I am a CERT coordinator in Northern CA. We are assembling neighbor caches and I need your opinions on the subject of ropes. What are the pros and cons of the different materials? What are the most manageable diameters and lengths for various ages and physical conditions to use? Another item of interest is "come alongs", any experience and recommendation?

Regards

You might look at the powder pullers that use rope rather than cable. Cables can kink an then be drastically weakened. Definately
some safety issues in using come alongs etc. Proper training a
must.

What will the rope be used for?

Good question but many answers. The main emergency is a major earthquake in this area but of course many things could happen. Rescue and self evacuation out of offices and residences, hoisting items, etc., etc.

Check out Bluewater ropes.
http://www.bluewaterropes.com/
They have all kind for different applications. You probably will use mostly static ropes.
Bill

what use are you thinking of for the rope and the come along.
Without knowing particulars have 2 or 3 sizes on hand for different situations. As far as the come along goes I have used the ones with the straps, they are a little safer than the ones that use cables. Either can be used by almost anyone with very little training as long as they use common sense.

Congratulations for stepping up and working on helping your neighbors. Rope and rope rescue are pretty technical topics. What are you intending on using ropes for, exactly?

For life safety/rescue applications, we use kernmantle static rope in the fire service. For hauling gear, we use a variety of other ropes, including good ol' manila braid, but usually worn or stressed kernamntle retired from life safety service.

Jeff

I would say a nice 5/16" braided nylon rope would be the most utilitarian. Polypropeline stretches too much and hemp is not as strong. Just make sure to whip the ends of the rope to prevent unraveling.

Twisted rope is fun to learn how to splice with but not very strong either.

For safety/rescue work I wouldn't use anything less than 1/2" braided nylon and in mint condition. Safety requirements would be too high for anything less.

whatever kind you get make sure it's big enought to get
your hand around to get a good grip..i tryed some 1/4 stuff
on my canoe and it was impossible to really haul on..