Construction Law

How to Defend a Construction Site Against Hurricanes Part 1 featured image

How to Defend a Construction Site Against Hurricanes Part 1

Hurricane season is a bitter time for professionals in the construction industry. Severe weather often appears suddenly and without extensive warning. It is easy to fall behind on a project when torrential rainfall and powerful winds pummel a construction site. A well-prepared site can be set back days or weeks, but if you choose not to prepare your site for a hurricane, it could set you back much further.

Once you know a hurricane is coming, it is important to have a clear plan in place to minimize damage to your construction site during the storm, as well as guidelines for resuming work once working conditions have improved and your employee’s safety is guaranteed. The Florida construction lawyers at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants understand the unique challenges facing contractors in the sunshine state during hurricane season, and they have designed this four-part guide to help prepare you for the next Hurricane Andrew.

Write and Distribute a Hurricane Plan

It is important to write and distribute a comprehensive hurricane plan by the first day of the Atlantic hurricane season on June 1. Employees should be prepared to execute your plan on a moment’s notice until November 30 when hurricane season officially comes to a close. Ensure that each worker has read your plan, understands their specific role, and acknowledges the importance of preparing for a hurricane.

Create a Checklist

Another effective method to help you plan for a hurricane is to create a checklist. Identify all areas of the construction site that need to be protected. Some examples include the field office trailer, equipment files, heavy equipment, generators, fuel tanks, compressors, welding machines and permanent materials.

Monitor the Weather

Hurricane season can experience long periods of calm and quiet before a storm appears out of seemingly nowhere to send your city into a tailspin. Always monitor the weather for potential severe weather using online resources like the Weather Channel and Accuweather. Both of these websites utilize Doppler Radar visualizations and live updates to deliver nearly instantaneous weather news. However, investing in a weather radio is a good idea if the threat of a hurricane is imminent and there is a high likelihood that you will lose power. These radios are usually powered by solar, battery, or a hand crank, and they are equipped with an array of features, like audible alerts, to help you stay informed during a hurricane.

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 part two, part three, and part four.

If you would like to speak with a Florida construction lawyer, 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.