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Apparel
, Gloves & Footwear
- a
subset of First
Level Personal Preparedness
(Apparel & Physical Protection ) , is broken down into
three primary categories that are relevant to the citizen
or emergency responder. Apparel,
Gloves and Footwear
In
much the same way that special professions and activities
call for special apparel, the emergency responder and evacuee
have specific equipment demands as well. In most cases these
special garments, gloves and footware are readily obtainable.
In a few cases the ideal products are sold only to 'trade'.
In many cases, effective substitutions may be procured from
outdoor outfitters and other purveyors.
Modern
materials and technologies have made possible ultra-lightweight
synthetic fabrics for underwear and tough, impervious high
visibilty ones for use in outer garments. The trying physical
requirements of an emergency mean that rugged gloves are a
must. There are therefore a wide assortment of gloves from
simple leather work gloves to sophisticated extrication gloves
as well as rope handling gloves to suit the needs of the evacuee
or responder.
Footwear
is important in that one must not consider casual street shoes
or business shoes effective for escape or rescue. At the the
very least a sturdy pair of athletic shoes should be a part
of any effective emergency kit. depending on geography, anticipated
emergency and occupation, a range of footware is available
to the citizen as well as reponder that will meet the needs
of a 24-72 Hr escape or an evacuation lasting several weeks
or even months.
The
key features of emergency response apparel, gloves and footwear:
Ruggedness |Shoes or boots with better than average ankle
support| Efficient and easily laundred undergarments | Gloves
that can withstand the riggors of an emergency | Outerwear
that can effectively protect against the elements and signal
user presence
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