Tent Requirements for Outdoor Events

Tent Emergency Evacuation Plan

BGSU frequently uses tents and canopies as part of outdoor programing. In order to ensure the safety of our guests and protect our grounds and infrastructure, the following is required when erecting tents or canopies on campus.

Tent rentals (other than 10X10 or 12X12 pop-up canopies) must be rented using a BGSU contracted tent supplier. Current contracted suppliers can be found on the Purchasing website, Contracted Suppliers, then choose Event Rental Equipment. Larger tents and canopies require state permitting per Ohio Fire Code, and these contracted vendors will provide this service, along with contacting OUPS before staking to protect our underground infrastructure.

                10X10 and 12X12 pop-up canopies can be used from any vendor – BGSU prefers sandbags as the hold-down method, or short, hand-installed stakes

To ensure the safety of our guests, when using tents or canopies, the Ohio Fire Code requires: 

• Any gas, charcoal, or other open flame or food preparation devices be kept a minimum of 20 feet away from any tent or air-supported structures. 
• Any straw, hay, corn shocks, dry vegetation and other similar combustible materials be kept a minimum of 20 feet away from the tent or air-supported structure.
• Any motor vehicles, portable generators and other appliances with internal combustion engines that emit high levels of carbon monoxide be kept a minimum of 25 feet away from any tent or air-supported structure.