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Buying Your Own Protective Gear for Pandemics

Buying Your Own Protective Gear for Pandemics

by Craig

When a pandemic breaks out, it’s important that you have protective gear on hand.  Once the emergency happens, it will be very difficult to get what you actually need – so it’s crucial that you’re prepared ahead of time.

There are many different items that can help protect you, depending on the type of illness that’s spreading.  In the case of a pandemic that would require this type of equipment, you’ll most likely be looking at a virus that has become airborne – but something like Ebola can be highly infectious in close quarters, and even sweat left on a doorknob can infect you!

Eye Protection

One way that disease is spread is through contact with the eyes.  The eyes don’t offer the same protection that the rest of your skin does.  If you come in contact with a virus and then touch your eyes, the virus can be delivered directly to your bloodstream.

Some masks also offer eye protection, but if you don’t have that type of mask, you at least want to have goggles.  It’s also important to develop the habit of washing your hands before touching your eyes at any time.

Gloves

Gloves are essential for allowing you to touch people and surfaces that might be covered in virus.  You’ll want to purchase multiple sizes of non-latex gloves because latex is a common skin allergy.  Even if you’re not currently allergic to latex, it’s important to note that a latex allergy can develop at any time.

N95 Masks

Masks can help cover your mouth and nose to avoid infection.  But it’s important that you get a mask that’s actually rated to prevent viruses from passing.  Viruses are very small and a simple surgical mask isn’t enough for protection.

You’ll want to purchase N95 masks that are rated to keep viruses out.  Most of these masks are not reusable, so you’ll need to have a large supply on hand in various sizes for the members of your family.

Biohazard Suits

The most expensive (but important) thing you can purchase is a biohazard suit.  This is a suit that protects you from head to toe when you’re going into an area that’s heavily affected by a pandemic.  These suits are reusable, but must be sanitized properly before taking them off.

You’ll only need one suit per member of your family, but you need to make sure it fits properly.  It’s a good idea to go through your supply every year and evaluate to see if you need to purchase additional sizes.

Booties

Booties are disposable covers for your shoes that help you to prevent tracking in disease on your feet.  They’re usually one size fits all, so you can purchase several boxes of one size for your home.

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