For builders the weather plays a major role in any construction plan.
If you have not already done so, now is the time to put a hurricane safety plan into place for any construction site.
Having a clear strategy ready to go reduces the risk of unnecessary damage, helps prevent injuries on the site and gives you peace of mind.
Let’s start with the basics.
A hurricane watch is issued when a storm is expected to arrive within 48 hours, and a warning is issued when tropical storm conditions are within 36 hours.
When a hurricane watch is announced, it’s time to put your plan in place and prepare the construction site.
Steps for creating a contingency plan
The first step is to create a checklist for areas and equipment in need of protection. This list will most likely include tools, heavy equipment, generators, fuel tanks, portable toilets and other materials that cannot be moved to an inside location. Be sure each item on the check list is assigned to a specific member of the team and take time to review the checklist prior to any potential threats.
Your contingency plan should also include a communications piece. In addition to notifying your on-site team, subcontractors should be notified that the site is halting all work until further notice.
Planning for large amounts of water is key to any plan.
Heavy rains and flooding are leading causes of damage to construction sites.
It is imperative that any construction site is equipped with permanent and temporary drainage systems to maintain the structural stability of the area.
If there are vehicles on the site, they should be moved to higher ground and away from structures that could be damaged. Plus, consider filling the tanks on these vehicles prior to any hurricane or storm.
One of the last but most crucial steps is to turn off access points for all utilities. Now is also the time to remove any project documents from the construction trailer and secure them to an offsite location. As you leave the site, snap a few photos on your phone for future reference. These may come in handy if any items are missing or damaged after the fact.
After effects
Any good contingency plan will include necessary steps for clean-up and getting back in business after a hurricane.
Once you return to the site, assess and document any damage, giving special attention to downed power lines, unstable structures or wet electrical panels. Items to have on hand include cleaning supplies and fuel for vehicles. Finally contact the appropriate utilities and contact your insurance carrier for any assessment needs.
It’s important that all construction companies have a written hurricane preparation plan. Ideally, the plan will be detailed with specific assignments and action deadlines.
And during hurricane season, be sure to monitor the weather on a regular basis.
This type of preparation does require added cost, effort and time but can be extremely valuable in the long run and may be your best investment. If construction managers follow these outlined steps and provide clear communication, any site will be up and running considerably quicker and suffer much less loss.
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Preparing Your Construction Site for Severe Weather
Property damage from severe weather events can add both cost and time
to a project. While it’s not possible to fully predict and react in a
timely fashion to strong winds and storms, a documented and practiced
contingency plan can help contractors prepare for the unexpected.
Protect your site and project timeline by evaluating site-specific risks, properly securing materials and equipment and anticipating alternate construction plans.
Wind Hazards
Wind damage to structures under construction leads to millions of dollars in damages and delays every year.1 At construction sites, wind damage primarily involves masonry walls, framework, forms and roof coverings. Evaluate your site’s wind exposures to eliminate or significantly reduce the risk of damage or delay.- Brace building components. Tilt-up panels, masonry walls and other building components should be braced and inspected according to engineering design or recommended manufacturer guidelines. Anchor roof panels on partially installed roofs, weld or secure decking each day, and consider covering large wall openings with tarp until windows, doors or glass curtain walls are installed.
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Properly store and handle materials for windy conditions. Loose
materials such as sand, topsoil and mulch may need to be covered with a
tarp or sprayed with water to prevent erosion. Erecting temporary
windbreaks also can help keep the stockpile from being blown from the
job site. It is also important to secure larger materials (e.g. metal
sheeting or plywood), which could become projectiles and cause
additional damage. Closely follow crane manufacturers’ guidelines for
when operations should cease, and secure all other equipment from
impending weather events.
Hurricanes
Hurricanes can be destructive, but they can also be anticipated, which allows time for planning and preparation. If your job site is located in an area subject to hurricanes, have it surveyed to determine the potential exposure to high winds and flooding. Create a hurricane contingency plan to help prevent loss to the job site due to winds, flooding, mud deposition and theft.- Develop a preparedness checklist. Identify areas in need of protection, such as the field office trailer equipment files, tools, heavy equipment, generators, compressors, welding machines, cranes, cranes on barges, tugs, work boats, fuel tanks, permanent materials and forms.
- Have a relocation plan. If the job involves work on or near bodies of water, make plans to relocate or protect all equipment and watercraft, including tugs and barges. Account for the amount of time it would take to complete any relocation.
- Secure the necessary supplies in advance. When a tropical storm has been identified by the National Weather Service, make sure tie-downs, banding material, blocking, anchors and other necessary protection supplies are available and organized.
- During a hurricane watch, prepare to take action. The project superintendent should review the preparedness checklist, formulate a plan to protect the job site, identify items to secure and consider moving material and equipment to higher, protected ground.
- In a hurricane warning, prepare for the potential for hurricane-force winds within 24 hours. The project superintendent may need to implement all protection measures.
- When landfall is predicted in the area of the job site within 24 hours, suspend all work activities. Complete the hurricane plan by assigning staff and timetables for completion and evacuate all personnel.
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After the storm has passed, assess damage, take steps to prevent theft and begin clean up. Hazards
may include unstable structures, downed power lines that may still be
energized, and wet or damaged electrical panels. Secure the site,
including any equipment or materials being permanently installed, and
assess and document damage. Notify appropriate utilities and contact
your insurance carrier for damage assessment.
Heavy Rain and Water Damage
Water is one of the leading causes of damage to buildings under construction. Heavy rains can flood a site when drainage systems aren’t complete. These same rains can enter the exterior building envelope through unfinished window and door openings. If roof drains are obstructed, the rising water may find another drain path or try to settle across a level surface.- Identify potential for flood and evaluate site drainage. Permanent and temporary drainage systems should be installed, maintained and inspected to ensure they are free of obstructions in the event of heavy rains or flooding. Delay installation of high-value subgrade equipment, such as electrical switchgear, until drainage systems are in place and operational.
- Avoid installing finished product, such as drywall, flooring, millwork, etc., until window and door openings are closed, roof is secured and the building is watertight. Use temporary coverings if necessary to protect finished work.
- The location and construction of temporary roofs should be part of the construction planning process or where installation of the permanent roof is delayed.
- Have a site-specific plan in place, including emergency response, clean-up kit and trained personnel, to assist with mitigating the damage.