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"Be prepared," means more than having a supply of emergency items on hand. What covers your body from head to toe can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency.

While no garment can totally seal off human flesh from destruction, new technologies and materials can provide a temporary shield against the effects of fire, chemicals, radiation and weapons.

Rothco wholesales a variety of emergency apparel, much of which is focused on protecting the wearer from the body fluids.

"EMT apparel is one of our fastest growing markets," says Rothco spokesman Hans Blechschmidt.

Rothco offers Teflon coated EMT pants, as well as Teflon coated BDUs. Although Teflon is not an impermeable barrier against accidental spills and body fluids, it allows fluids to easily wash off before they can penetrate the material. Body fluids simply roll off the pants, said Blechschmidt.

Reflective clothing for construction workers, police and others working outdoors at night or in foul weather is another major category. Rothco sells reflective vests, as well as reflective parkas and rain suits. In addition to standard yellow and orange, the reflective rainwear is available in black, a color preferred by police.

Kevlar® gloves are an important item for customers, including meat and fish cutters, who work in environment where they may suffer cuts on the hand. Kevlar gloves are especially useful for police when patting down suspects and searching through unknown contents. In addition to protecting against sharp objects, Kevlar will stand up temperatures of 800 degrees Fahrenheit, said Blechschmidt notes. Nevertheless, for fire safety, Nomex gloves remain first choice.

For SWAT teams and riot squads, Rothco offers ballistic helmets, designed for protection against shrapnel rather than bullets.

Rothco also sells polycarbonate see-through plastic shields for riot control, shatter resistant goggles and silicone hearing protectors worn inside the ear, as well as traditional over-the-ear hearing protectors.

Shoe business

Footwear is an essential element in any protective outfit, both for resistance to fluids and protection against hazardous conditions during police and military activities.

Wellco, one of the four U.S. shoe companies that provide footwear to the U.S. military, is introducing two new protective boots.