Rain and heat plan for an outdoor party

A good rain and heat plan for a Central Texas party gives you a covered spot near an outlet if it rains, and shade, water, and a cooler start time if it's hot. Make both plans when you book, so a forecast change during party week is a quick switch, not a scramble.

Rain plan

Pick a covered spot near an outlet

Look for a covered patio, porch, carport, or pavilion that has a standard 110 volt outlet on its own circuit within reach. The machine also needs a sturdy table (or our rolling machine cart) and a flat, solid surface. We can't set up on rock or gravel.

Keep cords off wet ground. The Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) warns against letting extension cords run through water, and says to use cords marked for outdoor use outside. See our power guide for more.

Add a tent

A pop-up canopy keeps rain off the drink station and doubles as summer shade. Set the machine table in the middle of the tent, away from the dripping edges, and keep the cord and hose off the path where guests walk.

Move indoors

If the forecast looks bad, move the drink station to a kitchen counter or dining table. Make the call before we arrive: we set up 2 to 3 hours before your party, so set it up once in the spot where it can stay all party.

Watch for lightning

A tent keeps rain off, but it isn't storm shelter. The National Weather Service (NWS) says there is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area, and that if you hear thunder, you're likely within striking distance. Its rule: "When thunder roars, go indoors." Have an indoor spot ready for every guest, not just the drinks.

Central Texas heat plan

Shade for guests and the machine

Put the machine in the shade, under a patio cover, tree, or tent, so guests can pour in comfort and the drink station stays out of the direct sun. Add shade over seating too. The NWS advises limiting direct sun exposure, because sunburn reduces your body's ability to shed heat.

Hydration

The NWS advises drinking plenty of water and other non-alcoholic, decaffeinated drinks, even if you don't feel thirsty. Make water easy to grab:

• Set a water station right next to the machine.
• Rent an ice chest (120 to 150 quarts) and fill it with bottled water.
• Offer an alcohol-free slushie bowl for kids and guests who aren't drinking.

For kids, the NWS suggests plenty of water, lots of breaks, and drinks that aren't very cold or very sugary. Serve slushies as a treat alongside water, not in place of it. See our mocktails and kids slushies for alcohol-free ideas.

Start time

The NWS advises moving strenuous activity to the coolest time of day. In summer, start at 6 or 7 p.m. instead of mid-afternoon. A sunset start also means lower sun for photos and a cooler walk from the car.

Look out for guests most at risk

The NWS lists young children and infants, older adults, people with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women as especially vulnerable to heat. Give them the coolest seats, and check on them often. Never leave a child or pet in a parked car, even for a minute.

Keep food safe in the heat

The USDA says never to leave food out more than 2 hours, or more than 1 hour when it's above 90°F. Keep cold food in containers on ice and hot food in chafing dishes or slow cookers. Plug slow cookers into a different circuit from the machine.

Quick weather checklist

• [ ] Covered spot with an outlet on its own circuit
• [ ] Tent or canopy, staked down
• [ ] Indoor backup spot for guests and the machine
• [ ] Shade over the machine and seating
• [ ] Water station and ice chest
• [ ] Evening start time for summer parties
• [ ] Food on ice or in warmers

Planning a summer swim party? Read our pool party guide.

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