The American Rental Association and ARA Insurance Introduce Landmark Document for Tenting Practices

MOLINE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The American Rental Association (ARA) and ARA Insurance have developed an industry-recognized Statement of Best Practices of Emergency Evacuation Planning for Tented Events, which addresses both weather-related and other emergencies. Party and event rental companies and tent manufacturers assisted with developing content for this document.

“ARA Insurance aims to be proactive in providing rental businesses with tools to reduce their risk and help keep their customers safe. Initiatives such as this demonstrate our commitment to the equipment rental industry”

Recent incidents from across the country that resulted in serious injuries and some fatalities prompted this best practice document. Tents should be recognized as temporary structures that are not designed to withstand extreme weather conditions or provide protection in emergency situations. The Statement of Best Practices of Emergency Evacuation Planning for Tented Events helps party and event rental businesses better inform the renter of their responsibilities when renting a tent.

“ARA and ARA Insurance are proud to introduce this landmark document on emergency evacuation planning for tented events. Together, we have defined this subject as one of growing significance. Providing the necessary education and training to keep people safe during weather-related and other emergencies when using tents is paramount to our industry,” says Christine Wehrman, executive vice president and CEO of ARA.

Objectives of the document include:

• Underscore the fact that tents are not safe shelters in emergency situations.
• Educate all entities involved in tented events about their roles in ensuring the safe use of the equipment.
• Assist rental companies and their customers in understanding the industry’s best practices regarding measures to take when emergency situations occur during tented events.
• Encourage tent rental customers to prepare emergency evacuation plans for their events.
• Enhance the safe use of rented tents in order to reduce injuries from emergencies.

“ARA Insurance aims to be proactive in providing rental businesses with tools to reduce their risk and help keep their customers safe. Initiatives such as this demonstrate our commitment to the equipment rental industry,” says Phillip Kelling, CPCU, ARM, CSP, president and CEO of ARA Insurance.

About ARA: (ARArental.org) The American Rental Association, Moline, Ill., is an international trade association for owners of equipment rental businesses and the manufacturers and suppliers of construction/industrial, general tool and party/event rental equipment. ARA members, which include more than 8,500 rental businesses and nearly 1,000 manufacturers and suppliers, are located in every U.S. state, every Canadian province and more than 30 countries worldwide. Founded in 1955, ARA is the source for information, advocacy, risk management, business development tools, education and training, networking and marketplace opportunities for the rental equipment industry throughout the world.

About ARA Insurance: (ararental.org/ARAInsurance) ARA Insurance is the number one insurer of ARA members. This wholly-owned insurance entity of the American Rental Association has been serving ARA members for more than 35 years. Its mission is focused on service, rather than profit, which makes it unique in the insurance community. A board of directors comprising both insurance and rental industry professionals keeps the organization true to its mission. As a result, it is well known for strong risk management and customer service.