Dealing with the power of natural disasters

When the Republican National Convention took place in Tampa, Fla., during August 2012, U.S. Tent Rental, Sarasota, Fla., was awarded the contract only 72 hours before the tents were to be set up.

“As soon as the contract was signed, we went to work, partnering with another company because it was too much for one company. It took us two days to put everything up,” says Tim Boyle, CERP, co-owner and CEO.

Shortly thereafter, weather reports indicated Hurricane Isaac was brewing off the Gulf Coast and Tampa could be hit. With laser-focused attention, all watched the reports to see where the eye of the storm was predicted to land.

If Tampa stayed out of the danger zone, Boyle could keep the tents up for the thousands of delegates and governmental leaders who would be coming to the convention. If that wasn’t the case, the tent crews would need to take them down, which would mean delaying the convention.

With local, state and national government officials in on the decision, Boyle knew he had to be flexible while keeping everyone safe.

Read what Boyle and others have done to keep safety a top priority during natural disasters in the August issue of Rental Management.

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