Firefighter Clothing for All Occassions
The firefighter clothing that firemen wears is their first step in protecting themselves while on the job. Many pieces have to be comfortable in both down times and when called to action. Outerwear has to be able to withstand heat, water, and chemicals that they may come in contact with during emergency situations. Finding a complete uniform that meets all these requirements is not as hard as one may think. There are a few key features to look for in each clothing article.
The most useful piece of outerwear is the Firefighter’s Hoodie. It is constructed with a ripstop nylon shell and a windproof, waterproof, and breathable lining made of crosstech material. This fabric resists bodily fluids, blood, and five common chemicals found at accident scenes. NFPA 1999 (2008 Edition) certified, it is authorized as a homeland security purchase. The scotchlite piping and illuminate trim makes this jacket perfect for night time calls.
Any first responder needs pants that are comfortable and look great without ironing. A cotton waistband with elastic and a relaxed fit allows freedom of movement. The best pairs are NFPA certified, and they should have plenty of pockets for storage of necessary items.
Check Out: Firefighter's T-Shirts
A firefighter’s boots are important in reducing on the job injuries. Made of leather or rubber, they need to be waterproof with fire resistant linings. The boot liners serve double duty by keeping feet warm in cold weather and cool in heated situations. Most importantly, boots need to pull on quickly when called to action.
Gloves also provide protection while trying not to limit movements. Gore-tex Service Gloves work nicely. The Gore-tex inserts are waterproof and block the wind, while still being breathable. The outer shell is made of Taslan nylon. The fingers and palms are covered in leather for extra durability. The precurved fingers and elastic wrist make working in them easier than with other gloves.
The helmet will provide more protection than most other articles worn by a firefighter. It gives them protection from falling debris, while sending any water over the head and down the back, instead of directly down the inside of one’s neck. The face shield will provide protection to the face and eyes. Chin straps hold the helmet securely in place during all emergency situations, allowing the firefighter to focus on their work.