This can be a fairly sensitive subject these days with all of the wide-ranging COVID vs mask related opinions and “information” floating around. Let me say clearly, right off the bat, this post has nothing to do with COVID. That being said, let’s begin.
For many years I have read articles suggesting that a mask of one form or another be factored into your preps. There is a simple reason for this. Refer back to the “Rules of Three” I posted about a few posts back and you’ll notice the one about air. Three minutes without breathable air and the rest of your prepping plans could deflate (pun intended) rather quickly. Clean air is crucial for survival. If you have had to resort to your GHB to get home, things have probably gotten pretty bad. There could be fires burning all sorts of nasty that you don’t want to breathe into your lungs. Even grass fires can put off enough smoke to make breathing seem nearly impossible. There are plenty of forms of pollution (dust clouds, smoke, vehicle exhaust, etc) that a simple mask can help alleviate.
A mask can be as simple as a bandanna tied around your head and covering your nose and mouth. Some preppers suggest using a shemagh which can provide coverage for not only your nose and mouth, but also the head and neck which would help shield from the sun as well. Or, if you prefer, you can go with something simple and just get one of the fine(?) COVID masks we have all come to love so dearly (Insert as much sarcasm as you’d like.) My preference is more along the lines of the tubular fabric sleeves that can be pulled down around my neck when not pulled up to cover the lower half of my face. I have worn such a mask for years, beginning far prior to the COVID situation, to keep debris and a such out of my airways as I have mowed lawns, sawn wood, and various other forms of air quality reducing labor.
Whatever you come up with to use a face covering, make sure to pack one in your GHB. You never know when a situation will arise that may require you to cover your face to filter out the garbage. Keep in mind though that no mask (other than maybe an actual gas-mask) will totally purify the air you are breathing. Just do your best to find what will serve you the best.
Don’t just prepare. Prepare to thrive.
Good points.
The music of disaster always calls for basic PPE.
Masks is good, EYE protection, EAR protection, Gloves and good footwear.
Urban disaster always seems to make dust, yet a simple hooded disposable
rain cape will help to keep you clean.
PPE is not hard , or expensive, but for some it’s a huge issue although most of that is fear of ridicule from your peers.
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