Underground Prep List and Reusing N95 Masks

[sharon sanders]

This was a very interesting day.

I had lunch with representatives of the Florida Departments of Education, Courts, Attorney General, and Florida Legislature.

I was impressed with their knowledge of pandemic influenza issues. Of course they have been drilled on hurricane preparedness for years.

They are prepared to do what it takes to protect both their employees and customers. They know they do not have all the answers and are open to increasing their knowledge and options.

Notes - In a pandemic:

Schools will close, including Universities for some period of time.
Reliance on information technology to assist in work production, payroll, and benefits.
Flexible work options for employees.
Effective cash management to be able to timely pay employees.
Use of handwashing, social distancing, etc.
Courts to consider suspending jury trials.
Most critical operations first, others possibly suspended.
Quarantine options are considered "draconian", ineffective, and detrimental to government effectiveness.


Another major agency that did not want to be mentioned is distributing this list to employees:

Underground Pandemic Preparedness Tips

1. Make a copy of your personal medical history and store it on a thumb drive that you carry on your key ring at all times.

2. Stock up your home with at least a six week supply of bottled water, canned foods, heater meals, and dried foods that you can eat without cooking if necessary.

3. Keep at least $500 in cash, small bills and change, in a safe place in your home for use when ATMs and credit cards won’t work.

4. Install a small solar charger for your laptop and for lighting. Keep rechargeable lanterns in the home for additional backup. Keep plenty of extra batteries and a propane powered camp stove handy, too.

5. Maintain an old fashioned land line telephone in your home for use when cell phone service is not available.

6. Stock up on Tamiflu before a pandemic if you can get it. If not able to get Tamiflu, try black elderberry extract, available under the name Sambucol.

7. Keep flu sick relatives isolated from the rest of the family. Designate one family member to be the care giver.

8. Have your employer consider a VPN network to allow employees to telecommute from home during a pandemic.

9. Practice social distancing; avoid public places and crowded stores during flu season. Get a flu shot and a pneumonia shot.

10. Buy a supply of non-scented bleach, alcohol wipes, latex gloves and N95 masks now, before the pandemic hits. These supplies will become impossible to find. Bedpans, OTC flu remedies, paper towels and Kleenex will also be very hard to get.

11. Buy an oxygen concentrator if you can afford one.

12. DO NOT use a vacuum cleaner during a flu outbreak. It just stirs up the virus and puts it back into the air.

13. DO use UV bulbs (with proper shields to avoid eye exposure) for killing flu virus in the air.

14. Change your N95 face mask at least twice per day. Sterilize the used mask in the microwave for three minutes on HIGH.

15. Form a neighborhood group before the pandemic hits. Make plans to check on elderly neighbors and people who live alone. Set up a neighborhood watch program for security. Set up a barter system for trading things between neighbors that will be unavailable through regular sources.

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

Are they intending elderberry as a substitute for Tamiflu?

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

Are they intending elderberry as a substitute for Tamiflu?

I think their idea is that elderberry is a backup. It is wonderful that a state agency is considering natural treatments. Obviously they are aware that anti-virals are in limited supply and they may be ineffective when a strain becomes pandemic. Also, a safe and proven human H5N1 vaccine is still not available and probably will not be for a first wave of a pandemic.

 

[Laidback Al]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

I must say those are all excellent suggestions, I wonder how they developed it. Perhaps we could incorporate them into a FluTrackers list.

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

I will find out how he compiled that list.

Scott's presentation was excellent. It was standing room only and he got applause at the conclusion.

There was only 1 question that I had to answer. All that studying for nothing!!!

Scott's presentation is here in the column on the left.


Tomorrow I tour a hospital with Thornton.

 

[Shannon Bennett]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

I am overwhelmed! Elderberry extract! Sometimes I am reminded that people really do listen and read all that we have researched and this is one time that I will never forget. *Dancing all over the room and yelling Woot, Woot, Woot.* Dh is concerned I have lost my alleged mind. LOL

 

[Shannon Bennett]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

I'm sorry I was so stunned with the addition of elderberry extract I failed do tell you how much I agree with the rest of the list. I too think it should be put in a prominent place here. All the suggestions are right on the money. They deserve a huge round of applause. :applause:

Great link by the way.
</IMG>

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

I am overwhelmed! Elderberry extract! Sometimes I am reminded that people really do listen and read all that we have researched and this is one time that I will never forget. *Dancing all over the room and yelling Woot, Woot, Woot.* Dh is concerned I have lost my alleged mind. LOL

I told you when you compiled your list of recommendations/suggestions that you were helping millions. It is exciting to see in practice. That list is now being circulated widely.

