Top Tips for Making A Fire Hose Flag- Tip 1
I think my first USA hose flag was in 2015. It was for a fire station project which we proudly hung in the fire house. It still hangs there today even though I have since retired. Since that first flag, I have probably made 6-7 more USA flags that went to firefighter charities. I have also made about 10 Texas flags from fire hose as well. With this years events or shall I say big event (covid) it knocked out almost all of my charity events. I’ve been keeping busy working on our lake cottage/mobile home which you will see in this blog as well. I figure it’s probably time for me to pass on how to make these items. I hope the tradition will continue that people will make very personalized donations for firefighter charities. Here’s to sharing what I’ve learned!
Tip 1: Use clean, quality hose. You want to limit exposures to any carcinogens that not only firefighters, their PPE, but also the hose is exposed to. I’ve been very lucky to be the recipient of great hose. I think it’s mostly because my department is an interior attack department and we burn holes in our crosslay long before it’s had a chance to be utilized for very long on the fire scene. When I was still working, I would pressure wash the hose on the approach once or twice and let it completely dry before storing or utilizing. If I brought a section or two home to begin a project with, I transported it either in a large sealed tub or in the back of a pick-up. Even though the hose has been power washed twice and dried, once it is here, I store it in big Rubbermaid containers in my yard until I use it. If it’s been stored there for a while and I can’t remember when it was last power washed or if it’s gotten just a little dirty from the container, I’ll wash again. I will say having the hose as safe as possible is a precaution I prefer to take. Don’t forget you can and should easily wear plastic gloves when cleaning as well.
Nothing like clean quality hose!
I’ve seen people throw together an item with fire hose without taking the extra steps. If people knew how much time actually goes into making a fire hose flag, they would be willing to pay more for it because they wouldn’t want to do all the necessary steps to make it. I think it’s worth it! I love the creative outlet plus I am always super excited when my donations get top dollar at a firefighter charity event.
Stay safe,
Mother Trucker