Portable Sanitation Association International

Association Insight September 16, 2020

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ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 Page 3 Tips for Effective Operations around Natural Disasters…continued from page 1 Continued on page 4 • Hurricane Laura was only the fourth Category 4 hurricane to hit Louisiana in modern history and has been the deadliest thus far in 2020. • Tropical Storm Sally is expected to reach landfall on September 15, and wildfires continue to burn in the West as this article is being written. • Earthquakes, tornadoes, windstorms, floods, and other natural disasters also continue to occur as they do every year. Portable sanitation is interconnected with the management of each of these disasters. Whether it is providing portable restrooms, restroom trailers, shower trailers, or any other related equipment, here is another example where portable sanitation is a "necessary industry." Several PSAI members have taken their time to share their experiences in both providing service during natural disasters as well as protecting their own companies and employees during these dangerous events. Carl Arriola—Porta Pros—Wildfires in Eastern Oregon and Western Idaho Ports Pros has gained plenty of experience in dealing with wildfires in recent years. Owner Carl Arriola references the 2012 Trinity Ridge Fire. "This was the largest fire in the nation at that time and Porta Pros was able to meet this challenge." Carl continues, "We had 219 units with daily service located at 24 different mountain locations, all located about three hours away from our Nampa, Idaho location." Taking their experience from 2012, Porta Pros worked the 2019 Indian Creek Fire which incorporated 155 units with daily service at 14 different emergency locations. How can a company do this? How can you plan for this? According to Carl, "You must determine if such emergency events are the right fit for your company." If providing equipment and service are consistent with your company capacity, vision, and culture, you should include hazard response in your business plan and build those expenses into the company budget. Carl also makes the extremely important point that, "you must consider the risks." There will be units, people, and equipment that will be taken away from the day-to-day operations of your company for an unknown period. These jobs are, by definition, more complicated than usual. Be sure you take all of that into account as you plan. How does your company become involved in working with the appropriate organizations that respond to hazardous situations? Carl identified the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the US Forest purchasing system as the organizations most involved in forest fire situations. As Carl identifies, "the System for Award Management (SAM) is the place to start in terms of working with government entities. Once a SAM number is assigned to your company, you are eligible to work with the federal government."

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