Preparing Your Business for a Hurricane

When a hurricane watch is in effect, do you know what steps you should take to protect your construction business? The actions you take in the 72 hours leading up to a hurricane are crucial for reducing risks of damage to your company.

72 Hours Prior to Hurricane:

Event Preparations-

• Check roof, drains and piping; clear debris
• Check floor drains and sumps; clear debris
• Check storm water basins/gates; clear debris
• Ensure integrity of roof flashing, windows and window latches
• Use plywood to protect from flying objects
• Test run backup power; top off fuel in generators
• Assemble supplies for emergency crews and emergency repairs
• Protect vital records and secure backups
• Inspect fire prevention equipment
• Move all vehicles to higher ground

 
Job Site-

• Photograph the entire project site. Keep photographs in a safe location.
• Bring all job site files, small office equipment and tools into the main office or temporarily relocate them to a safe location.
• Postpone delivery of materials that cannot be adequately protected. Band all loose materials on the site and secure to floors and columns.
• Clean the site of loose debris, tools and materials. Empty and secure all trash containers and remove trash from the site.
• Cover all openings with plywood/shutters.
• Power down energized buildings.
• Lower all cranes.
• Ensure that hoist platforms are on the ground and all towers are securely in place.
• Alert all subcontractors and suppliers that the project site will be closed and off limits.

 
During the Hurricane:
 
Emergency Response-

• Patrol the site continuously if safe to do so
• Search for any sustained damage
• Check for leaks and impairment to fire systems
• Shut off any valves where pipes have broken
• Watch for flooding; use sandbags when necessary
• Complete any emergency repairs that are possible and safe to perform
• Watch for reverse winds after the eye of the storm has passed

 
After The Hurricane:
 
Emergency Recovery-

• Conduct roll call of all on-premises personnel
• Assess damage
• Check for safety hazards (downed trees, branches, power lines, leaking gas, blocked drains)
• Photograph and document damage
• Make temporary repairs
• Begin salvage operations