tent. In the case of the latter. make sure the pins and
Normally. a tent should never be transported without a
poles are cleaned and dried before being placed with
covering of some kind.
the tent.
(6) Pack pins and poles separately from the tent
(c} Keep tent clean at all times. If tent is pitched
itself except when the tent instructions require them to
under trees, inspect the tent roof frequently to see if it is
be packed with the tent.
being harmed by drippings from branches or leaves.
(7) Inspect tentage at frequent intervals to make
The growth of fungi and mold is caused to some extent
sure that it is in serviceable condition. Particular
by tree drippings, oils and greases which accumulate on
attention should be given to seams, bindings. lines.
tentage.
and all places where strain is exerted. Be constantly on
the lookout for:-
(a) Any evidence of mildew.
3-4. Protection of Pins, Poles, and Lines Against
(b) Any foreign matter which may have
Damage
collected on the tent.
a. Pins. All wooden tent pins currently issued
(c) Small rips and holes. splitting of seams,
receive a wood-preservative treatment. Care should be
grommets which have become loose, lines which are
taken in handling pins to we that they are not broken or
beginning to rot, or anything else which does not appear
otherwise damaged. in determining the serviceability of
to be in normal condition.
pins. look for cracks, splits. distorted ends. and broken
b. Protection Against Rain.
or flattened points.
(1) Most tents are water repellent. However. rain
b. Poles. Care should be taken in handling tent
causes tent canvas and lines to shrink. the shrinkage
poles to see that they are not broken or otherwise
often becoming sufficient to tear the tent. Tents have
damaged. In determining serviceability of poles, look
been torn completely in two under such circumstances.
for cracks. splits. condition of metal joiners, and
(2) Before tent lines become water soaked. they
missing or bent spindles.
should be loosened sufficiently so that when !hey shrink
c. Lines. Lines should be inspected frequently. The
they will not become tight enough to tear the tent. To
stability and safety of the tent may depend on the
compensate for shrinkage, eave and corner lines should
condition of the various lines used. Deterioration in the
have a free swing of approximately 18 inches at the
lines is of two kinds: physical and chemical. Physical
middle of the line.
damage is caused by surface wear or from internal
c. Protection Against Wind. In a strong wind. lines
friction between the fibers. Chemical damage is caused
should be tightened immediately. entrances closed.
by exposure to weather conditions and acids. To
walls secured to footstop pin. and all corners closed.
prevent damage to tent lines. observe the following
d. Protection Against Fire.
rules:
(1) Most tents are fire resistant. This does not
(1) Dry lines properly after exposure to
mean that the will not burn; they usually do not burst into
dampness. Lines are best dried when hung loose
flames. but smolder and char.
between two trees or other objects so that they do not
(2) 'Whenever possible. fire extinguishers
come in contact with the ground.
containing water should be kept in the tent area.
(2) Keep lines clean. If lines become dirt!. they
e. Protection Against Mildew.
should be washed in clean water and thoroughly dried.
(1) Most tents are mildew resistant. This does not
Grit from sand, mud, or other materials. if allowed to
mean that then are subject to mildew. Under warm and
remain and work into lines. will grind and wear the
damp conditions. especially in tropical and jungle areas.
fibers.
tents may be ruined by mildew in a few days. if proper
(3) Protect lines from chemicals. Keep lines away
care is not taken.
from chemicals or their fumes, especially acids or
(2) To prevent mildew. follow these rules:
alkalis. Drying oils, such as linseed oil, and paint will
(a) Never fold or roll tent when wet. Even if it is
also damage lines.
only damp from dew it will mildew when stored. Make
(4) Slack off guy lines. When guy lines or other
double sure that the seams and edges of the tent.
supports are exposed to the weather. slack them off to
especially the bottom edge and the sod cloth. are dry.
prevent overstrain because of shortening from wetting.
(b) When storing or transporting keep pins and poles
(5) When wear is localized in a short section.
separate from the tent except when tent instructions
periodical shortening will present a new wearing surface.
require
them
to
be
packed
with
the
(6) If a line becomes damaged, replace it with a
new line.
(7) Whip ends of lines to prevent raveling.
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