Portable Sanitation Association International

PSAI Association Insight, September 1, 2021 I 11 First Jennifer sent a note to the Executive Director of FHBA that said, in part: "I own JW Craft Portable Restrooms in Naples. I also sit on the board of directors for the Portable Sanitation Association International (www.psai.org). Our organization educates portable restroom companies and the general public on the importance and the safety of portable sanitation, this includes emergency and disaster response. I absolutely love and appreciate the email you sent, however our industry's protocol for securing portable toilets on job sites is not what you have in your email." Jennifer then went on to offer to help the FHBA get it right. Meanwhile Ross also emailed the FHBA. He identified himself as a PSAI member, pointed out that tipping over a portable unit could lead to health code violations, and offered some practical advice for FHBA members. Ross suggested that home builders: 1 Secure the units to trees or posts with straps 2 Place weight inside the units - cinder blocks, chains, 5-gallon pails with water. 3 Zip-tie the doors or tie rope around the units to keep the doors closed. Ross closed his note with an invitation to the FHBA stating, "… we would be happy to work with your members to help them secure construction sites for hurricanes and high-wind events." The next day, FHBA's Executive Director called the PSAI to be sure he had his information correct. We went through some scenarios and offered to provide whatever material would be helpful to his members as they prepared for the storm. Ultimately, FHBA sent out updated guidance and it was a win for everyone. As Ross said later, "[it was] the PSAI, quietly at Preparing for Weather Events (continued from page 1) work for our industry." This is how an association should work – an exchange of information that goes both directions, and collaboration to bring about positive change in an industry situation that affects us all. Other Preparation Tips: Many times hurricanes are slow- moving storms, and it can be many days before it is clear where the hurricane will make landfall. This week we are hearing about Hurricane Ida and its impact on Louisiana. Over the course of several days the projection about where the storm would hit varied and at times included parts of Texas, Mississippi, and other Gulf Coast sites. As a friend of mine from central Florida remarked, "Waiting for [a hurricane] is like being stalked by a turtle." (continued on page 12) 1 Secure the units to trees or posts using straps 2 Place weight inside the units - cinder blocks, chains, or five gallon pails filled with water all work well 3 Zip-tie the doors or tie rope around the units to keep the doors closed

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