Construction Law
How to Defend a Construction Site Against Hurricanes Part 2
Now that you’ve drafted a comprehensive plan to protect your construction site against hurricanes, it’s time to implement your plan and see if your construction site can withstand a hurricane. Florida construction attorneys at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants understand the importance of planning for a hurricane, but an effective plan can only go so far without precise execution. Part one of this series focused on what to do before a hurricane forms, now it’s time to put your plan to action.
Communicate with Local Building Departments
Inform local building officials about your hurricane plan at the beginning of hurricane season. Collaborating with these officials and their departments can help assuage any doubts about public safety and your construction site. Comparing your hurricane plan with theirs can also highlight any potential risks or oversights. You could be the one at fault for any damages to neighboring properties caused by your construction site if you fail to prepare thoroughly, so maintain open channels of communication with local building departments to prevent any mishaps.
Secure the Construction Site
Once you have confirmed that a hurricane is approaching your project, it is time to put your hurricane plan to use by securing the construction site. You can start by securing tools, materials, debris, trash and other lightweight objects that could take flight and cause damage. Even larger objects like dumpsters and portable bathrooms can be swept into the air by unpredictable winds, so utilize tie-downs, anchors, blocking, banding material, and other protection supplies to keep everything grounded.
Strongs winds caused a construction crane to collapse in New York in 2016, further highlighting the danger of severe weather. The winds that toppled the crane were clocked at a mere 30-40 mph. To be classified in the lowest level of the hurricane index, a storm must produce sustained winds of 74 mph. Therefore, a category 1 storm produces winds twice as powerful as those that toppled the crane in New York. It’s important to avoid taking shortcuts when securing your construction site for a hurricane.
Suspend Work for 24 Hours
Once you have confirmed landfall, it’s time to suspend work for 24 hours and implement your hurricane plan. Assign timetables for hurricane preparation to applicable workers and evacuate the rest of your personnel. In an active or aggressive hurricane season, it is advisable to suspend work even earlier to provide ample time for securing your construction site.
Preparing your construction site for a hurricane requires careful planning, but executing your plan can be easier said than done. Discover more valuable information for securing your construction site in parts three and four.
If you would like to speak with a Florida construction attorney, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.