In the aftermath of the deadly and devastating wildfires in Maui, HI, OSHA reached out to ISEA seeking support from the safety equipment community. First responders, recovery volunteers, and local citizens are in dire need of protective gear as they sift through ashes and debris and slowly recover from the deadliest US wildfire in the last century.
ISEA members were quick to answer the call. Immediately, more than $1 million worth of safety gear and PPE was pledged to support recovery efforts.
ISEA staff established direct contact with a safety specialist heading recovery efforts for the County of Maui to gauge needs. And, working with non-profit partner Good360, the ISEA Foundation coordinated a central warehouse on the West Coast to receive the necessary safety equipment, where product will make its way to Maui on donated freight transportation.
More than 250,000 individual safety products have been donated, including N95 respirators, high-visibility vests, safety glasses, protective apparel, hand protection (industrial, vinyl & nitril), shoe coverings, general face coverings, ear plugs, first aid kits, cooling solutions, electrolyte replenishment drinks, and more.
“We are warmed by the response from the safety equipment industry to help us in a great time of need,” said Marcie Hoag, ASP, Safety Specialist III with the County of Maui. “We have all suffered great loss in this tragedy, and our priority now is to help ensure no one else is harmed as this community works to rebuild. A huge ‘mahalo’ goes out to all who have donated PPE and safety gear that will allow our first responders, volunteers, and citizens to stay safe as they start to heal.”
Thanks to our donors on behalf of the ISEA Foundation:
- BlackHawk Industrial
- Blauer Manufacturing
- Cintas
- DuPont Personal Protection
- Ergodyne
- International Enviroguard
- Lakeland
- Summit Safety (HiVis Supply)
- Sqwincher (Kent Prevision Food Group)
More To Be Done
While our friends in Maui have received enough donated goods to help for their current needs, many more recovery professionals and volunteers can use our support – namely those fighting fires in the Pacific Northwest and recovering from the aftermath of what is predicted to be a tumultuous hurricane season.
The ISEA Foundation can help coordinate pledged donations of PPE and safety gear for those who need it the most. If you would like to donate safety equipment for those currently facing recovery efforts, please to reach out at isea@safetyequipment.org.
