A critical aspect of event planning that often goes overlooked is creating and implementing a tent evacuation plan in case of an emergency. 

Events, whether small or large, require proper planning and execution if they’re going to be successful. Evacuation plans are simply one more important part of the process.

This post will discuss the importance of having an evacuation plan for events and provide some tips on creating one.

4 Reasons to Evacuate a Rental Tent

While rental tents are sturdy and weather-resistant, there are certain situations where it’s advisable to evacuate the tent.

1. One such situation is when there are damaging high winds. If there are high and dangerous winds, your rental tent could collapse and severely injure your guests. Unfortunately, tents cannot protect occupants from flying debris.
2. Another potential situation is when there is a fire or explosion. Often made from flammable materials, a tent is not the place to be trapped if a fire starts. 
3. Then, while tents can provide some protection from hail or sleet, excessive weight could cause the tent to collapse.
4. Finally, lightning poses a significant risk of fire and electrocution. 

In any of these situations, it’s best to evacuate the tent and seek shelter in a nearby, safe building.

Who Puts an Evacuation Plan Together?

When hosting an event in a tent, the renter must ensure guests’ safety. They should create the emergency evacuation plan with the input of local emergency personnel, considering the specific risks and hazards associated with the event location. 

The plan should be reviewed and updated regularly, as needed. The renter should also ensure that all event staff and volunteers are familiar with the emergency evacuation plan and know their roles and responsibilities in the event of an emergency.

That said, if you’re working with an event venue, they likely have a safety or evacuation plan in place. Work closely with them on the best options for your rental tent. 

4 Tips for Creating an Evacuation Plan

As you’ve read, with tents, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in emergency and evacuation procedures. Severe weather can pop up suddenly and without warning, accidents can happen, and it’s not always possible to foresee everything during event planning. 

Having a plan in place ensures that everyone knows what to do in the event of an emergency and that everyone can get to safety quickly and efficiently. 

1. First, you’ll need to put a plan in place for what everyone will do during an emergency. This should include a designated meeting spot outside of the tent, as well as a plan for who will call 911 and who will go get help. 
2. The person tasked with making the call to evacuate should be someone who is calm and level-headed. They should also be familiar with the layout of the event site and the evacuation routes. This way, they can make an informed decision about when it is safe to evacuate and when it is not. 
3. You’ll also need to make sure that everyone knows how to use the tent’s emergency exits. With a fire, for example, you’ll want to be sure that everyone knows to exit through the closest safe door to them. 
4. Finally, it’s important to have a designated person responsible for checking the tent regularly for hazards. 

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that everyone stays safe in the event of an emergency.

While strong winds, hailstorms, or fire may be the last thing on your mind while planning your event, it’s essential to have an evacuation or emergency plan in place, just in case. 

By working with a reputable tent rental company like ours, you can ensure that you have everything you need to keep your guests safe in the event of an emergency. For help with New England event rentals, give us a call at Sperry Tents Seacoast!