Damn it. Yesterday afternoon, after my 10x20 booth had been setup for just 15 minutes....I had driven about 10 minutes to get some food, when I got the call. 65 MPH + winds (at least that is what the advisory said) blew over my booth, damaging several pieces, plus panels and canopy parts.
I had 7 weights on it. For those of you that know the trimline stabar configuration, I had 4 flourish sandbag weights full of gravel strapped to my stabar on 3 sides. I had 3 more heavy, 75 lbs. cement weights secured to the corners. I had 9' tall pro-panels with corner and straight stiffeners, several support bars, and tent hooks connecting panels to the sides. It should also be noted that my tent is tall. It is a double booth - Trimline 10x20 and legs raised up about 9'.
The volunteer at check in said no staking allowed, so I had to forgo staking it into the grass as I normally do. However, with all the weights and just the weight of the tent + display itself, I thought it would be a bit more sturdy.
I heard from others that there were 4 other booths blown over during the high winds. My booth actually knocked over the booth behind me and a potter next to me lost an entire shelf of inventory. I saw several EZ-ups blown over and in pieces.
Some of you may know that last year I had a similar accident - in Tulsa, OK. I was on the very end of the street, on the corner, up on the curb. Similar setup, but less weights. The same weekend as the monster tornadoes that took out hundreds of homes just south of us. Anyhow - my entire booth blew over and I lost a ton of work, damaged equipment such as panels, lots of broken and bent canopy pieces...same as this time.
This years setup is an attempt to be sturdier...After Tulsa last year, I added the 3 75 Lbs. weights and extra support bars for my panels...I am not sure what else to do at this point. This year I also have insurance from ACT, so am able to make a claim - which I am just starting. So that's a plus....Now I got to figure out how to be ready for Madison WI this weekend. I need to figure out if I have any inventory, and enough working canopy parts and panels to hang my work.
Anyways, I am just trying to figure out what i can do to stabilize my tent...or if it is even possible when you have a 10x20 in high winds. What do you guys think? What do you recommend? any thoughts on making it more sturdy are welcome.
Also, last year, several artists told me I should contact an organization that helped out artists during events like this. I never did contact them...to busy working through it I guess. I don't remember their name - does that ring a bell to anyone here? Hopefully ACT insurance will come through and cover me for most of this.
Here's an image of the aftermath:
Replies
Josh- I remember Tulsa as I was directly across from you. Your work is really great and it kills me to see your work get damaged. I am so sorry about these terrible events! good luck for the rest of the year and I hope to see you at a show soon..
Thanks Dana! sorry just seeing this comment a couple years late! Definitely hope to see you around more.
Maybe too little too late, but a local artist friend of mine uses this setup -- there is a threaded bolt and an eye bolt, both set into concrete in a bucket. Not only an anchor point, but it raises the tent a couple inches. I am in the process of making myself a set. (The blue bowl is a dog dish)
Hey, That's what I use! Have for over 20 years. I call them foot weights. Each is ~ 60 lbs. If you do this, know that you should supplement with hanging weights to reduce sway in high wind conditions. The foot weights keep the canopy down, but wind against the sides and top will cause it to rock and sway. Anything over 20 mph, I add my hanging weights, which hang from a hole drilled in the corner frame, using a non-streching nylon rope and snap hooks. I carry all weights in the van all the time, so I'm never without the full complement. 75% of the time, all I ever need are the foot weights.
Under windy conditions, first remove sides, then lower the canopy first, and remove the top, before unbolting the frame from the weights. I don't unbolt the weights until I know there is nothing left to catch the wind.
What, if anything, is used to cover the bucket for a finished appearance?
Good question... I'll be making mine look like small bourbon barrels.
I see your barrel, good idea. I have some extra tablecloth material, so thinking of sewing a drapery-like cover. I'm using unopened square cat litter buckets - 42 lbs each. I also have 4 empty buckets I can fill with water. Heavy for setup, but light for teardown.
Josh,
This is Ross from ACT. I hope you received my email and voice mail yesterday. I immediately contacted Great American once I found out that you were having problems with responsiveness. After not hearing back from the Claims Adjuster I contacted the President and Vice President of Claims for this division. I hope there call with you yesterday was helpful.
From what I understand the finalization of the claim is taking longer then expected (THIS long is not acceptable though and I made that known) because there are more than one parties involved.
The nice thing about our policy is that it is designed to respond not only to damage you may receive but also bodily injury or property damage to third parties, meaning the other vendors around you whose property was damaged when your canopy blew/fell over. From what I am aware of there are 2 others wanting recompense against your policy.
Josh, if you are anyone else has problems with how a claim is being handled please call us here at ACT. We will go to bat for you! Great American is generally very good with claims handling, A+ ratings are not easily awarded by by AM Best! Let us know if you need anything else!
888-568-0548, ACT Insurance Program
www.actinsurance.com
I didn't mean for this to be aired out to the world here, just answering people's questions.
I do really appreciate your attention to this - thanks for contacting them, I was not sure if this situation was normal or not as far as the duration of getting some action. It seems pretty slow to me, but I do understand that people go on vacation etc., even insurance people need some time off :) Also, when I talked to the agent yesterday, she told me she had been in a roll-over car accident over the weekend as well, so I can't really complain too much :) I guess Murphy's law is in full force!
I do wish this was settled already, I am waiting for that $ to replace my equipment so I can get out there and make a living...so the sooner the better of course.
Yesterday they told me they would look over the claim and let me know if anything was missing and get back with me today...so I am waiting to hear back still today, but at this late time on a Friday, I'm willing to bet I don't hear anything until next week. They have been very helpful and professional over the phone. The agent seems nice and wanting to help. No complaints except for the timeline so far.
As far as you guys, ACT was very quick to respond and get this sent over to Great American - you guys have been great! Thanks again Ross, hopefully this will be settled soon!
Josh...
Did this get wrapped up to your satisfaction yet? I'm watching intently since I'm buying insurance in about a month before fall shows here in Texas. I appreciate the fact that Ross joins in on the discussion.
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