Whether you are a volunteer firefighter or you battle fires as your profession, your success and your safety depends largely on the tools that you bring with you to the scene. Without the right tools, you could put yourself in danger and you might be unable to help rescue others. To make sure you are properly equipped to handle the next big blaze, here are the top four items you should always have with you when you are fighting fires.
Firefighting Clothing
Before you go anywhere near a fire, you need to make sure that you are properly dressed for your own protection. Every firefighter must have flame retardant, heat resistant clothing that includes a full fire suit, gloves, hat, eye protection, and boots.
Extrication Equipment
You never know when you may need to dig or cut someone out of an area that has been compromised by fire, which is why it is imperative for you to come prepared with extrication equipment. Sheers, hammers, seatbelt cutters, and heavy duty chains are some common extrication tools that you should always take with you when you are fighting fires.
Disaster Equipment
Sometimes fires happen around dangerous chemicals and equipment, which is why you should have a disaster equipment kit with you at the scene of the fire. Include items like hazardous chemical suits, patient transfer sheets, and first aid kits in your disaster equipment pack.
Extinguishers
A fire hose is a fireman’s best friend for putting out fires, but sometimes foam is more effective at suffocating flames. To turn your fire hose into a powerful foam extinguisher, bring a foam kit along with you when you fight fires. Look for a foam kit that can be quickly and easily hooked up to your fire hose so that you can get to work putting out the flames as quickly as possible.
If you are always prepared with the proper firefighting equipment, you will have a greater chance of saving others’ lives and property while keeping yourself well-protected in the process.
