3. - usaid

carelessness from cooking
inside the tents and
spilling f'uel. The
question was raised as to
whether tents could not be
made of fire resistant
quality.
Pins used to close tent entrance
This child was inside the tent
when it caught fire and was saved.
These problems were taken
up with the manufacturer
and retailer. They are
working on possibilities
for stronger zipper construction
or the use of
ties . They reminded us
that the tents are made for
wide commercial appeal and
that no one design is per--
feet for all situations.
AID/DRC makes random procurement
of tents and the
retailer reported that
these tents are made
available on short notice
because they are widely
used and can be withdrawn
from existing inventories.
If a tent is to be made
specifically to AID%
design, it would increase
the cost considerably and
make advance procurement
and storage necessary.
As to s trengthenirlg poles,
the manufacturer stated
that because elements of
the tent are interrelated ,
heavier, more rigid poles
would reduce f lexj-bility ,
thus putting peatier strain
on the tent fabric in high
winds . Bireproof f i ,
though pos sib le , tvould
increase the weiglt and
cost considerably. It is
not clear, with few fires
reported, that the depee
of risk is enough to warrant
the added weight and!
costs. However, it was
decided that in the f'utw3e