This year’s hurricane season is shaping up to be one of the most devastating seasons on record in modern history. More named hurricanes have made landfall in the southeastern United States this year than any year in the past by this time. If you work in an industry, such as construction, affected by these storms, you need to prepare properly. Taking the proper precautions can minimize any damages sustained to you, your property, or your business.
Essential Steps To Take When Anticipating A Hurricane
The sooner that you begin preparing for the storm, the more time you will have to get everything ready. For that reason, we recommend beginning at a minimum of one week before the hurricane makes landfall if you want to be properly prepared. One full week will give you plenty of time to take care of everything that you need to do.
Before The Storm
Most of your preparations should occur before the storm, if possible. It would be best if you tried to look up as much information as you can on the hurricane to have an idea as to its expected strength once it arrives. This will let you know exactly how well prepared you should be.
One Week Before Hurricane Makes Landfall
Start by organizing all of your critical work project materials. These should all be secured and try to get insurance coverage for them if they become damaged. Call a mandatory meeting with all of the people on your crew and go over safety precautions. If you have any deliveries scheduled to arrive during the time the hurricane makes landfall, reschedule them.
Several Days Before Hurricane Makes Landfall
Clean up any loose material around the construction site and halt all nonessential deliveries. Three days before the hurricane’s landfall, you should not be doing any work on the construction site. Instead, turn your attention to making the final preparations for the hurricane’s arrival. Tie up everything that is loose and could be blown around to prevent anything from causing damage.
24 Hours Before Hurricane Makes Landfall
Contact all of your coworkers and let them know to leave the area where the hurricane is expected to land.Stay in regular contact with them so you can re-coordinate and re-begin work after the storm.
After The Storm
Depending on how badly the storm damaged the surrounding area, you may or may not have much work to do after the storm passes. Hopefully, there has not been too much damage. However, if there has been, you need to go ahead and get to work right away to get it taken care of quickly.
Damage Assessment
As soon as the storm passes and it is safe for you to do so, we recommend taking a quick survey of the construction site and noting any damage.
Repair And Cleanup
Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to delegate specific repair and cleanup work to specific crew members. If it has been relatively minor, then you may not need to delegate anything.
Contact Insurance Agencies
We recommend that you update your insurance policies if you expect to suffer from any damage during the upcoming hurricane. This will protect you from any potential losses.
Commercial Construction in Austin
If you are looking for a Commercial Construction Company in Austin, Tx, or possibly a construction manager at risk, T.F Harper has got you covered. We specialize in Commercial Construction and Construction Management and would love to hear from you! Contact us today or visit our website!
