Posted by Lary Mcgrew, a resident of the San Ramon neighborhood, on Sep 8, 2008 at 10:52 pm

This Emergency Prep. Fair is a great activity for all valley residents...Im a Scoutmaster of Troop #548, San Ramon...our motto "BE PREPARED". The 4.0 quake 3 miles north, just a few days ago makes this so real !!!

I hope to be there to tell/demonstrate how good your " AUTO " is as an "Emergency Survival Capsule"..Why ?, How ? How long can you live without Food?( about 30 days ) How long without water ? ( about 3 days ), and without AIR ? ( about 3 minutes ).....so what breathing protection do you need/have if your caught in a smoke filled room, or public building, or on the freeway gridlock while a toxic tanker spills its contents or is burning?

Most of our modern cars have an excellent air filter & recirculation system protecting the passenger cabin...sort of like an aircraft. Its key element is a several square foot " high effeciency filter module that will keep out 90 % of the bad contaminants that come with accidents & fires. This combined with a fan motor that can be switched to just recycle the cabin atmosphere, (sealed off from the outside: check your dashboard AC system controls ). I will have a typical auto AC system & filter on display at the fair....

For outside your vehicle, carry a 99 cent paper filter mask ( From Home Depot ) these will block nearly 50 % of the bad stuff in most emergencies. Used extensively by pedestrians in Japan.

If totally caught by surprise, pull off a cotton sock, "T" shirt or hankie, to cover your nose and mouth while you walk away from the breathing hazard.

For an excellent prep level...pick up a "Multi-purpose" contractors breathing safety "Respirator" in the paint department at Home Depot for about $ 35...This one protects against both hazardous airborn particulate and the common toxic vapors. Keep "sanitary" sealed in zip lock bag in your trunk for easy access.

Stop by and chat, see you at the Fair...