Oil Spill: Gulf Survival

Survival during this Oil spill is actually really easy since most of us don't live in the Ocean.

That said there are still many people who are worried about the gases that the oil spill puts off like benzene and other scary invisibles. It is not likely living near the water will give you enough exposure to harm you so long as you are not swimming in the water or working on a oil clean up crew. The clean up crews take off their protective gear because of heatstroke and that accounts for 100% of all persons sick from the oil spill (to date).
There are air quality stations posted all around the gulf. If it gets too bad they may ask people to limit their exposure to fresh air and stay inside.

If they go to a critical level a simple gas mask will save you.

If you work the cleanup wear gloves and a masks with no exceptions. Most people take off their other gear due to the specter of heat-stroke looming over the gulf coast. Weigh the risks.

I personally recommend a 3M 6000 series with a Part Number: 60926 filter. These are great to have around for any purpose. Everyone should have a mask. Any gas that deprives oxygen like CO2 will still kill you as this is a filter and not a oxygen supply. Some people buy NATO gas masks. They are OK. Just don't get old ones that have filters that can go bad after a number of years and actually harm you.


This disaster is actually pretty basic. Go check out Ready.gov They have a index of basic items one should have just in case. Most preppers, survivalists, and  emergency responders would argue that that kit is too basic. 

Most preppers carry at least 3 months to a year food in the home and 3+ days in the car. I myself have 6 days food in my car and many months food at home. 


It cost 250$ for a year supply of food with double-coupons and discounts. I wonder if I'll get around to posting a video on that. That's more of a smart shopping video not a survival situation. Some of the food is good stuff too. Advantages include variety in food selection. Disadvantages include having to eat out of cans to rotate the stock so nothing goes bad. I like to cook everything fresh when I can.

30-50% of the oil spilled is eaten by bacteria within a week of  introduction into the water. This sucks for the wildlife in the short term but the long term damage will be minimal. That's no consolation to the birds and crabs that are perishing now.