Be ready – have a construction hurricane disaster preparedness plan

By Trent Cotney P.A.

Many Florida residents are preparing for the potentially devastating impact that the next Hurricane  may have on the east coast of the United States.

It’s critical for all of us to prepare our families, homes and other items for the damage the storm may cause. As construction professionals, we also know that preparing active job sites for the next hurricane is equally critical to the safety of all in the vicinity of it.

The best time for hurricane preparedness is long before the storm is imminent. However, a plan in place at any point of the year can protect your investment and, more importantly, save lives. Here are a few tips to consider when putting together a construction hurricane disaster plan:

1. Purchase supplies needed for prepping your site for a hurricane: This list may include sandbags, fuel, water, plywood, shoring and bracing to support unfinished structures, water and pumps.
2. Secure and remove all loose items on the construction site: A storm is classified as a hurricane when its winds reach 74 miles per hour. When a storm is approaching, do a sweep of the construction site and remove all loose debris. Remove objects like, scaffold planks, port-a-potties and dumpsters that can go airborne during high winds. Also, lay down the boom and secure cranes. Construction trailers should be removed as well.
3. Create a plan for water removal: Being able to remove accumulated water from the construction site is vital for maintaining the stability of the structure as well as neighboring buildings. Put pumps in places where water can accumulate prior to the storm so that you can begin removing water immediately after the storm.
4. Secure all important documents: Prior to the hurricane, move all construction plans and other important documents to a safe location.

Contact the construction attorneys at Trent Cotney P.A. at 813.605.1389 or http://trentcotney.com.