In uncertain times, such as today, it is often better to anticipate disaster; planning for the worst, yet hoping for the best. Italian air marshal Giulio Douhet said that victory smiles upon those who anticipate the changes in the character of war, not those who wait to adapt after the changes have occurred. Now, while civilians are not expected to be in situations in which they might find themselves at risk, they are indeed the softest and most susceptible target for attack. In the event that that attack is a Chemical, Biological, Radiological, or Nuclear attack being conducted by a terrorist organization or a rogue nation such as North Korea or Iran, loss of life will probably be great. Therefore, I have created plans for a cheap inter-changeable filter gas mask and chem suit. Enjoy, and stay safe out there.

Step 1: Gathering Materials

Materials that will be needed:

1) Pair of rubber rain or snow boots. X1

2) 3M disposable suit or Tyvek suit. X1

3) Pair of thick rubber gloves (the type used in cleaning applications). X1

4) 2 Liter bottle with cap. X1

5) Soda/Pop can. X2

6) Rubber bands. X4

7) Duct Tape roll. X1

8) Cotton pads. X2

9) Container of activated carbon. X1

10) Toothpick. X1

11) Hammer. X1

12) Small Nail. X1

13) Marker/Sharpie. X1

14) Sharp knife. X1

15) Scissors. X1

16) Hot glue gun with glue rods. X1

17) Hole punch for paper. X1

Step 2: Making the Gas Mask

Using Scissors, cut off the base of the 2-liter bottle near the plastic seem line or where the plastic begins to curve.

Step 3: Making the Gas Mask

Using scissors, cut a slot roughly 4-5 in wide from the newly made open end to the beginning of the bottle's neck. At the neck, round the cut so that the portion of material being remove looks like a U-shape.

Step 4: Making the Gas Mask

Apply duct tape to all the newly made edges, folding a strip over each edge. Long strips can be used on the top and sides. Multiple smaller strips will conform better to the curve at the bottom of the U-shape. Make the duct tape edge as uniform as possible, as this edge will form a seal with one's face.

Step 5: Making the Gas Mask

Use the hole punch to punch holes 1/2 in from the edge that will touch the face and 1/2 in from the top of mask on both sides. Then punch a hole on each side 1/2 in from the edge that will touch the face roughly where the U-shaped curve begins.

Step 6: Making a Rubber Band Chain

Rubber bands will hold the mask to your face, however, many rubber bands will not be long enough. Therefore one may need to tie them together to form a chain. To do this, take band 1 and loop it through band 2. then fold band 1 back over band 2 and around band 1's other end. Then, pull band 1's other end until a knot is formed. do this to make two band chains at a length that will hold the mask to your head.

Step 7: Making the Gas Mask

Tie the rubber band chains to one side of your gas mask.

Step 8: Making the Gas Mask

Take the toothpick and cut it into two equal lengths. Then, put the rubber band chains in the holes on the other side of the mask going from the outside to the inside. Then slide the toothpick ends into the loose end of the rubber bands inside the mask. Use duct tape strips to hold the toothpick end in place.

Step 9: Making the Gas Mask

Place small strips of duck tape over the holes on both the inside and outside of the mask. This will make it so the holes do not leak air.

Step 10: Making the Gas Mask Filter

The filter container will be made out of the soda/pop cans and the cap of the 2-liter bottle. Start by marking a pattern for breathing holes on the bottom of one can, marking a hole large enough to fit the 2-liter cap in the center of the other can, and a hole about 1/2 in diameter in the 2-liter cap. Then cut out the holes using a knife, and punch the breathing holes using the nail and hammer.

Step 11: Making the Gas Mask Filter

Cut the cans about 1 1/2 in from the bottom, and discard the tops.

Step 12: Making the Gas Mask Filter

Take the 2-liter cap and fit it with the threaded side up into the bottom of the can with the large hole. Then hot glue around the cap on both sides. Be sure to inspect the work to make sure the hot glue forms a good seal.

Step 13: Making the Gas Mask Filter

Take the can with the breathing holes and put a cotton pad in it, then tape the pad in place using duct tape on it and the walls of the can. Put a coating of active carbon about 3/16-1/4 in thick on top of the pad. Place another cotton pad on top of the active carbon and duct tape it in place using multiple strips.

Step 14: Making the Gas Mask Filter

Complete the filter by mating the two cans together, the can with the active carbon and cotton pads may need to be crumpled near the top in order to get the other can on. Wrap duct tape around the cans to join and seal them. All components are now ready to be worn.