All posts tagged Weather Issues

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Tenting at Home: What Challenges to Expect from the Unexpected

Written by EventQuip on September 5, 2011 in Sailcloth Tents, Weddings - No Comments

At one time or another, everyone considers the idea of hosting a tented event at their home. Why not? Tents can serve as an extension of your home allowing you to entertain larger numbers of family and friends in a personal, outdoor setting. While the ending result is as romantic as you envisioned, if not more so, the process of installing tents in your backyard can be far more complicated than you ever imagined. In fact, at times your home may resemble a construction site. But trust us when we say these complications are well worth the challenges they pose when the finished product is truly magical!

Our suggestion is to go in with your eyes wide open to some of the issues you may face when tenting at home, such as:

• Space: Not every backyard can accommodate a tent or collection of tents. Knowing what your space limitations are in relation to your expected guest list is important to ensure you are building an appropriate tented space.

• Cost: Tented weddings tend to be more expensive than indoor celebrations. It’s based on time and materials. Be forewarned. More than likely, the bill’s going to be more than if you hosted your event in a hotel ballroom.

• Permits & Local Ordinances: For the most part, no matter where you live, you’ll need permits and fire department inspections to install a tent on your property. You may also need to check on noise ordinances to avoid issues with your neighbors.

• Utilities: Knowing the locations of your irrigation systems, landscape lighting, septic beds and underground utility lines are crucial to avoid disruption or personal harm.

• Weather: You can’t control what Mother Nature brings but you can do your best to take precautions to keep your tented event area safe and dry. Such as building a raised floor off the ground, adding side walls to keep rain from running into the tent, heaters to add warmth, fans to keep air circulating, air-conditioning units to cool entire tents down.

• Time: Installation and removal of tents always takes longer than a homeowner anticipates. Either due to the complexity of the build, access to the property or weather delays.

• Damage: Some damage or wear-and-tear on your property is inevitable. Installing tents means your lawn will be deprived of light and water for several days, your shrubs and trees may be pushed or bent, and heavy vehicles may leave deep marks on pathways and driveways. However, have no fear, nothing that doesn’t bounce back quickly or isn’t easily fixed after the event.

For more information about tenting-at-home, we invite you to contact one of our Tent Specialists at 215-368-6700.

[Photo:  Rachel McGinn; Decor:  Evantine Design]

 

Weathering the Storm: Outdoor Safety Tips for Lightning Storm Season

Written by EventQuip on August 22, 2011 in News & Updates - 1 Comment

Under normal weather conditions tents provide an excellent haven for outdoor events.  But let’s remember, tents of any kind are temporary structures made of fabric and are not intended to be occupied during extreme weather conditions.  As we see the Summer season come to a close, and temperatures continue to fluctuate back and forth from one extreme to the other, there’s one thing a every party planner can count on.  Lightning Storms.

Certainly, as Tent Specialists, we know what that means in terms of safety precautions but most people don’t and look to us for advice.  Sadly, that advice doesn’t make many party hosts happy.  But forget about your embarrassment; safety for your guests is the only concern that matters.

WHAT TO DO?

When you have a lightning storm in the vicinity, the best course of action is to evacuate the tent completely, with the safest place being an enclosed building.  To do otherwise would jeopardize the safety of you and all your guests. There really is no viable alternative.  Even if there is only a small chance that someone could be injured, it’s not a chance that any of us should take.

“A safe building is one that is fully enclosed with a roof, walls and floor, and has plumbing or wiring. Examples include a home, school, church, hotel, office building or shopping center.  Once inside, stay away from showers, sinks, bath tubs, and electronic equipment such as TVs, radios, corded telephones and computers. Unsafe buildings include car ports, open garages, covered patios, picnic shelters, beach pavilions, golf shelters, tents of any kinds, baseball dugouts, sheds and greenhouses.” The National Weather Service

WHAT’S THE PLAN?

We highly recommend advance planning with all of the professionals involved in the event to develop and coordinate a thorough emergency plan.  Trying to adjust and solve the problem while it’s happening is NOT a good idea and will only cause chaos under the stressful circumstances.

Here are our tips and suggestions to consider when making those emergency plans:

  • How the decision will be made and by whom? {who has authorization?}
  • Where will the guests go for emergency shelter? {is there a building near by?}
  • Is the emergency shelter prepared for invasion? {beverage service, bathrooms stocked, seating, etc}
  • Who will calmly announce the situation and steer the ship to safe waters? {that includes all service staff, no one  is left in tents}
  • Who will make the decision to return to the tents when/if the storm has passed?

For additional information on thunder and lightning storms turn to the experts at the National Weather Service.  They SEEM to know what they’re talking about. {most of the time, but certainly on safety issues.}

But seriously folks, it’s as easy as the childhood mantra:  When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!