Hurricane Preparedness: Don't Get Caught in the Eye of the Storm

Andrea. Barry. Chantal. Dean. Erin. Just five of the 13-17 named storms predicted by the National Weather Service are on the books since this year's hurricane season began June 1. A slow start for the Atlantic region perhaps, but with peak activity months of September and October quickly approaching, it's best to prepare your jobsites and businesses for an impending storm, even if the worst never happens.

While it is nearly impossible to build a home impervious to a Category 5 hurricane, you can plan to secure your jobsites to better withstand natural disasters. Having a disaster preparedness plan in place before a hurricane strikes can make a big impact on how quickly you are able to get back to business.

Whether you decided to ride out the storm or leave town, following are issues to consider:

Builder's Responsibility

During severe weather, you are responsible for securing your jobsites for the protection of your employees, the public, property, as well as yourself. Materials such as plywood, shingles, and scraps of 2 x 4s become missiles capable of impaling thick oak trees, brick walls or anything in its way. Construction debris can cause severe damage to property and cost lives. Any failure to take the necessary measures could result in lawsuits, fines, or other actions permitted by state laws or local ordinances.

Create a Natural Disaster Plan

A quality business plan should not only cover different kinds of economic events, but also include details for natural disaster preparation. For practical guidelines, refer to the Builder Hurricane Preparation Plan provided by the NAHB Research Center's ToolBase site, or, rely on resources such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), FEMA, and the American Red Cross. Review your insurance coverage; be aware if you have contents coverage, replacement value, and loss of business coverage.

Keep important telephone numbers with you. Develop a "telephone tree" with important members of your company and also develop a contingency plan to operate from another site, if needed. Don't depend just on your cell phone; establish a contact point out of the area so your employees and subs can keep in touch. Be sure your customers and suppliers know where to reach you, and secure adequate cash to operate for several days.

Now that a Hurricane is Approaching

As a general rule, quality-focused builders and trades should keep all jobsites clean, arrange for timely pick up of trash dumpsters, only keep materials on the jobsite will actually be installed at any given week, and keep construction equipment secure, or remove it from the jobsite.

Once you become aware of any impending hurricane, or a hurricane watch is issued, arrange to have dumpsters removed, and postpone any planned supply deliveries.

Remove all scaffolding, and remove, or safely secure, all building materials, and equipment. Alert trades of their responsibilities to secure or remove their materials and equipment. Stop job processes that will likely become damaged by the hurricane, such as window installations, housewrap, or landscaping. On the other hand, complete those construction tasks that will likely prevent damage, such as concrete work, closing in a house, or filling in foundation excavations.

Keep office computers and other indespensible euipment in a safe location, with surge-protection, and if necessary, an uninterruptible power supply. To avoid delays due to closed or inaccessible office supply stores, have extra supplies of ink cartridges, paper, and computer disks. Keep important office supplies stored in a secure location, possibly offsite if needed. When a hurricane warning is issued, back-up all important computer files, and keep the back-up tapes or disks in a secure location.

Finally, follow through with a quick inspection of your jobsites. Take pictures of valuable property for insurance purposes and turn off water, electricity, and gas where possible. Avoid waiting until the last minute to do so, as you may need that time to evacuate.

After the Hurricane

Once the hurricane is over, return to jobsites for damage inspection only when it is safe to do so. Keep in mind that damages from the hurricane such as fallen trees, damaged utility poles and lines, and flooding may impede efforts for immediate repairs, and some areas may have been hit worse than others. Make sure that your employees keep a safe distance from fallen power lines and electric utility restoration work crews. If the jobsite has been flooded or saturated with water, be careful in and around any open trenches or excavations.

Remember, there is no way for buildings to completely avoid damage from a severe hurricane, but a preparedness plan can help reduce losses. Following a hurricane, or even at the next forecasted storm, review your construction and design practices for improvements to assist with future preparation.