxagol]

Well, best get one that can accept a NATO filter. This will stop any chemical weapon inhalents and the filters are pretty common.

 

[RSLudlum]

Don't forget these:

http://www.nukepills.com/

I actually have a couple bottles of Potassium Iodide stashed away in the emergency supplies.... gotta protect that thyroid when the SHTF

 

[Bakeness7]

You must live too close to ground zero if you think you'll be needing a mask!

Protection from tear gas and other things of that nature are more of a concern to me living in a large metropolitan area.

 

[noxagol]

Protection from tear gas and other things of that nature are more of a concern to me living in a large metropolitan area.

Then get one that will cover your face completely and will accept a NATO threaded filter. You will also have to cut your hair short on the front and be clean shaven so the mask can form a proper seal with your skin.

 

[brandon]

If anyone going to the R4R plans on walking the streets of St. Paul, you may want to bring a gas mask. I think there is a good chance the police will be using tear gas against the GOP welcoming committee

 

[GunnyFreedom]

2 crucial points. First, a gas mask us pointless unless you learn how to don and clear. If you do not know how to don and clear, you are better off without the mask, as you will be breathing the same air, only the mask will reduce your visibility 75% or more.

Second, get one with an external filter, preferably the newer US issue model. The model we used when I was in the Corps had internal cheek filters, and if your filter went out you had to decontam and remove the mask to replace the filter. With an external filter, you can replace the filter in a dirty environ, you just need to clear again.