Hello, my friend and welcome back! I sincerely hope that you and your family are doing well today. Lord knows that this Chinese Virus is trying the patience of us all, but as Preppers, there is much we can learn from it. Now grab a cup of coffee my friend and have a seat while we visit.
There is no shortage of things we can learn from this crisis if we only take the time to look. One thing that stands out in my mind is just how quickly the stores sold out of supplies and food of all kinds. While visiting the local Walmart, I couldn’t help but notice that all of the dehydrated food sold out immediately along with all other kinds of food.
If any of you were thinking that you could run to the store when something like this happens to get what you needed to finish your preps, you better think again. The thing is that when something like this happens, there is no starting whistle. No one says “Go”, and unless you are keenly aware of what is happening around the world, you may just miss it. Gather your food supplies as well as medicine and yes over the counter medicine, before a crisis actually happens. Don’t wait till the last minute to try to get what you need because it will most likely not be available.
Another thing we can learn from this is the need to stock up on the N-95 masks as well as Nitrile gloves for our Preps. This has actually been a weak point for many Preppers. While we all stock up on ammunition and the likes, we often overlook things such as items that would be needed to survive a prolonged pandemic. You may need hundreds of mask and I would recommend a huge supply of gloves.
While we are on the subject of gloves, I would recommend three types of rubber gloves that you should have in your preps. First would be the surgical gloves which are sterilized for medical emergencies. The second would be something for more everyday use like Nitrile gloves we need during this pandemic. They are not produced in a sterile environment, but they will work great for protecting you while you are out in the public. I get mine at Harbor Freight for about ten dollars a box for 50 gloves. The third is the sturdy reusable gloves that you will need for cleaning using heavy-duty chemicals. Be sure you have all three types in your stocks.
Now let’s talk about the masks. I actually saw a fellow at Walmart with a tactical mask made of thin cloth. Now don’t get me wrong, it may be all he had, and a bad mask is better than nothing I guess. The thing is it wasn’t protecting him or anyone around him. You need to have several different types of masks on hand and know which one to use when.
The first type is the N-95 mask, which will protect you from inhaling virus sized particles and chemicals. Have as many of these as you can afford on hand because they can save your life. Another type of mask you will need to keep in your preps is the Surgical type mask. While these are not designed to protect you, they will be needed to protect the people around you when you are ill or if you find yourself doing minor surgery after SHTF. These are very cheap and again I would suggest that you have several hundred in your preps. The final type is your NBC mask( Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical) along with extra filters. You will need at least one for each person.
Another thought would be surgical gowns that go over your clothes to help protect your clothes while being around other people. I must confess, this is one item that I have failed to add to my preps. Not being a Dr., I simply failed to think of it. Once this crisis passes, I will rectify the issue I assure you.
If nothing else, this crisis should teach you the true value of being prepared. Just remember that the next National crisis may not be as mild as this one has been and the only thing between you and starvation or sickness may be your preps. A wonderful website available for researching the items to add for the next Pandemic is http://doomandbloom.com/. Take my advice and visit their site and learn all you can about being prepared for medical emergencies of all types.
Please keep your eyes open and avoid listening to fake news channels that are doing nothing but fanning the flames during this crisis for sensationalism. They are not helping the American people but hurting the weak-minded individuals who listen to them by creating fear. Keep your eyes open and stay informed, my friend, as these are dangerous times and not time to let your guard down for even a second.
Well, I guess that is it for today and I hope this post helps you in some way. Until next time my friend, stay safe, stay strong and stay prepared. God Bless America!
Sarge
Spraying your M 95 mask with ‘colloidal silver’ may increase it’s effectiveness.
I have no supporting documentation but would appreciate some expert feedback on this idea.
I wouldn’t bet on it. It has shown no germ fighting properties that I’m aware of. Alot of hype, and little proof that I have found
Sarge
Word of advice – PANDEMIC – yes this is a pandemic and I’m concerned, grateful for being prepared and sorry for any deaths & tragedies – but – as far as pandemic goes this is about as minor a SHTF as it comes …
Don’t stop short with your pandemic prepping – go full CBN if you want – but better masking and full TyChem suiting is well within a prepper’s budget – MUCH MORE dry chem disinfecting agents would be needed in a highly viral certain death pandemic – set you pandemic prepping aim high and you can’t go wrong …
Agreed!
As always I do enjoy your keen insight and straight forward evaluation of the situation. I have gleamed a few nuggets from this as well. Semper Fi.
N95 masks are helpful but not 100%. Viruses are 0.004 to 0.1 microns in size. An N95 is rated for 0.3 microns.
Sarge still live by the code PPPPPP so the aft mentioned items here were secured years ago and sealed up. Still, there are weaknesses in every plan. Cornmeal comes to mind. While I did have time to secure a 50lb bag, being quarantined would be alittle less bearable without mamas cornbread. I amped up the securing of provisions In late January as I have a buddy stationed in South Korea and received some good intel. Hope your folks ask themselves “if I could leave the driveway for a month, what would I need”…..getting started on that chicken coop I’ve put off for 2 years. Thanks for your service Sarge. 2nd Generation Screaming Eagle here – just had to wear the same combat patch as my father and 2 uncles. NO SLACK!
101st, Thank you for your service as well my friend! It sounds like your doing a great job with your preps. Keep up the good work and stay safe!
Sarge
People go about their day, every day of their lives relying on everything working just fine, they have to be right every day that the water will flow, electricity will be there and people will be somewhat civilized. If you prepare for emergencies such as this virus, you only have to be right once. And after that emergency passes, replenish your stocks. Let’s keep our heads and anxiety in check, we will get through this just fine. God bless.
I couldn’t have said it better myself!
IF THE THE US KNEW SINCE 9/11 THERE COULD BE A BIOLOGICAL ATTACK AND THEY SHOULD HAVE BEEN READY, WHY DID THEY NOT GET READY FOR SOMETHING LIKE THIS?
Mike, Yes, they did know, and as usual, they did nothing to prepare. This is why we prepare because we know that the government will not be here to help us out when SHTF.
Our goal as preppers now should be to educate others while continuing to prepare ourselves. Have faith my friend, this too will pass as we will all be stronger for it.
Sarge.
One thing i have been thinking about is how to reuse masks. The only safe thing i came up with is ironing the masks. Medium hot heat from a dry iron should easily kill the virus, dipping into bleach water and air dry, maybe even throwing in a dryer on high for 10 minutes might work. I don’t know how hot a dryer gets. I’d have to check that out. Hanging out in the sun should be good too. I like the iron best.
I’m not sure how effective ironing would be and if it would decrease its efficiency. That would be a good question for the Dr. at Doom and bloom though. You might want to see what he thinks and post it here for everyone to see. I would like to know myself. 🙂
Sarge
So far i have found out you need 160 degrees to kill the virus. That is the silk setting on my iron. Each iron might have a different temp so i would check before using. I checked it with a meat thermometer because it has a metal probe. The flat masks could be ironed but not the n95.
Most masks can be washed in soap and water in your washing machine. Gentle setting. Doesn’t work with paper masks.
(It was mentioned that you could put masks in an oven to bake it. Be sure there is nothing plastic when you do it. Dry heat.
DoomandBloom.com). They have a video that was informative.
Thank you for this information my friend. Actionable Intel is always welcome. I appreciate your help.
Sarge
I can’t say it enough I surely did miss your talks Sarge and I’m so glad to be hearing from you again!!
Please stay safe yourself and thank you for some good news in these sketchy times!!
Thank you and please stay safe Becca