Most of the data used in Florida governments for pandemic is derived from the federal government and FT.


:tiphat:

 

[Shannon Bennett]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

Now that the euphoria has simmered down a bit I would like to encourage them to add resveratrol to their list as well. Getting raw peanuts should be easy for those of you in the South East part of the country.

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

Yesterday I toured a psychiatric hospital with Thornton.

It was quite an experience. Everyone was extremely nice.

It is an enormous undertaking to care for others: the 24/7 schedule, the work shifts, the 3 meals a day preparation, the medical treatments, availability and distribution of drugs etc. etc. These kinds of institutions face a challenge every day.

I asked Thornton how did he think the hospital would deal with employees reporting/not reporting to work during a pandemic. He replied that many of the employees are dedicated to this work because they know that they are making a real difference in the lives of these patients. He feels many will make a large effort to report to work.

Devotion.

The humanity that we have for each other will be what carries the day in an extreme disaster. All of the planning and government/industry actions will be eclipsed by the many small (and not so small) actions of the citizens.

Together as a global community we can speak with one voice. The voice of compassion.

Thank you Joe for an insightful day and for reminding us of man's humanity to man.

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

I added the Underground Pandemic Preparedness Tips list to our Basic 30 Day Prep List thread that is indexed at the top of the main page:

http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=100854#post100854

 

[LMonty]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

re: the underground tips-

being the curious type, I just took a 3M 1860 N95 mask and nuked it for 3 minutes. I was concerned what the microwaves would do to the metal components of the mask.

The mask and metal tolerated it without any visible reaction. However, removing it right after the MW stopped, I noted the metal pieces to be very hot to the touch. So, longer would likely NOT be better, and might be hazardous. The hot metal after 3 minutes is unlikely to cause burns, but should we add a disclaimer to let the mask cool in the MV before removing, and avoid touching the metal? My own gut is to mention to remove the mask by the straps and place each one into individual clean zip lock bags (qt size should work, havent checked, and about to log of fto get ready to go to the airport, heading to Houston for a conference.) to keep clean and uncontaminated until use. Thoughts?

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

Sure. I think you can edit that post on the 30 day prep thread as an administrator. Please do.


S.

 

[Niko]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

I'm always reluctant to put something in the microwave with low or no liquid. What about putting the mask(s) in a shallow dish of water, zap it, remove with tongs and allow to air dry? Would the water degrade the mask?

re: the underground tips-

being the curious type, I just took a 3M 1860 N95 mask and nuked it for 3 minutes. I was concerned what the microwaves would do to the metal components of the mask.

The mask and metal tolerated it without any visible reaction. However, removing it right after the MW stopped, I noted the metal pieces to be very hot to the touch. So, longer would likely NOT be better, and might be hazardous. The hot metal after 3 minutes is unlikely to cause burns, but should we add a disclaimer to let the mask cool in the MV before removing, and avoid touching the metal? My own gut is to mention to remove the mask by the straps and place each one into individual clean zip lock bags (qt size should work, havent checked, and about to log of fto get ready to go to the airport, heading to Houston for a conference.) to keep clean and uncontaminated until use. Thoughts?

 

[Laidback Al]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

I have some concerns about recommending reuse of N95 masks. There have been many discussions and I will certainly defer to the HC experts on this forum for final opinions.

N95 masks are made to be single-use items. The seal is the most important part. The nose clip is designed to be pinched shut once, not stretched open and than reshaped again. I understand that the filtering ability of the mask starts to deteriorate over time due to perspiration and humidity build up from exhaling.

I imagine that microwaving the the masks will kill the virus, but it might also weaken the metal staples and even make the rubber bands brittle. You wouldn't want one of the bands breaking while you were treating an infectious patient.

The more handling of a mask, the more likely you are to accidently cause some kind of microtear.

Finally, the biggest concern is that a used mask is now contaminated. How do get you it off your face, open the microwave and turn it on, without transferring any infectious agents to the microwave handle or buttons or the counter tops.

If we are going to help people understand how to take care contagious sick patients at home, we need to talk about fomite transmission.

