Firefighting Gear: Safety, Reliability and Durability a Must

Firefighting gear plays a key role in how effective a fire station can be at eliminating a fire hazard. Fire fighters need proper safety equipment to respond to all kinds of emergencies. When responding to a fire, seconds count. Firefighters rely on high quality, functional equipment for just about every task they perform on the scene.

Firefighting gear includes belts, first aid bags, strings and straps. Special nets are required to store fire hoses for transport. When battling fires associated with tall structures, a high-rise hose strap is used to stabilize a fire hose. Ropes and bundling straps are stored in special bags that are easy to carry. Firefighters often use special belts that hold vital firefighting equipment such as axes, hydrant wrenches and small extinguishers. In some cases, large items such as equipment or fire debris are bundled for easy transport and removal. In this case, firefighters will use special bundling straps that can hold items together.

When you mention firefighters or "firemen," most people conjure up images of fire trucks and a hose attached to the hydrant in their neighborhood. However, fire departments rely heavily on other firefighter gear when battling a large blaze. The scene surrounding a fire or other emergency can be very harsh. Equipment must be durable and able to withstand extreme temperatures while being subjected to constant use and abuse. Furthermore, firefighting gear must be in proper working condition. According to the CDC, an average of 100 firefighters die in the line of duty each year. Many of those deaths are associated with faulty, worn or malfunctioning fire safety equipment.

Fire departments across the country are noticing this trend and calling upon themselves to replace and upgrade much of their current fire safety gear. In Wedana MI, the city council has almost doubled the allocated funds set aside for local departments to purchase new equipment. The Jefferson City Council in Jefferson City, MO has proposed a quarter cent sales tax increase aimed at purchasing new safety equipment for local firehouses. Many rural areas rely on volunteer firefighters. Having up to date equipment can prove to be more of a challenge in these cases. Sometimes smaller or unfunded organizations hold fundraisers or rely on private donations to make sure their equipment is in tiptop condition.

Firefighters understand that the quality of all their firefighting equipment can determine the outcome when dealing with any emergency. When one piece of equipment fails, it can cause the whole process to fail. The risks associated with using outdated or defective equipment are just too high.