INSTANT SURVIVAL TIP: The N95 Face Mask

I can’t quite decide what to think of this N1H1 flu bug.  On one  hand, it’s hard to take seriously a flu that is nearly invisible in my city and state.  On the other, the offical “flu season” is months away and people are still catching and dying from this virus.

I’m a Survival Mom, so of course I checked into what precautions my family should take if and when this flu, or any other, should become a serious threat.  One item that sold out around the country within just a few days of the Swine Flu scare last spring was the N95 face mask.  These masks are approved as surgical masks, but should probably not be reused since there is no way to clean or disinfect them once used.  If someone in your household became ill with this flu, you would use one mask each time you were in close proximity to him or her.  That could add up to a lot of masks!

Fortunately, they are quite affordable.  Shop around online, and you’ll find them for about 50¢ each.  Look for sites that offer free shipping for even more savings.  By the way, I recommend keeping a few of these in your Vehicle 72 Hour Kit.  They would come in handy in a severe dust storm, a forest fire, or breathing any type of contaminated air.

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