Volunteering can be one of the most fulfilling activities a person can do with their spare time. Taking the time to help those in need is a selfless act, but that doesn’t mean it’s always safe to do so. Firefighter volunteers put themselves in just as much danger as the paid ones, so preparation and safety are vital. That’s why we’ve made a list of essentials for every volunteer firefighter to make sure they have before they offer their services.
Fire Protection
Even though volunteers aren’t the first ones to run into a burning building to help survivors escape, they will still get close to the dangerous flames, so they’ll need to wear fireproof clothing. There are plenty of options for flame-resistant outerwear through FR Outlet’s online selection, including items like jackets, shirts, pants, and gloves. Having one of each is the best way to make sure a stray flame doesn’t singe you.
Foot Protection
Even though most people would think you would want fireproof shoes as well, you have a much more pressing issue when it comes to your feet: heavy objects. Whether it’s a falling piece of timber or a car you just helped move, having a heavy object crush your toes is never something you want to experience. That’s why it is a good idea to invest in steel-toe boots. There are fire-resistant versions of steel-toe boots, too, but that hard layer of protection should be your top priority.
Emergency Equipment
Firetrucks will have all the equipment you’ll ever need, but it’s a good idea to come ready, just in case you need a specific item in a pinch. Some basic suggestions would be a knife, a multi-tool, a flashlight, and a first aid kit. If you’ve already thought of all of those, some more obscure ones would be a window punch, door wedges, or even a personal fire extinguisher. If you want to bring it all, make sure you have a way to carry it, whether it’s deep pockets, a small satchel, or the back of your car. You can never be too ready when fighting fires.
Bring Extras
This might seem like a copout for our last essential for every volunteer firefighter to bring, but it is probably the most important. Every emergency is a different experience. Sometimes, you might need a new pair of shoes if the ones you are wearing become damaged. Other times you could simply lose your knife right when you desperately need it. It’s impossible to know what types of perils any new fire may bring, so if you pack extras, you’ll be ready for whatever it throws at you.