Rescue efforts during Superstorm Sandy make for compelling PR video

Hurricane Sandy cut a devastating path along the East Coast in October 2012, knocking out power and other utilities for weeks.

California-based Rain for Rent, a provider of temporary liquid handling solutions, was quick to respond with crews that deployed more than 500 pieces of dewatering, electrical, and lighting equipment after the storm subsided. 

Its first task was to dewater ConEdison utility sites so repair crews could restore power. Team members set up a command center at a hotel that operated nearly round the clock in the week following the storm.

The company turned to Canyon Communications to help produce a video showcasing Rain for Rent’s expertise in disaster recovery. Video production kicked off once recovery efforts began in the Tri-State area.

The ability to turn what could have been a very technical story into something compelling won Canyon Communications and Rain for Rent top honors in the Best PR Video category of Ragan’s 2013 PR Daily Awards.

One captivating segment shows Rain for Rent’s national sales manager, Ross Blair, reacting to being in New York City shortly after the hurricane passed.

“To see a city in complete darkness, it was surreal. You expect all the bright lights and people running around and what have you … you don’t expect that (darkness),” he said. “I think the difficult part for me was to comprehend what’s actually going on, and where do you start?”

Want to get recognized for your hard work? Find out about Ragan and PR Daily’s award programs here.