 

[Sally Furniss]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

Metal in microwave ovens

http://home.c2i.net/metaphor/mvpage.html

Domestic microwave appliances are based on the magnatron; an electronic device which converts electrical energy to microwave energy, which is fed via a waveguide to the cooking chamber. Since the conversion is somewhat less than perfectly efficient, the magnatron has to be cooled by a stream of air from a fan. This air is then led to the oven to help remove steam produced during cooking. Once in the chamber, the microwaves are reflected by the metal walls until they are absorbed, (usually by water-containing food), their energy being converted to heat. Should absorption not take place - if, for example, the oven is activated when empty, some energy will re-enter the waveguide and cause over-heating of the magnetron. Usually a safety switch turns the machine off when this happens.

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

I have edited that post on the 30 Day list.

I deleted the part about sterilizing the mask.

My own personal feelings are that the mask will not be sound after many hours of use.

 

[Niko]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

I have some concerns about recommending reuse of N95 masks. There have been many discussions and I will certainly defer to the HC experts on this forum for final opinions.

N95 masks are made to be single-use items. The seal is the most important part. The nose clip is designed to be pinched shut once, not stretched open and than reshaped again. I understand that the filtering ability of the mask starts to deteriorate over time due to perspiration and humidity build up from exhaling.

I imagine that microwaving the the masks will kill the virus, but it might also weaken the metal staples and even make the rubber bands brittle. You wouldn't want one of the bands breaking while you were treating an infectious patient.

The more handling of a mask, the more likely you are to accidently cause some kind of microtear.

Finally, the biggest concern is that a used mask is now contaminated. How do get you it off your face, open the microwave and turn it on, without transferring any infectious agents to the microwave handle or buttons or the counter tops.

If we are going to help people understand how to take care contagious sick patients at home, we need to talk about fomite transmission.

I agree with everything you said above. However, I wonder how many people are stocked or will be stocked enough to allow proper use of N95 masks. I don't think it would hurt to hash out a back-up plan for future use when unprepped people come looking for advice.

Sorry for the thread drift. Should we move these posts?

 

[Laidback Al]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

I agree with everything you said above. However, I wonder how many people are stocked or will be stocked enough to allow proper use of N95 masks. I don't think it would hurt to hash out a back-up plan for future use when unprepped people come looking for advice.

Sorry for the thread drift. Should we move these posts?

I anticipated that issue when I was formulating my earlier response. The easiest way to avoid the need for using or reusing N95 masks is to shelter in place, with all of your family members, the moment a pandemic starts. If you establish a perimeter and self-quarantine you will not need any masks as long as no one enters your quarantine zone carrying the virus.

Even the hardened preppers know that this is probably not realistic. So there is something of a conundrum for preppers regarding N-95 masks. If you think you will have to recycle/reuse N-95 masks, then you don't have enough masks in your supplies right now. N95 masks are still available in bulk and the price hasn't gone through the roof yet. Now is the time to buy more masks if you think you might need them.

I was in a retail sporting goods store the other day and an individual was buying survival items; a small first aid kit, a windup flashlight, an emergency blanket/sleeping bag (aluminized mylar), etc. He passed up the 3 pack of N95 masks because it was "too expensive" at $3-$4 each. At that price uninformed individuals may feel that only a few will be sufficient and if the masks become necessary they might believe they will just reuse them.

If a pandemic virus is very lethal (CFR > 1-2%) I think it would be a great disservice to those who are unprepared to offer them suggestions about reusing PPE. It would lull people into a false sense of security when the risk of infection would be so great. I think that, without proper handling, a used masks will most likely infect the wearer before it is decontaminated.

There is a thread somewhere about making a flu mask from an old T-shirt. Although I have no basis, I think that people might have a better chance of survival from using a clean T-shirt mask than trying to reuse a mask that is known to have been infected with a pandemic virus.

 

[Thornton]

Re: The East Coast Express

Re: The East Coast Express

Hello,
Sorry for coming in a few days late.
First, I want to thank Florida1 for stopping to visit at the forensic mental health treatment facility. We all develop relationships and working styles online but it is invaluable to have a face to face meeting. Just think how she has multiplied her impact with The East Coast Express Tour.
Second, related to another thread, a conference would have value, the logistics formidable. I regret I am not in position to assist developing the conference.
Third, re N95 masks. In my opinion the N95 masks will be more valuable to the stockpiling public as a commodity rather than personal protective equipment. Within 2 to 4 weeks of an obvious pandemic, hospitals and facilities like mine will use their limited funds to purchase the masks from any possible source. I hope the masks will be available at a humanitarian price and without gouging. The N95 masks are for people who have direct exposure to patients with infectious respiratory illness. Surgical masks or related material are more practical as a strategy to decrease exposure to potential environmental contact.
Best regards
JT