SHTF Personal Protective Equiptment

[Charlie 5]

So I was wondering what everybody has (or is planning to get) in the way of PPE or self defence? Not in the way of weapons but purely in terms of protective equipment or defensive clothing etc. As for some background on my own PPE prepps I have a plate carrier with level 3A steel plates front and back and an additional level 2 ballistic Kevlar insert in the front. An MK6 ballistic Helmet, an ex police long Riot shield, a pair of Altberg warrior boots and a set of knee/shin pads and elbow/forarm pads lastly a pair of leather/carbon fibre hard knuckle gloves. I tried to Taylor my SHTF PPE to a worst case scenario, it isn't perfect as all this kit inevitably adds extra weight and so reduced mobility, however I reasonably fit so I wreckon I could manage a bug out if needs be.

And what are you going to do about an asymmetrical threat of fire ? I mention this in most of my posts as most people never consider it or just ignore it

[soutie]

So I was wondering what everybody has (or is planning to get) in the way of PPE or self defence? Not in the way of weapons but purely in terms of protective equipment or defensive clothing etc. As for some background on my own PPE prepps I have a plate carrier with level 3A steel plates front and back and an additional level 2 ballistic Kevlar insert in the front. An MK6 ballistic Helmet, an ex police long Riot shield, a pair of Altberg warrior boots and a set of knee/shin pads and elbow/forarm pads lastly a pair of leather/carbon fibre hard knuckle gloves. I tried to Taylor my SHTF PPE to a worst case scenario, it isn't perfect as all this kit inevitably adds extra weight and so reduced mobility, however I reasonably fit so I wreckon I could manage a bug out if needs be.

And what are you going to do about an asymmetrical threat of fire ? I mention this in most of my posts as most people never consider it or just ignore it

all i have is a fire alarm , what is your plan to deal with the threat of fire , educate me!!

[londonercsecse]

I'm i terested in the fire protection issue too! Especially with a semi-detached house...

[Charlie 5]

I'm i terested in the fire protection issue too! Especially with a semi-detached house...

Okay. We need to make an immediate distinction between the slowly starting smouldering fire caused by a discarded cigarette or fallen log off the fire. In these scenarios, death will come mainly by the inhalation of toxic gases. You'll be long unconscious before you get burnt.....The WROL or WTSHTF scenario is when Petrol Bombs start raining down on your home by a mindless unthinking uncaring mob. Fire Extinguishers in this scenario are not going to save your home. Although they may buy valuable time as you try to make your escape. Go for simple water, you are not seeking to extinguish electrical or powered appliances. It is more likely to be textiles - curtains or clothing. Can you fit your bed mattress through your bedroom window? If you are trapped in your bedroom and need to jump out, what are you going to land on ? You can also buy fold up escape ladders. Keep a good sized Maul or Felling Axe to hand in case you need to take out a door or window as you make your escape. You can buy Heavy Duty Welding Blankets that will not support flame up to 1000 Degrees C for about 40 quid each. These are ideal for placing over your head and shoulders. Or maybe to place over a burning window sill as you go to jump out.. Even better if you can water soak them too. Clothing - nothing nylon or polyester, these materials will melt on you causing horrific burns. NOMEX Underwear set, Flash Hood and Gloves can all be picked up for about 100 quid. If you are financially well off - Carbon X is the next generation of flame retardant materials. Well, that's a start...

[Macsforfire]

I'm actually considering getting a fire extinguisher and a few fire blankets and buckets to be placed around the home to be filled with water during a SHTF. I've also seen (again on eBay) ex police fire retardant jump suits such as the ones worn by riot officers and I wreckon that would be good in a peterol bomb scenario. I wreckon these measure's are especially important if like me you plan to include candles in your post SHTF lighting plan or have an open fire.

[Rearfang]

I do have a stab vest that I use for work have been thinking of upgrading to ballistic as has been a fair few shootings round here latly

[Arzosah]

Okay. We need to make an immediate distinction between the slowly starting smouldering fire caused by a discarded cigarette or fallen log off the fire. In these scenarios, death will come mainly by the inhalation of toxic gases. You'll be long unconscious before you get burnt.....The WROL or WTSHTF scenario is when Petrol Bombs start raining down on your home by a mindless unthinking uncaring mob. Fire Extinguishers in this scenario are not going to save your home. Although they may buy valuable time as you try to make your escape. Go for simple water, you are not seeking to extinguish electrical or powered appliances. It is more likely to be textiles - curtains or clothing. Can you fit your bed mattress through your bedroom window? If you are trapped in your bedroom and need to jump out, what are you going to land on ? You can also buy fold up escape ladders. Keep a good sized Maul or Felling Axe to hand in case you need to take out a door or window as you make your escape. You can buy Heavy Duty Welding Blankets that will not support flame up to 1000 Degrees C for about 40 quid each. These are ideal for placing over your head and shoulders. Or maybe to place over a burning window sill as you go to jump out.. Even better if you can water soak them too. Clothing - nothing nylon or polyester, these materials will melt on you causing horrific burns. NOMEX Underwear set, Flash Hood and Gloves can all be picked up for about 100 quid. If you are financially well off - Carbon X is the next generation of flame retardant materials. Well, that's a start...

Fantastic post, Charlie, thank you! Especially the bolded question ... in this house, I don't think it would be much of a problem, the windows are set weirdly low, but its a really important issue. I've got myself a bug out bag based on the needs I'd have after a house fire, but I've never *really* thought deeply about getting out of the house. I suppose I see this house as being so small, it wouldn't really be a problem, but I should still think it through.

**pops back to the drawing board**

[Manclife]

So I was wondering what everybody has (or is planning to get) in the way of PPE or self defence? Not in the way of weapons but purely in terms of protective equipment or defensive clothing etc. As for some background on my own PPE prepps I have a plate carrier with level 3A steel plates front and back and an additional level 2 ballistic Kevlar insert in the front. An MK6 ballistic Helmet, an ex police long Riot shield, a pair of Altberg warrior boots and a set of knee/shin pads and elbow/forarm pads lastly a pair of leather/carbon fibre hard knuckle gloves. I tried to Taylor my SHTF PPE to a worst case scenario, it isn't perfect as all this kit inevitably adds extra weight and so reduced mobility, however I reasonably fit so I wreckon I could manage a bug out if needs be.

I'm afraid to say you've probably wasted your cash. That kit is great if your working as a team but on our own its just slowing you down. You'll get about 1-2 hours of walking at most out of it till you start to realise how heavy and cumbersome that stuff is. Why on earth would you want to block a doorway? If your bugging in build a better barricade and if your bugging out don't enter any dodgy building. Also how long will up hold the shield there for? Because you don't really have a plan B. Not to mention your helmet offers no face protection.

[Arzosah]

I was reading something recently about personal protective kit, and it mentioned using a cycle helmet - I think that could be a really good idea - it must offer some protection, surely, as its meant to safeguard you in a crash, and its "normal", iyswim, won't stand out too much, except to say "I'm a cyclist".

[Manclife]

I'd suggest one of these...

http://www.esska-tech.co.uk/esska_eng_s ... tAod0nwA-g

A cycle helmet without a bike would still stick out.