Protecting Your Job Sites During Hurricane Season

Trent Cotney, Partner, Adams and Reese LLP

In August, Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida and caused serious damage to parts of the Gulf Coast. Although its wrath could have been worse, it serves as a reminder that hurricane season is still in full swing and we must be prepared for future storm systems. As you watch the weather forecast, be sure to follow these steps to secure your sites and safeguard your ongoing projects.

Before the Storm

Monitor the Weather: Keep an eye on the local weather forecasts, as well as national outlets such as the Weather Channel. You may even want to designate someone on your team to have this responsibility.

Have a Plan: Keep paper copies of essential documents in a safe and central place. These might include insurance documents, a list of emergency contacts for your employees and key vendors who can help in recovery. Develop a communication system with your team so everyone stays informed. Also, create an evacuation process just in case.

Secure Your Job Sites: If there is a hurricane watch in your area, follow these guidelines:

• Clear your site, discarding debris and putting tools away in a secure location. You want to avoid any items becoming dangerous projectiles.
• If you have machinery that cannot be moved, anchor it with chains or other tie-downs.
• Use plywood to board up glass doors and windows.
• If you have scaffolding, break it down if possible or ensure it is stable.
• Check fasteners on walls, roofs and other structures and tighten them as needed.
• Cover items with plastic sheeting or other materials to lessen water damage.
• Clear out gutters and other drainage structures to help eliminate flooding.
• Place sandbags around structures for reinforcement.
• Stock Up on Emergency Supplies: Make sure you have water, nonperishable food, first-aid kits, flashlights and batteries.

Back Up Your Data: Take the time to back up all electronic documents related to your company or current projects. Store them in the cloud if possible or keep duplicate copies at another site.

Insurance: Make sure your projects are covered by builder’s risk insurance. If the owner or customer has not purchased builder’s risk, you may want to consider purchasing the policy especially for in-progress work over a longer duration.

During the Storm

Depending on the severity of the storm, you may be unable to do more than hunker down and wait it out. But if you have electricity, continue to monitor the weather and communicate with your team.

After the Storm

Once you receive the all-clear to return to your job sites, you can assess the damage from the storm. Inspect your sites but use caution. Avoid walking in standing water and be careful when entering buildings the storm could have weakened.

As you begin cleanup, take photos of the damage for your insurance provider. Clear debris and dispose of it safely. Use fans to dry out wet areas and pumps to remove water from the site. Then, contact your suppliers for materials you will need to recover.

Final Advice

Once you have your hurricane plan in place, be sure to review and update it every year. Discuss the plan with your workers and ensure that everyone understands their roles. If a hurricane is headed your way, prioritize the safety of your job sites and your team. Your customers and your workers are depending on you.

FRM

The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation. Trent Cotney is a partner and Construction Practice Group Leader at the law firm of Adams and Reese LLP and FRSA General Counsel. You can contact him at 813-227-5501 or trent.cotney@arlaw.com.