Construction Law

How to Defend a Construction Site Against Hurricanes Part 3

Hurricanes arrive with immense complications for construction sites. These powerful storms sweep in suddenly with very little warning, but with a strong hurricane plan and a disciplined team you can preserve your construction site and avoid costly setbacks. In parts one and two, you drafted a comprehensive hurricane plan and employed an array of measures to defend your construction site from hurricanes.

In part three, the Naples construction lawyers at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will utilize their experiences in one of the most active hurricane zones in the country to explain even more ways to protect your construction site against hurricanes.

Place Hazardous Chemicals in Storage

Removing hazardous chemicals from a construction site and placing them in secure storage can prevent a litany of potential problems. Construction firms should have a qualified team in place to handle the removal of hazardous chemicals and waste. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has authored a list of hazardous chemicals that present a danger to people and the environment if accidentally released. In the event that hazardous chemicals are released into the environment, the contractors are responsible for hiring a third-party team to perform any cleanup duties as soon as the storm subsides.

Implement a Flood Plan

Flooding is commonplace during a hurricane. Efficient water removal following a hurricane is vital to the safety of your construction site and adjacent properties. As soon as a storm passes, you should begin pumping water away from the job site and into the street so the stormwater system can flush it out. Standing water can compromise the structural stability of a building and buildings under construction are especially susceptible.

Protect and Secure the Structure

Now that your construction site has been secured and all hazardous chemicals have been relocated to a safe storage facility, it’s time to get to work on the structure itself. The measures required to protect a structure depend entirely on the progress of a specific project. However, it is always important to minimize a structure’s interior contact with water, so try to board up any windows or openings and place sandbags around the perimeter to redirect incoming water away from the bowels of a structure. It’s nearly impossible to seal a structure flawlessly, but minimizing damage to a structure can save you time and money once construction resumes.

Preparing your construction site for a hurricane is important, but what happens after the hurricane has passed? In part four, Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will provide you with valuable information for returning to the construction site safely and efficiently to finish your project with as few headaches as possible.

If you would like to speak with a Naples 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.