People buy military surplus for a wide range of reasons, but if you live in an area in which hurricanes are a regular concern, it may be worth visiting your local military surplus store to see what products appeal to you. This is especially true if you're not only the type of person who expects to remain in his or her home during a hurricane, but also the type to get out into the community to ensure that your fellow residents are safe. Here are some examples of army surplus gear that you'll want to buy for these efforts:
Goggles
One of the biggest challenges of navigating an area during high winds and heavy rains is not being able to see clearly. If you're determined to help people who live in your area, you need to be able to reach them with ease — and part of doing so involves seeing what's in front of you. Military-grade goggles will be essential to wear. Those in the armed forces wear this protective gear in sandy areas to avoid eye irritation from blowing sand. The goggles can be just as effective to wear during hurricane conditions.
Backpack
When you visit a local military surplus store, you'll have extensive access to a variety of military-grade backpacks. It's a good idea to buy a large backpack that you can wear when you're out looking for people to help. Doing so will allow you to carry the essential items that you may need under these circumstances. This could include a first aid kit, some bottled water, and even non-perishable food items. If you're trying to get someone to leave a dangerous area and he or she is carrying items, you can store these things in your backpack temporarily in an effort to move more quickly.
Elbow And Knee Protection
Military operators often wear padding on their elbows and knees, as they know that a simple fall could result in a serious injury that may impact the mission. Military surplus stores often have this type of gear, and it's worth investing in when you anticipate helping people during a hurricane. The conditions during hurricanes can be precarious. Not only can you slip on the wet ground, but high winds also have the potential to knock you over. When you're protecting your elbows and knees in this manner, you can be confident that you can complete your efforts safely.