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ASSOCIATIONINSIGHT Portable Sanitation Association International News BIWEEKLY EDITION SEPTEMBER 16, 2020 Page 4 Continued on page 8 Tips for Effective Operations around Natural Disasters…continued from page 3 Carl emphasizes that prior to agreeing to a contract with the relevant firefighting organization, "You must consider your pricing, taking into account daily service rates, daily rental rates, and, most importantly, moves of the equipment due to the strength and direction of these [evolving] fires." Two additional considerations that must be thought through include (1) the standard requirement for "late model equipment" from the portable restroom operator in order to ensure equipment reliability in the field, and (2) response times. Carl related that the expectation is always stated upfront and in advance of any agreement to work together. He states that "this delivery time frame is usually ASAP and no more than one day." Can your company respond in this fashion? Carl lists four key points that companies should consider before entering this market: • What are your 'stretched' capacities concerning what you can and will do? • What are your plans if/when the incident escalates? • Who will work with you if you control bringing in other companies for assistance? (Portable restroom, septic, trash, other)? • If the incident gets beyond your capacity, will you subcontract or give portions to another company or go directly with the purchasing entity?" Porta Pros is based in Nampa, Idaho. Jennifer Corrigan—JW Craft—Hurricanes along the Western Gulf Coast of Florida Hurricanes present their own unique challenges as natural disasters. Typically, the most likely track of hurricanes is projected by the various weather services, thereby giving the portable restroom operators and other relief agencies some indication as to the potentially affected areas. Jennifer Corrigan with JW Craft brings a wealth of information in helping to prepare for hurricanes. "I believe that preparation and planning are key to success in this area," she says. Hurricane season is formally designated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as lasting from June to November each year. JW Craft is well-prepared with an established company plan. Jennifer makes the point, "Every employee needs to be aware of the plan and to know their role(s) as part of the plan." The company reviews the plan quarterly as part of its training program. Jennifer states that her company also feels the obligation to educate and to inform customers concerning these annual storms. She describes a process by which, "a general email is sent to customers at the beginning of the year as a planning tool for their benefit." "How can portable sanitation equipment help contractors to plan for hurricane season?" is the subject line for the email suggesting that a trained JW Craft employee attend contractors' Hurricane Preparedness Meeting. At the meeting, Jennifer and her team can inform contractors about product offerings that may be required after a hurricane has passed. In addition to portable restroom units, single shower units, restroom trailers, shower trailers, holding tanks, and non-potable water tanks may be required. Hurricane Irma struck Florida in September 2017.