Keeping Safe Around Tents Guest Edition
Safety from Any Angle – Points for the Common User
There are many different points of view we can take when we discuss tent usage. For the most part, we are going to be talking about a topic either from the point of view of someone who knows tents very well (a tent rental company, for example, or grounds crews at a fair ground), or from the outlook of a backyard, at-home user. Because we have readers in both camps (Hi mom!) it makes sense to try and strike a deal between the two ideologies.
BUT NOT TODAY. No, this blog is just for those who don’t work with tents on a daily basis. That’s right – neither the home user nor the rental business who tent day-in and day-out. This blog is for those people who will be under the tent – the END USER*.
I Believe in the Users!
While many of the safety practices we’re going to cover may seem like the most obvious pieces of advice, sometimes it’s best to cover all of the basics, just in case. For example:
Always be Aware of Guy Lines and Stakes
To get into any tent, you’ll have to pass through the portion of the tent footprint where all of the stakes and guy lines, or lines that connect the tent to the stakes, are located. Due to the fact that stakes work best with less than six inches of the stake exposed, the ability to see them (even with lines extending to the tent) is somewhat limited. While you may notice the guy line immediately, most people aren’t in the habit of following each and every rope or ratchet strap to see if it ends up directly underfoot.
The guy lines themselves can also form a hazard. Tent eaves, the part where the structure transitions from vertical wall to roof, are designed to be above head level so that it is easy to pass underneath them. Because of this, there is a triangle of space where the less than observant could possibly hit and snag on the lines if they aren’t careful.
Fabric Walls, While Walls, Are Still Fabric
Similar to a backdrop for a stage play, the tent sidewall may look like any old wall, but moves one whole heck of a lot more when you touch it. While they are hopefully roped and staked to look their best and add a little more stability, leaning into or grabbing a hold of any tent sidewall isn’t going to be the sturdiest or most steadfast choice you make that day.
Even if your tent has keder sidewalls installed, any pressure you put on the wall is going to translate directly to the tent supports. And no one wants to be the guy who knocked down the pole tent by leaning to one side.
Climbing is for Mountains, Walls, and Jungle Gyms – Not Tents
This one is more for users with younger children around – no tent is designed to support any more weight than the fabric top and walls, and maybe lighting, liners, or fans. As such, any climbers are going to be in danger the minute their feet leave the ground; tents are simply not designed for that kind of stress. Guy lines are the most common point of access, being low to the ground. Tensions lines on all tents are integral parts of what keep the tent lifted, and shouldn’t be messed around with for any reason.
Letting it All Sink In
By taking a few moments to think about the obvious do nots of tent usage, you can plant the idea in your mind and hopefully avoid any blunders when it comes to enjoying your event. Having fun, after all, is what tenting is all about.
Have any pressing questions or just want to know more about tents in general? Give Celina Tent a call at 866-258-1041 to chat with one of our friendly account managers, or visit our Knowledge Center for in-depth guides to most tent topics.
*Celina Tent acknowledges the fact that many installers, especially of smaller tents, are equal parts owner, installer, and end user of tents and tent products. We do not mean to imply that tent owners cannot be tent users, or installers cannot own tents, or that end users can’t be installers. You can be anything you put your mind to, and Celina Tent encourages you to be the best you that you can be. Reach for the stars, kiddo. –Management