Did you know that an average of 60,000 people die from natural disasters every year? While more than 70% of Americans claim they don't have adequate planning or supplies available for any type of disaster—natural or not.

That's why it's so important to be prepared for anything. One way to do that is by having a gas mask on hand. A gas mask can protect you from many potentially harmful situations, including chemical and biological attacks.

Today, we are going to discuss why you need a gas mask. Let's dive in!

Why You Need a Gas Mask

As we just mentioned above, a gas mask helps protect you and your family from serious, harmful situations. But there are other reasons why and situations when you may need a gas mask on hand, too.

Natural Disasters

A gas mask is essential in your emergency preparedness kit. In a major earthquake, for example, a gas mask can help you breathe in the dirty air.

Another scenario would be if you were caught in a tsunami or hurricane. Lastly, if there is any radiation in the air, it can also protect you from the harmful effects of radiation.

Dangerous Environments

A gas mask can help you survive in a dangerous environment, for example, if you were in an area on fire and the air was filled with smoke. The gas mask will filter out the harmful smoke and allow you to breathe easier.

This could be a life-saving decision in a dangerous situation. Without a mask, a room full of smoke can kill someone very quickly.

Nuclear Warfare

Did you know that the world has combined over 13,000 nuclear warheads? It's important to note that all of these nukes are just in the hands of friendly either.

North Korea alone has a nuclear weapons program that contains 30 to 40 nuclear weapons and continues to produce 6 to 7 each year.

Russia contains over 4,000 nukes and an additional 1,700 that are retired. Both of these countries have shown to be aggressive over the past decade, and it only seems to be getting worse.

Chemical Attacks

You could be exposed to deadly chemical attacks if you're not prepared. For example, a terrorist organization could release a dangerous chemical into a crowded area. Or, in the event of a natural disaster, a chemical plant could leak harmful toxins into the air.

It's essential to be prepared for any situation. That means having a gas mask on hand and knowing how to use it properly. Make sure you practice using your gas mask regularly to understand how it works in an emergency.

Nuclear Power Plants

Did you know that the United States houses more than a hundred nuclear power plants? If their electricity were to go out, how many would be able to cool themselves and turn off the thermostat, and how many would meltdown like Fukushima?

You just never know what you might need to prepare for. It's essential to always have everything on hand to be ready for any situation that may arise. A nuclear meltdown could kill millions of people if preparations are not made!

Riots and Tear Gas

Keeping up to date with the news has made it very easy to see how divisive our society is. With that said, there is no knowing when someone will want to riot or attack others in their way of protesting.

So, if you find yourself in one of these situations, it's best to be prepared with a gas mask at all times. Tear gas, pepper spray, and other rioting agents are hazardous and the last thing you want to be exposed to!

Pandemics and Contagious Diseases

If you're on the go during a pandemic, it's crucial to have an effective way to avoid contracting any contagious diseases. A gas mask is one way to help protect yourself from the transmission of these airborne viruses.

Gas masks are not just used by military forces anymore; civilians are also buying them at alarmingly high rates. This is because people understand the dangers of our world today. Being prepared can help save you from everything we just discussed.

How to Choose Your Gas Mask

When selecting your very own gas mask, keep in mind that there are several different types available. The different types can help to protect you against various scenarios.

Depending on what you want to be prepared for and who you are (a young child or an adult) can make a difference to the kind of mask you'll want to have on hand.

Full Face Respirator Mask

These are going to do what it sounds like. They'll cover your whole face so that no air touches your face. The level of encapsulation can cover your face or, with some masks, your entire head.

This is especially important when warfare chemicals are present. When chemicals are in the air, these can attach to your face and cause minor irritation or severe injury.

Certain chemicals can cause debilitating amounts of pain when it touches your skin. It can even blind you if absorbed into your eyes.

Half Face Respirators

Half face won't cover your entire face, but rather just around your mouth and cheek area. The rest of your face will be exposed. These are great for vapor and particulate filtration. 

Popular Gas Masks

If you do a quick Google search for gas masks, you may find yourself a bit overwhelmed. There are a ton of different products and brands. It's also important to note that many of these are cheap and won't truly protect you in a serious scenario.

So it's critically important that you find a reputable brand that sells authentic gas masks. This way, you are genuinely prepared and will not be exposed when you are in grave danger.

CRBN Gas Masks

If you want to know that you'll be prepared if chemical or nuclear warfare breaks out, then you should consider the IIR-100 Recon. The IIR-100 has all the components needed for CBRN protection.

You're probably pondering the question, "What is an CBRN gas mask?" Don't worry; you're not alone.

A CBRN mask protects against nuclear fallout, biological elements, and chemicals. When bombs drop and radiation fills the air, or if chemical bombs are dropped near your location, this is the mask that you'll want to have on hand. Pre-order it now to get an extra discount!

Gas Mask for Children

Next, we've upgraded out Youth gas mask - currently the above IIR-100 comes in a youth size and is already paired with our highest rated filter canister - the 40mm DefensePro N-B-1 multipurpose gas filter.  So, if you're looking for a gas mask for kids, try out the IIR-100 Recon in Youth!

Standard Survival Gas Masks

Lastly, we have our PD-100, PD-101, and ST-100X. These are great for surviving a disaster but can also be used for routine tasks such as woodworking and painting.

The ST-100X Full Face Respirator Gas Mask is ideal for compact storage and heavy-duty protection against environmental threats.

Cost vs. Benefit of a Gas Mask

When it comes to gas masks, the cost can seem a bit daunting at first. But when you break it down and realize that it could very well save your life, the expense is worth it.

There are a lot of different gas masks on the market, and not all of them are created equal. It's essential to do your research and find a reputable brand that will provide you with the protection you need in a serious situation.

Sure, a gas mask may seem expensive at first, but when you compare it to the cost of not having one in an emergency, it's a small price to pay.

The prices of gas masks can vary, but typically you can expect to pay between $100-$400 for a quality mask. If you find something cheaper than that price range, be wary that it may not meet standards and truly protect you.

It's always better to be safe than sorry. 

Be Prepared and Get Your Gas Mask

Now that you know the many reasons you need a gas mask, it's time to get one for yourself. Keep in mind the different types of masks available and what type would be best for your needs.

There are also many popular brands of gas masks, but it's essential to do your research before purchasing so that you can be sure you're getting a quality product.

With all of the dangers present in today's world, it's better to be safe than sorry. Make sure you have a gas mask on hand so that you're prepared for anything.

If you have questions about gas masks, be sure to send us a message so we can point you to the most suitable mask for your needs!