Be Prepared for Fire in Cold Weather Gear

No matter what time of year, fires can strike at homes, businesses, and even in outdoor locations. Firefighters need to be prepared to face the elements, even in the coldest weather. With the proper gear and clothing, firefighters will be well equipped to battle the flames even amongst snow, ice, and winter winds. The following essential items are a must for any firefighter’s pack and will help them to function at the top of their game:

When it comes to staying warm and protecting the body from the cold, there are many options for gloves, warmers, and balaclavas available from retailers. Firefighters in rescue mission instances during the winter months need to keep their hands warm and able to work. This can be accomplished by wearing flexible gloves with heat retaining technology. Firefighters should look for gloves composed of leather or pigskin, along with some elastic or spandex for comfort and movement.

Balaclavas are great solutions for keeping heat in the body while protecting the face. These headpieces composed of stretchable fleece warm the face while providing a comfortable fit. Toe and hand warming packets, once exposed to oxygen, will provide heat for hours and are a great way to keep heat flowing to cold fingers and toes.

When firefighters are faced with icy pavement or watery roads, they will benefit from owning a pair of traction footwear spikes. These are similar to chains placed on car tires, except that they fit around any size boot for extra traction and grip in snowy and icy conditions. These are great for wildland firefighters as well as urban rescue teams.

Firefighting is a demanding but very rewarding job for many who choose the field as their career. When faced with harsh winter elements, a firefighter’s job becomes even more challenging. However, with the proper gear for cold weather, firefighters can remain warm, toasty and comfortable even when the mercury drops.