Experts say that the 2020 Atlantic hurricane season is the first hurricane season on record in which nine tropical storms formed before August 1. This means we could experience an above-average season. What is average? Well, a lot of storm activity, actually. Over a 20-year period, our country saw an average of 12 tropical storms a year, six hurricanes, and two major hurricanes (category 3 or higher). NOAA anticipates that 2020 could deliver a total of 19 to 25 named storms.

The most dreaded pitfall of any manufacturer or construction company is downtime. Any industry leader will confirm that the unplanned stop of production is the single most significant loss of money, man-hours, and efficiency.

Have you ever wondered how Sunbelt Rentals brings energy response and business continuity solutions at lightning-fast speed to those impacted by terrifying storms?

One of the first lessons in woodworking is “Measure twice, cut once.” This advice applies whether you’re dealing with a hobby project in your workshop or a massive capital construction project.

But, even with all the measuring and planning in the world, sometimes things just don’t go according to plan.

August 29, 2005

Hurricane Katrina makes landfall on the Gulf Coast with devastating results. Winds measuring 175 mph splinter cities, massive flooding makes thoroughfares look like rivers and power outages leave thousands sweltering in summer heat with no clean water to drink. Across Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana people need shelter, food, and medical attention.

As many parts of our nation are recovering from Category 4 Hurricane Harvey, and others are preparing for Category 5 Hurricane Irma, businesses are beginning to prioritize emergency response planning. After a tropical storm or hurricane’s path is projected, an emergency plan should be immediately implemented. While protecting its people should be a company’s first priority, goods and inventory must also be a factor.

In our previous blog post in this hurricane preparedness series, we offered a checklist to identify what should be done before disaster strikes to minimize loss and ensure a speedier return to operations. Mahaffey Fabric Structures is known for our ability to keep business going when permanent structures are compromised, but did you know we can help keep people going as well?

In most instances, disaster relief shelters are considered temporary. The ultimate goal is to provide a safe, functional shelter that can serve as a home base for families while they recover from a disaster and begin to rebuild their community and resume their ordinary life in a permanent home. However, the word temporary can actually mean a very long time when it comes to how long it takes to recover from any disastrous event. Displaced survivors may find themselves living in a temporary disaster relief shelter for months, perhaps even years. Today’s fabric shelters must be able to meet that need. 

Natural disasters seem to happen frequently. The environment is changing which is resulting in more frequent weather-related natural disasters. When these things occur, entire villages, cities or geographical regions can be affected. Entire populations of dozens, hundreds, or thousands, of people will require shelter. It is the following days, weeks, or even months that it will take for life to get back to normal after a disaster. During that time, to protect a person from the effects of exposure to the elements, shelter is critical to survival and recovery.