Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30. On July 25, 2020, Hurricane Hanna dropped 9.78 inches of rain on Edinburg. Job sites flooded, roads closed and many crews were off for days. Here is how we help builders plan restrooms around storms.
What happens to porta potties on a job site during a hurricane?
An empty porta potty weighs only about 150 to 175 pounds, so strong wind can tip or slide it. Flood water can also lift a unit and spill the 60-gallon waste tank. A tipped unit is a cleanup job and a safety risk. Planning before a storm prevents most of that.
Damage from tipping by wind or others is billed at repair cost under our terms, so a few minutes of prep is worth it. See our rental terms for details.
How do I storm-proof porta potties before a hurricane?
Storm-proof job site porta potties in 4 steps: anchor them, move them to high ground, keep them away from loose material, and call us about a pickup. Do this when a storm is 3 to 4 days out, not the night before. Our trucks and drivers get booked fast before a named storm.
- Anchor every unitAsk us to strap or stake units on exposed sites. We do this on our routes when asked.
- Move to high groundKeep units off low spots, drainage ditches and canal banks where water collects.
- Clear flying debrisMove plywood, roofing and lumber away from units. Flying material breaks doors and vents.
- Decide: stay or pullIf your site will be closed, call 2 business days ahead and we pull units before the storm.
Should I have you pick up my porta potties before a storm?
Pick up porta potties before a storm if your site will be closed 3 days or more, or if it floods in heavy rain. Call at least 2 business days before you want pickup. Long-term billing runs on 28-day cycles, so call us about how a pause and return fits your billing.
Watch the forecast from the National Weather Service office in Brownsville, which covers the Valley. When a storm track shifts toward the coast, call us that day. Waiting until the watch is issued usually means waiting in line.
If your crew is working right up until the storm and right after it, keep units on site and anchored. Service may be delayed while roads are flooded, and we will call you to reset the service day.
Storm coming? Plan your jobsite toilets now.
Call 3–4 days out. We anchor, move or pull units, and put your site on the first route after roads open.
Can I get emergency porta potties after a hurricane?
Yes. After a hurricane, we deliver emergency porta potties as soon as roads are safe, same day when you call by 12:00 PM Monday through Saturday while trucks and units are available. Homes with flooded septic systems and crews doing cleanup are our first calls. Call early because stock goes fast.
Flooded septic? See what to do when your septic fails. Our same-day porta potty delivery page covers what to have ready when you call.
What should I check when I get back to the site after a storm?
When you return to a job site after a storm, check each porta potty for 4 things: is it upright, is the door latching, is the vent clear, and is the ground under it solid. Do not try to stand a tipped unit up yourself. Call us and we swap or clean it.
Also check for standing water around the unit. Soft, flooded ground can let a unit lean over the next few days. We can move units to firmer ground on the next service visit.
How many units does a post-storm cleanup crew need?
A post-storm cleanup crew needs the same count as any construction crew: OSHA 29 CFR 1926.51 requires 1 toilet for 20 or fewer workers. We suggest 1 standard unit per 10 workers, plus 1 handwashing station. Cleanup work is dirty, so handwashing matters more than usual.
See construction site toilets and handwashing stations for setup details.