Guest Blog #2

Firefighting is an extremely dangerous occupation to have. Not only do they fight actual fires, they have to deal with smoke, hot embers, falling objects, and collapsing floors. They often have a few precious minutes to get occupants safely out of burning structures. Modern firefighters have a full set of gear that helps protect them during their potentially dangerous work. The fire helmet is a very important part of their uniform, being made with durable heat resistant materials that protect from heat and falling objects. Turnout pants and jackets are made out of two layer fabric to repel heat and wick away any moisture that gets inside. Turnout pants and jackets are usually bright orange, yellow, or silver stripes to make it easier to see through smoke. Gloves are another important part of their protective equipment. Their gloves are highly insulated and go past their wrist to safely handle hot objects. To protect their feet they wear thick waterproof boots that are usually reinforced with steel or another metal alloy in the toes and soles to protect from sharp debris. A self-contained breathing apparatus is standard protective gear for firefighters at most fire departments. The breathing apparatus includes a mask with a hose connected to a tank filled with breathable air. Just in case a firefighter need helps or gets trapped, they have Personal Alert Safety System, or PASS, which is a device worn by a firefighter that activates the small transmitter. The signal emitted from the PASS transmitter enables rescuers to pinpoint the location of a firefighter, even in a burning building.
By: Alexis Camacho