Home Show Trumpets Gas Masks, Trauma Kits

The stars of this year’s home remodeling show in Anaheim are not the usual kitchen cabinets, hot tubs and shutters. Gas masks, “trauma kits” and other survival gear are getting top billing, suddenly made household items by American angst.

Organizers homed in on a “Survival Expo” theme after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, said John Blanchette, spokesman for the 25th annual Home Remodel & Decorating Show that opened Friday at the Anaheim Convention Center.

“Last year, we were in an energy crisis and we had all these energy-saving devices,” Blanchette said. “This year, it’s dried food, Mylar wraps, water that lasts you five years and Israeli gas masks.”

Although many displays feature standard fare such as alarm systems, barbecues and window blinds, it was the survival products table that organizers promoted with fliers reading: “How To Survive If Terror Attacks” and “Taking Terror Out of the Home.”

In addition to gas masks, “trauma kits,” and fire escape smoke hoods, the display by Tarzana-based Recon-1 included water purification canteens, straws and tablets, along with standard emergency goods--shortwave radios, flashlights, food bars and portable toilets.

“The No. 1 concern is biological air contamination,” said Recon co-owner Peter Kalaydjian, adding that the store is selling 600 to 1,000 gas masks a day. “The No. 2 concern is contamination of the water.”

Other events, such as the Northridge earthquake, have boosted business, but none quite like the Sept. 11 attacks, Kalaydjian said. “This just hit like a tsunami.”

Whittier homemaker JoAnn O’Hare stopped to browse at the display, saying she has been preaching preparation to her children and grandchildren for years.

But O’Hare wasn’t tempted to buy a gas mask. “Who’s going to carry a gas mask around with them?” she asked.

Tustin retiree Dennis Esslinger, 62, also shunned the gas masks. “I don’t go to the extreme of getting into battle gear,” he said.

Other exhibitors had mixed feelings about the survival table.

“It’s not home decorating, really,” said Dick Cadger, who manned a table for Goddard Builders, a North Hollywood business that installs vinyl windows and texture coating.

The display didn’t faze Jeff Deppe, customer service manager for Acker-Stone, which was showing concrete pavers.

“Given what’s happening, I’m surprised there’s not 10 booths in here with gas masks,” he said.

While the crowd was light Friday, the director said he expects up to 15,000 people--an average draw--to attend the expo, which runs through Sunday.