Porta Potty Rentals During Gulf Coast Hurricane Season

Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. When a named storm watch is issued for the Mississippi coast, rented porta potties get strapped down or picked up before the wind arrives. You get a heads-up first. After the storm, units go back out to job sites, shelters and cleanup crews as roads open.

When is hurricane season on the Mississippi Gulf Coast?

Hurricane season on the Mississippi Gulf Coast runs from June 1 to November 30 each year, per the National Weather Service. Storms can form in any of those 6 months. For porta potty renters, that means any summer job, wedding or festival could see a storm plan put into action.

The National Weather Service hurricane safety page warns that items left outside can become flying debris in a hurricane. A porta potty is a light plastic box that stands about 7.5 ft tall. Empty, it catches wind like a sail.

That is why storm planning for portable restrooms starts early. Events on the beach or in open fields carry the most risk.

What happens to a rented porta potty when a storm is coming?

When a named storm watch is issued for the coast, rented units get 1 of 2 treatments: strapped down or picked up. You get contacted before that work starts. Renters who follow those instructions are not charged for storm loss. Pickup is more likely for beach sites and open lots; strapping works for sheltered spots.

Here is how the choice usually goes:

• Picked up: units near the water, on open ground, or at events that are canceled.
• Strapped: units at active job sites with a fence, building or post to anchor to.
• Moved: sometimes a unit just needs to go behind a building or away from a tree.

Keep your phone on during a watch. If a gate is locked when the truck arrives, the unit cannot be secured.

How do you tie down a porta potty for high wind?

A porta potty tie-down uses 2 ratchet straps or a stake kit to anchor the unit to the ground or a fixed object. Straps go around the unit and hook to ground anchors, a fence post, or a building tie point. A strapped unit is far less likely to tip in a gust.

Do not strap a unit to a tent pole, a trailer you plan to move, or a small tree. If the anchor fails, the unit goes with it.

Do not lay a unit on its side to keep it from blowing over. The tank will leak. If you think a unit is at risk and you have not heard from us, reach out and ask for a strap or a pickup.

Tie-downs also help year-round near the beach. See where to place a porta potty for wind and sand tips.

Should a porta potty sit in a storm surge or flood zone?

A porta potty should not sit in a storm surge or flood zone during a storm. Even 1 to 2 feet of floodwater can float an empty unit, spill its tank and carry it away. Check your site on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, which lets you search flood maps by address, before choosing a spot.

Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center to check if your lot sits in a high-risk flood area. Beachfront lots along US-90, bayou edges and low ground near the Back Bay of Biloxi flood first.

If the site is low, choose the highest firm ground the truck can still reach. A unit on a slight rise beats one in a ditch line every time.

How do recovery crews get restrooms after a hurricane?

Recovery crews, shelters, FEMA sites and volunteer bases get restrooms once roads are clear enough for a service truck. Most post-storm sites rent units on a 28-day cycle with weekly service. Large volunteer camps often add hand-washing stations, since running water may be out for days.

After a storm, the first units go to places that need them most: roofing crews, debris crews, shelters and church relief sites. Book early, because demand spikes in the first week.

• Tell us the number of workers or volunteers per day.
• Tell us if water and power are out at the site.
• Plan on more frequent service if a camp runs 50 or more people.

Read more on storm recovery restrooms and long-term porta potty rental.

What should event planners do if a storm threatens their date?

Event planners should watch the forecast 5 days out and decide early. Date changes are free when units are available. Cancel 48 or more hours before delivery and you get a full refund. Units already on site get strapped or picked up once a storm watch is issued.

Fall is the busy season for both storms and events. Cruisin' The Coast in early October and many fall festivals fall inside hurricane season.

Have a backup date in mind when you book event porta potty rental. For a wedding restroom trailer, ask about storm plans at booking, since trailers take longer to move.