Campaign Tent Launch
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Emergency Weather Plan
4/22/2013
The tent structure is grounded so a thunderstorm is not as major of a concern that it would be in a normal
tent. Our primary concern is the wind; we would evacuate if there were sustained winds or gusts over 35
mph. The tent will withstand winds well above 35 mph, as it is installed or weighted, but that does not
account for all of the technical gear that is suspended from the ceiling. A Tornado Watch or a Tornado
Warning in Baltimore City would also require us to evacuate the tent.
The Security Dispatch office will be monitoring the weather between 5:00 p.m-10:00 p.m. on Saturday,
May 4. They will call Jill Williams at 301.343.0974 with any weather watches or warnings. If they call,
Jill will alert them that we will likely be evacuating the tent and request security assistance.
Should wind gusts reach 35 mph, or be anticipated to reach 35 mph or higher, Jill Williams, the US Event
Structure’s on-site tent attendant, and Curt Gary representing Feats, will connect to begin implementation
of the evacuation plan.
Curt Gary will inform the Feats show team. Then, the stage manager will halt the stage action including
any videos and audio. The lights will go on. The pre-planned evacuation announcement will then be read
by Feats staff.
Jill Williams will inform the volunteer staff members who will open the emergency exit doors and
position themselves to direct guests out of the tent and into South Garage.
Volunteer staff will send everyone down to South Garage using both the Mason entrances and the
Hackerman entrance.
Once in the garage, Campus Security can communicate with the guests via a bullhorn. If it is a wind
event or a Tornado Watch, guests can depart in their cars whenever they are comfortable doing so and are
welcome to remain in the garage until any of the watches and warnings have been lifted. If it is a
Tornado Warning, guests will be asked to remain in the garage until the warning has been lifted.