Monday, March 30, 2009

Thinking about Airborne Agent Preps

I always have prepping on my mind, it's just a way of life for me now. I think about the preps that I have and how to best use them and I think about what I don't have too. I try to evaluate my preps regularly to see what I am lacking. Today I found myself lacking in the airborne agent preps. Whether it be Bird Flu, Chemical Attack or just a Chemical Spill I need to be prepared for it. I'm not sitting here with my tinfoil hat on waiting for something to seep in through the windows or anything but you must still be aware that it is a REAL threat.


Since I had to go to town anyway (got a rebate check from the insurance co that I had to spend) I stopped by Lowes to see if they had a few items that would at least be considered by some to be a prep for that threat. Well, I came away with a 3X50 roll of plastic to cover my windows if need be. My thinking is that it may help keep unwanted pathogens out to some degree. I also got a package of 12 3M brand dust masks, the ones with the rubber band to hold them on your face. I know it's not much but if I need to go outside for something I can at least cover my mouth and nose to limit what I do breath in. I keep plenty of plastic garbage bags on hand anyway so no need to get more at this point in time. I'm thinking I can place a garbage bag over my chimney to keep out unwanted air and that may help some too. Covering all of my vents from the heat pump would also be necessary as well as the intake for the furnace.

I know it's not the ultimate in preps but it is SOMETHING. And I'm pretty sure that if nanny.gov tries to kill us all off with an airborne agent (not that they would ever think of that..haha!!) I would have something in place that would increase my chances of survival. Bird Flu is a very real threat too, so is a Chemical Spill or any other number of things. I don't have the cash for a gas mask set for each family member as of yet, working on that now.

Now, you know what I have. What's in your wallet?? I mean preps? Are any of you concerned with this threat too or am I just thinking too much again here? I know the threat is real and now my preps are real too. I know I need a lot more but at least it's a start. I would love to hear any suggestions and or advice on what else I can do. Drop me a note in the comment section, I'd love to hear your thoughts.

This is Bullseye...OUT !!!

11 comments:

Cygnus MacLlyr said...

Hot Damn! I can FINALLY reach the Bulls again!

Told uncle to sit back and breathe, you'd surface.

Pun not intended...

Nairb said...

My next project is to make plywood inserts and bolsters for all of the windows in the house. When SHTF, I will be able to cover all of the windows easily and secure them from the inside of the house. I predict it will be hard to replace glass, even if it is just a "brief" civil unrest period.

Staying Alive said...

Bought my 6 mil plastic at Lowes last weeek. I have had the face masks forever. I ain't done, for sure, but I am cognizant of the problem. We must both stay the course!

Michael

Bitmap said...

When it comes to putting that plastic up, if you have to do it yourself, duct tape may require a third hand, especially if the wind is blowing. A mechanical staple gun can help you get the sheets up in place by yourself and hold them while you seal around the edges with tape. This won't help if you have a home with brick veneer.

Anonymous said...

Remember to seal your dryer vent, water heater flue, AC and heater vent's, and door jamb's. Oh,and the toilet vent's.
Dean in Az

Humble wife said...

You have to consider the fact that some of your group, may have been exposed and are separated then return. What then?

We plan to use our barn, and pray that this is just something we have thought about and never need.
No matter we try and foresee everything.

Stephanie in AR said...

Now that the winter clearance has started you might look for those rolls of thick, clear plastic. They are normally $10 but one Walmart had them for $2 and another for $4. It would be good for windows that you need to be able to have a good view. It can also be used for cold frames and if you are extravagant a small green house. This plastic is very thick & reusable.

Would the foam draft stoppers be useful? Because they are on clearance too. I figure anything that is used to winterize will be useful.

Bullseye said...

Cygnus, good to be back brother. Didn't mean to leave you high and dry. lol

Nairb, That sounds like a very good idea. It could work for both SHTF and Airborne Agent protection. Thanks for your comment and please come back often.

Michael, I kinda thought you would have this base covered. And yes, we must both stay on course. Thank you for coming over.

Bitmap, well stocked in the duct tape dept. I love the stuff. Good point you make too, a 3rd or 4th hand may be needed. I guess I could get the better half to help...if it will keep her alive I'm sure she would be glad to help. Thank you for your comment.

Dean in AZ, glad you brought that up my friend. I had forgoten about the dryer vent and the toilet vent. Thank you, you may have just saved my life...really.

Humble Wife, I had not thought about that and I don't want to either. But, it must be addressed just the same. Thank you for bringing up that very important subject.

Stephanie in AR, I think any kind of foam insulator will be work fine. Might have to make a run to clearance isle at China Mart now. Thanks for the heads up on the sale. Thank you for stopping by and I hope you will come back often.

Maitreya said...

Hi Bullseye,
Cheaper than Dirt has surplus gas masks for $10.00 plus shipping.
The pesticide rated Tyvek coveralls would be good protection against skin irritants or short term exposure to radioactive fallout.
I have a paint/pesticide respirator I got for working on the van, but at $40 it's more expensive than a gas mask!
I do need to stock up on duct tape though....

Anonymous said...

Nairb: My husband thought I was nuts for suggesting making plywood inserts for the windows. You just validated me. Thanks.

Humble Wife made a good point. I've wanted an outdoor shower for a while and it might serve as a "clean room" like the astronauts had to do back in space days. May not get some pathogens or chemicals, but its better protection than none. Maybe a couple big bottles of alcohol and bleach out there, too?

Bullseye said...

Maitreya, thanks for the info, I will be sure to check with them on the gas masks. I thought everyone have 10 or 20 roll of duct tape..lol Thanks for stopping by and please come back.

Anon, I love the outside shower idea, I could do that pretty easy here. Thanks.