With hurricane season upon us, it is time to start planning to take safety precautions that will ensure the wellbeing of your employees and keep your job site standing in the event of a hurricane or other weather event. Below, you’ll find some helpful reminders and resources you can use to help in preparing for a storm.

Before the storm

First, create a water damage prevention plan. Developing a plan to deal with water damage is an important first step to take before a hurricane even forms. Some aspects of your plan can include placing sandbags where water may accumulate and creating an adequate drainage system. Address the specific needs of your site when creating a plan, as extra steps may be necessary to secure the area. You should create a plan that can be implemented 1-2 days before a storm makes landfall. With a plan in place, you’ll be able to mitigate potential damage caused by flooding or strong winds.

In the days leading up to a hurricane’s arrival, secure all equipment or materials either by moving them to an offsite location or by tying them down, especially loose materials. In the event of strong winds, this will prevent damage to both your structure and your equipment.

While on the topic of preventing damage to the structure, keep in mind that you may need to also secure your work in progress as well. This includes removing scaffolding, debris, and any other loose materials or items that can be blown away by the wind. Also, revisit your insurance plan to make sure it will cover any damage received. Take photos of the job site in case anything is lost or damaged.

You may also want to reroute any deliveries that are scheduled to arrive just before or during the storm’s arrival. In the meantime, these deliveries can be stored in an area that isn’t expected to be impacted by the storm.

Lastly, train your employees on staying safe during a hurricane and to follow damage prevention plans. Prioritizing safety should remain of utmost importance during severe weather. Furthermore, training your employees on the damage prevention procedures will make implementing the plan efficiently in the event of a storm.

For more information on staying safe during severe weather and planning tools, visit:

- Florida Home Builders Association’s Hurricane Preparedness and Resources page

- National Association of Homebuilders Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

-U.S. Small Business Administration Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

After the storm

Although it’s rare for severe weather to damage natural gas pipelines, it can still occur due to flooding or uprooted trees. With uprooted trees, landscaping or fencing, remember before digging to remove any debris from your site, call 811 two business days before so utilities can mark the area off. This will help natural gas, cable, internet or power outages.

If you ever smell the odor of rotten eggs, this may indicate a gas leak. Leave the site immediately, go to a safe area and call 911, then call Peoples Gas at 877-832-6747.

Severe weather is common in Florida and by taking these steps, you will be taking the first actions to adequately prepare.