Tent rental companies help plan evacuation routes

By Holly O’Dell

Most of the time, event organizers are responsible for establishing their own emergency tent evacuation plan. But that doesn’t mean a tent rental company can’t help with logistics. “We work with fire marshals during the permitting process to determine evacuation routes,” says Donny Vasquez of Made in the Shade Tent Rentals, which also takes into consideration all fire codes for aisle ways. “We include fire extinguishers or safety packages [comprising lit exit signs, no smoking signs and extinguishers] where needed or required by law. This includes food booths or tents greater than 400 sq. ft.”

In addition, Made in the Shade outlines fire codes for customers on its website. “They need to know what the regulations are,” Vasquez adds.

Holly O’Dell is a freelance writer based in Pine City, Minn.