Today, clothes are very easy to get because we can buy them in many places and even online. There are also people who are worrying about how much clothes they have, but they don’t wear. It’s possible that you own lots of clothes for different occasions, like formal dresses for parties, a wide variety of yoga clothes, and casual outfits for running errands or going to malls. However, if ever an urban disaster would occur, do you think you have the right items in your wardrobe to get you through survival or bug out situation?
During extreme situations, having the right clothing can be one of the ways to survive. The type of clothes you need to be comfortable depends on your climatic conditions. Also, if you live in a place with high rainfall or on a floodplain, you will need to have waterproof clothes. Or, if you are in a boggy area, you need to have protection against insects.
If you are now wondering about the clothes that you should have in case of an urban catastrophe, then we’re happy to help you. Today, we are giving you a list of the best clothing for urban disaster situations.
Choose Clothing for Specific Weather Conditions
As mentioned earlier, the type of clothing you need depends on climate or weather conditions. The pieces of clothing you need to have should be designed to protect you not only in milder climates but, most importantly, in extreme climates. For example, you can have clothes for rain, snow, ice, and as well as extreme heat. And the clothes you need to have should be suitable for the place you live in.
Here are some examples of the things you need to consider for each weather condition:
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Winter: If a disaster happens during the winter season, you need to focus on clothes that will protect you from the cold and wet. Layers of clothing will be able to keep you warm and dry. Aside from that, you’ll also have the flexibility to adjust for temperature variations. Some of the clothing you need during winter are socks, coats, base layer t-shirts, and thermal underwear, to name a few. You can also pack hats, scarves, and gloves or hand warmers just in case.
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Spring: During the spring season, temperatures and weather conditions can vary greatly, since the seasons are changing. You need to protect yourself from the sun during spring, but you also need to have some warm clothing with you. It’s because even though it’s warm during the day, it can be cold at night and the following early morning.
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Summer: During hot summer days, you need to focus on clothes that can protect you from the sun. These can include hats, sunglasses, and lightweight moisture-wicking shirts. It is also best to opt for light-colored clothes that can help in keeping the sun off and moisture in.
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Autumn: The autumn season is similar to springtime temperatures. Even if it’s not that hat under the sun, it could still affect you adversely. That’s why it’s better to have some clothes for sun protection, too. During the night, temperatures can fall well below freezing. Therefore, you also need to have warmer clothing with you.
Clothing that Absorbs Moisture
During emergency or disaster situations, it is important to have clothing that absorbs moisture because it will keep your body warm and protect you from conditions, such as frostbite, hypothermia, colds, coughs, and more. It is not really advisable to wear cotton clothes because they are not good at getting rid of moisture even though they are very absorbent. Considering having clothes that combine moisture absorption and moisture-wicking capabilities, as they are the best for disaster situations. One of the best examples is layered clothing.
Clothing that Offers Sun Protection
During a disaster situation, if you get exposed to the UV rays from the sun for a long time, it can be really harmful. Therefore, no matter what the weather in your place is, since our weather in the present time is extreme, having sun-protective clothing with you is a must, as it can help keep you from getting sick, as well.
When looking for UV protected clothes, look out for fabrics that offer a UPF or ultraviolet protection rating as these can absorb lots of UV rays. When you are going to be exposed to sunlight, wear a breathable shirt with long sleeves, and as well as pants to keep your legs from burning.
Clothing that Can Protect You from Insects
During a disaster, there might be a need for you to evacuate. Therefore, you also need to have insect-proof clothing with you. There are insects that are poisonous and could cause severe harm. That’s why it’s important to have insect-proof clothes when you need to survive outdoors to prevent problems. Choose clothing that is made to repel insects. You can also opt for pants and shirts with sleeves to prevent insect bites.
Stretchy and Accommodating Pants
It’s also best to opt for stretchy pants because they are more comfortable to wear, and will allow you to move better, compared to tight-fitting jeans. Also, stretchy pants are easier to pack because they are usually lighter compared to jeans and other types of pants.
Sturdy Survival Footwear
One of the most important pieces of clothing or equipment you need to have during an urban disaster situation is footwear. It’s because without it, surviving would be really hard because it limits your ability to move, and your body might also lose a lot of heat through your feet. Therefore, owning a pair of survival shoes may come in handy during disaster situations. You can find lots of survival shoes in the market today.
When choosing survival footwear, pick shoes that are comfortable to wear but are tough to tolerate more abuse. They should have adequate insulation and good slip resistance. It’s also great to choose shoes that have thick soles and breathable waterproof layers for protection and mobility. Some good examples are working boots and shoes because they have features, such as oil, slip, and electric shock resistant soles.
These are some of the best clothing that you must-have for urban disaster situations. So, the next time you plan on going shopping, you might want to consider getting a few of these pieces of clothing. They will surely come in handy in case of disaster situations that might happen.