With all the horrible things that have happen this past summer, we thought it was important to discuss crisis management for tented events. Our job is to make sure that the tent and equipment is safe for your guests but there are extreme conditions that can make an event tent not longer safe. Such hazardous situations are:
Damaging Winds: The tent could collapse and injure occupants; the tent cannot protect occupants from flying debris.
Fire or Explosion: The tent cannot protect occupants from excessive heat, flames, or flying debris.
Lighting: Lighting poses a risk of electrocution, electric shock, or fire. Hail or Sleet
Excessive weight could cause the tent to collapse and injure occupants.
Excessive Rainfall: Saturation of ground with water may compromise securement. The tent could collapse and injure occupants.
Flash Flooding: Saturation of ground with water may compromise securement. The tent could collapse and injure occupants.
Snow Accumulation: Excessive weight could cause the tent to collapse and injure occupants.
Ice Storm: Excessive weight could cause the tent to collapse and injure occupants. Gas Leak
Atmospheric conditions may not be suitable for occupants.
Earth Movement e.g., tremor, landslide: Ground conditions may not be suitable for occupants and may compromise the tent’s securement.
First you must designate someone who will be in charge of the emergency evacuation plan and on site for the entire event. The point person(s) will assist in developing the plan and be responsible during the event for monitoring the weather, determining whether a situation calls for evacuation, and if so, acting decisively and authoritatively to instruct guests to evacuate
For a wedding: a family member, member of the wedding party, etc.
For a corporate event: an event planner, company representative, etc.
For a public event: a show manager, representative of the venue, the fire chief, etc.
The point person should establish an evacuation location. The location should be a permanent building large enough to accommodate your guests. Coordinate in advance to ensure it will be open and accessible during your event, and make a note of its address in case you have to call for emergency assistance.
Of utmost importance, the tent should never be used as a shelter in an emergency situation.
