Firefighter Brothers Produce COVID-19 Face Masks
Photo by RON JEFFERSJersey City Firefighter Jordan Lang with the "Heat Straps" mask, designed for first responders.
Two years ago, Jersey City firefighter brothers Jordan and Tyler Lang created Heats Straps, LLC. They came up with a way to secure firefighter's gloves while operating in turnout gear at incidents with a wrist strap. These straps are now worn by members in various fire departments across the country.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a shortage of face masks for first responders. Also, most masks were designed for one time use. The Lang brothers stopped production of the Heat Straps in order to contribute to the efforts made by many businesses to produce virus related equipment.
“Although N95 masks have their place, they are not practical for all day use in the firehouse and on non-medical calls,” Jordan said.
The brothers came up with a mask that is sturdy, to stand up to the needs of first responders. The Heat Straps masks, as they are labeled, can be washed with soap and water and reused the next day, according to the brothers. They say the masks can be worn around the neck, and then put into use at a moment's notice by puling over the face.
In addition, they report that the masks are made in New Jersey out of high-tech domestic materials.
“They are easy to breath in and do not moist, like cotton masks,” Jordan stated.
For more information, go to https://www.heatstrapsusa.com/product-page/heat-straps-mask .
The brothers say $5.00 of each mask sold online will be donated to the National Fallen Firefighter COVID-19 Emergency Fund.