Gassing Up And Other Things To Do In An Evacuation

Gas masks are essential in an evacuation of a biological or chemical disaster. Knowing how to use it properly will increase your chance for survival.

There are different types of gas masks, and you should follow the specific instructions for that particular mask. The instructions below are for a canister type gas mask.

Wear a mask that fits properly: You should make sure you have a gas mask that fits you correctly. You would not want it to fall off in the event of an evacuation. Also, you should leave your gas mask on when instructed to do so. If you take it off you could risk breathing in harmful chemicals that can cause sickness, cancer, or death. You will be informed when it is safe to remove your mask. Also, be sure to teach your family, especially young children the importance of keeping the mask on.

How to put the mask on correctly: You must be able to put the mask on quickly, and correctly. When picking up the face piece, be careful not to touch the eye area of the mask. If you do, it will get dirty, and fingerprints will impair your vision. This impaired vision could slow you down.

When applying the face piece, slide the thumbs inside so it fully opens. This makes it easier to pull it over your head. While pulling the mask over head, make sure all straps are straight and the headpiece is centered. This will insure proper fit when applied. Use firm, outward strokes pressing the face piece to your face. Adjust the head straps with a quick pull, rather than a slow one.

Check your mask for leaks. If it is a canister mask, cup your hand over the outlet valve and breathe into the inlet. This forces contaminated air out. Also, be sure to check for leaks. Put the palm of your hand over the inlet opening, and breathe slowly. If no air escapes around the face piece then you have a working mask.

Ask questions about how to use your mask. If you need further instructions on how to use the mask, ask for help. Also you can contact trained personnel to ask them how to use a mask in case of an emergency. Furthermore, you can attend classes that teach you how to use it.

Put your mask on immediately and leave it on. You should put your mask on at the earliest sign of danger. Also, you should leave your gas mask until instructed that it is safe to remove it. If you take it off you could risk breathing in harmful chemicals that can cause sickness, cancer, or death. Also, be sure to teach your family, especially young children the importance of keeping the mask on. Again, it is very important that you leave it on until told to remove it.

Removal of Mask: Unfasten the neck strap, grasp the nose cup, and pull in a downward, upward, and outward motion. Never grip the outlet when removing the mask (canister type).

Clean your mask before storage. Wipe the outside surface of the mask clean with a clean cloth and disinfectant. Then, place in a safe place to dry. When dried completely, you can store your mask.

Store your mask properly. Make sure to put your mask away properly. You never know what you need to use it again. Make sure the head harness is folded into the face piece. Again, remember to keep your hands off the eye piece. Store it in a waterproof bag. The inside of the wet cannot get wet at all, or the unit will be damaged.

Place stored gas mask in your survival kit. Place your gas mask in a survival kit. You will need this kit in the event of an evacuation. This kit can be stored in a bag, box, or suitcase. That way you will know exactly where to find it in case of an emergency. Also included in your survival kit will be food, water, extra sets of clothes, sturdy shoes, important legal documents, first aid supplies, and prescription medications.

Gas masks in public buildings. If you are at high risk for a chemical or biological warfare spill, it is wise to have a gas mask available for everyone in the building. This would be true in school, libraries, stores, and places of employment. This makes evacuation during wartime much safer for everyone.

You will need to stay informed and look for more helpful tips on what to do in a chemical or biological warfare evacuation. More and more information is available to you every single day, for your safe evacuation. This is a matter of survival, so be sure to follow these procedures carefully.