20220207 Word of the Week – Clothing

Author: danielkilburn 2022-02-07 1 Comment

Clothing is an extension of our home, and act as shelter.

Three hours without shelter and you can die.

The right clothing helps protect you from the elements and other things that can harm you.

What makes clothing important to us is the fact that cloths are your first line of defense.

Our clothing is able to directly shield and protect us from the elements. Keep us warm by trapping our body heat. Helps keep you cool by wicking moisture to evaporate.

Keeping the flying critters and bugs at bay. And preventing burn injuries from flash fires.

Not all clothing is good for all environments. A rayon Hawaiian Shirt will be a poor choice for an insulating garment in a raging blizzard. A Goose Down Parka may be a bad choice for outer rain gear during a tropical storm.

Depending on where you live. the climate now, and the types of natural disasters that occur in your area. You will decide the types of clothing you need to assemble for your emergency action plan.

The circumstances you are in will dictate the type of clothing you should be wearing.

All that matters is that you have decided on a clothing course of action and are following through with it.

First of all. Keep in mind, if you plan on stockpiling your cloths and bedding remember to label, date and rotate. Inspect these items periodical for serviceability. Look for Dry‐rot, insect damage, and are they still the right size.

Your Bug-out-Bags should have one entire change of cloths with additional socks, underwear, and t-shirts. If you have children, they have probably outgrown their cloths already.

If you live predominantly in one environment Hot or Cold, can you think of a time you may be in the other? Vacation, business. It is very common for travelers to disregard the environment they travel through because they have no intent on being in it.

Headgear in both a hot, sunny and cold climate are important.

Eye protection is a must have in both a hot and cold environment.

The sun releases energy (radiation) in many forms. The sunlight we see is one form. The heat we feel from the sun is another. Ultraviolet (UV) rays, a third type. UV rays are invisible to the eyes and cause sunburn. They can damage your eyes and harm your vision.

Here I will make recommendations. Oakely, ESS and Revision make approved ballistic eye wear that come with interchangeable grey and clear lenses that block 100% of UVA, UVB & UVC rays I have used all three.

Do not scrimp on your eye‐pro. I recommend military authorized protective eye wear.

A full coverage military style goggle system is also recommended for the off chance that you will find yourself in a blizzard, sandstorm or chemical environment.

Wear proper eye protection and hats that block UV rays. UV rays can come from many directions. They radiate directly from the sun, they are reflected from the ground, water, snow, sand and other bright surfaces.

Ballistic debris are also a major concern. Flying objects no matter how small can cause serious eye injury, even high velocity rainwater.

Did I mention

Scarfs

Bandannas

Shemagh

Head, neck, and face protection.

Did I mention additional Underwear two or three sets per person minimum

Socks ‐ four to six pair per person minimum

Cuts and scrapes, blisters and bruised knuckles are no fun.

Neither are numb fingers because your hands are so cold you cannot feel them. Bring Gloves.

Let’s not forget your feet.

Generally, if you are doing anything besides driving from one place to another or walking

through the mall you will need an appropriate set of footwear that will be comfortable and allow you to traverse the terrain with ease without causing yourself any injury.

I recommend the following. Combat/Hiking Boot provides ankle support, traction, and puncture protection. They are recommended when carrying heavy loads. Traversing uneven or difficult terrain. And moving through debris fields.

Hiking/walking shoes are lightweight, provide relatively good traction and are good for trails, sidewalks and open ground while caring a light load. They lack ankle support and lateral puncture protection of the foot.

Teva Sandals are good for when you need to move and air your feet off. They offer absolutely no protection to anything but the sole of your foot.

Water socks are useful for fording shallow water hazards they offer very limited protection for your foot.

Pay attention to the emergencies and disasters that you have already identified.

Do they have a seasonal theme.

Remember, that your environment can change. You probably have whatever you need, but go ahead and try a few new things.

Additional clothing information can be found here.

Till next time

“Be Safe”

P.S. Protect yourself and loved ones from the number one preventable disaster in the country, house fires. Take the Don’t Burn Your House Down course today, and rest assured your loved ones are safe.