Jobsite Hurricane Preparedness

Hurricane Watch:

is issued when a tropical cyclone containing winds of 74 mph or higher poses a possible threat usually within 48 hours of being issued by the National Weather Service (NWS)

Hurricane Warning:

 is issued when sustained winds of 74 mph or higher are associated with a tropical cyclone are expected in 36 hours or less of being issued by the National Weather Service (NWS)

When Tropical Storm or Hurricane conditions are predicted in your area:

• Clean job site daily
• Inspect and secure tie-downs for all construction trailers
• Reschedule material deliveries that have little impact on your production
• Make sure your staff is aware of your hurricane contingency and communications plan
• Contact your subcontractors and outline your expectations for securing job sites, explain your contingency
plan, and give them phone numbers where they can reach you
• Make sure your vehicles are fully fueled and outfitted with flashlights, drinking water and any emergency kits
• Make sure your computers and valuable electronic equipment are surge-protected and properly documented
or registered in case of loss
• Obtain printer cartridges, paper and external batteries to charge small electronic devices like cell phones or
tablets
• Back-up all computer records either to an external hard drive or cloud-based system

When a Hurricane Watch is Issued:

• Police the job site and reasonable area around the construction zones to assure all loose debris or
equipment is removed or properly secured
• Arrange to have dumpsters or empty shipping containers removed
• Stop material deliveries with suppliers
• Stop any work that is highly vulnerable to damage by wind or rain
• Complete tasks such as concrete work if it may prevent damage to the job site
• Have any subcontractors secure or remove unnecessary materials or equipment from job sites
• Job sites with cranes should take special precautions to secure as these could be affected by high winds
• Prepare to cover windows and glass doors
• Communicate any changes in planning, worksite activities and hurricane preparations to employees

When a Hurricane Warning is Issued:

• Make sure the dumpsters or shipping containers have been emptied, removed or secured
• Remove scaffolding
• Secure or remove all building materials
• Turn off power at circuit breakers to any temporary electric service and to homes under construction
• Close and cover all windows and glass doors with plywood
• Make sure your offices and job site trailers are properly secured
• If authorities call for mandatory evacuations, inform employees to leave immediately