Shower trailers travel to hurricane-stricken sites
For storm victims and rescue crews involved with Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, self-contained shower trailers are a welcomed sight. The U.S. Coast Guard recently ordered nine of the mobile trailers to serve emergency response operations along the Gulf Coast. In addition, seven more shower trailers were shipped to Katrina-affected areas at the request of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as well as other relief agencies and companies. Each trailer can provide 1,500 showers per day. The trailers are expected to be stationed along the Gulf Coast for at least four months. Made by Porta Kleen (Lancaster, OH), the trailers contain private shower stalls, plus private dressing rooms with benches. Two sizes are available: 16-stall version measures 8 by 53 ft., while a 14-stall model is 8 by 48 ft. Boasting on-board water storage, each trailer can hold 1,300 gals. of fresh water. The trailers can also be hooked up to municipal water supplies and drains, if available. Other features include an on-board diesel generator, pro-pane-fired boiler, six sinks, six mirrors, and electrical outlets. A heated interior is optional. The shower trailers were also stationed in Florida last year to serve hurricane relief efforts. In addition, the U.S. Army has used the trailers at training sites that lack shower facilities, or to temporarily serve military bases that are in the midst of renovations. Various communities have likewise installed the shower trailers at outdoor events, including charity fundraisers. The shower trailers are available on GSA contract.
