Ash/Dust Mask for Infant or Toddler

[liza-s]

Some might think I am bit paranoid for emergency preparedness. I feel like a slacker, because I never updated my kit to include respiratory protection for my son (1 year). I can't find any masks on the internet for younger than age 4. I figure I will sew up a few for him, but I am wondering if other momma's or pappa's have found something that works (ready made or patterns).

For anybody who has been through volcanic ash/forest fire ash events with recommended respiratory protection - any tips on getting through it with a little one? I know my son will fight me over wearing a mask for a while, but he eventually stopped pulling his hat off, maybe he'd eventually accept a mask.

Thanks.

[roadfamily6now]

I would think that if the ash is not terrible, just a winter face warmer mask would work.

We are like totally unprepared with stuff like that. We would just improvise.

[liza-s]

I spent about 2 months doing hazardous materials cleanup in Plaquemines Parish LA after Katrina :. (My staging area was about 70 miles south of New Orleans, so you can just imagine the amount of devestation). Previous to that I had worked on some emergency scenarios for the city of Anchorage. My biggest lesson learned was that I need to be as self-sufficent as possible. And 3 day emergency kits would be a joke after a massive earthquake. I came home and put together a 2 week kit, but currently only have a 1 week supply of water. (In winter we'd be melting snow, in summer I can store it in my shed). I am probably a bit more paranoid, but my experiences are a little different. I am still on the emergency response team and would need to know my husband & son had provisions in case I had to mobilize (although in a big event, I'd probably be mobilized in town, so it wouldn't be too bad).

Here is the Muni of Anchorage's information on Volanic Ash Preparedness: http://www.muni.org/oem/volcanic%20ash%20alert.cfm

[vivalamama]

I'm guessing we'd probably just stay at home as much as possible, but interested in the idea of sewing a mask... would two layers of fabric be sufficient, you think? it's not like you'd go out if it was actively falling anyway, right? My understanding is that the ash fall issues continue even after the eruptions abate. I"m going to pray for lots of snowfall if she (are volcanoes 'she'?) blows.

[BusyMommy]

I wouldn't worry overly. Yes, just stay in when it does erupt. I remember (as a kid) going out horse riding the day after Mt Ste Helens blew in 81 and we had no worries. And, I remember the last one here & we all did fine w/very little complications to our lives. Just make sure you have plenty of water & groceries. Park the car in the garage and shut off/unplug/cover your computers. Keep your air purifiers ready to go...and go...and go...

And, LOVE your 4 legged pets. :

At school, we're supposed to stay out of the rooms which have windows to the outside. Big party in the lunchroom!

[roadfamily6now]

sounds like fun!

DH"s work passed out the masks they were talking about on the news last night. we got 10 of them. Saved ourselves some bucks there!

They also said that getting a scarf or bandana wet would help filter out the particles if it got bad.

I distinctly recall Mt St. Helens as well. Even 800 miles away in MT we got enough ash to were bandanas as kids! I was like 7 at the time and my bandana was Buggs Bunny! LOL

My dad in MT called me today to make sure I was okay. It was cute.

[liza-s]

I agree that during active ash fall events, we would not be going out. However, both here and in Georgia I've been caught off guard by wild fire smoke - sometimes burning hundreds of miles away. During big fires, I've kept a mask in my car for myself. It bites trying to drive while sneezing, your eyes tearing & a migraine budding, even with the air circulation turned off.

Yesterday the Home Depot on Tudor Road (Anchorage) was receiving a very large shipment of P95 masks for adult size faces. The P95 masks are a type of respirator designed for certain dust/aerolos & the construction is a dense "filter like" matrix but is similar in shape to the medical/dust masks that are more common, but just a single layer of "fabric". I've heard that the Dimond Walmart might carry infant size masks but have yet to confirm. The C St Walmart does not carry them.

[roadfamily6now]

We have learned to be very self-sufficient and self-reliant. I am very prepared for a lot of things and would do well in most types of emergency / disaster situations.

great thread!!!

It will be interesting to see how typical Anchorage people deal with this type if situation when I see how many freak out over a bit of snow.

[BusyMommy]

Originally Posted by roadfamily6now

It will be interesting to see how typical Anchorage people deal with this type if situation when I see how many freak out over a bit of snow.

Ah but I beg to disagree w/the stereotyping It can be thrown out about all cities that we all have different behaviors.

[akkimmie]

tonight there were a couple child size masks at Lake Otis pharmacy.

Busy Mommy, totally agree about stereotyping