While the U.S. has been fortunate during the current hurricane season in so far avoiding any direct hits by a major storm, builders should always have a plan ready to put into action at the approach of severe weather. Andrea, Barry, Chantal, Dean, and Erin are just five of the 13-17 named storms predicted by the National Weather Service to make landfall since the 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.

It is nearly impossible to build a home that will withstand a Category 5 hurricane, but you can plan ahead and secure your jobsites better during 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 decide 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 and the public, as well as yourself. Construction debris can cause severe damage to property and cost lives. Leftover materials like plywood, shingles, and scraps of 2 x 4s can become missiles capable of impaling thick oak trees, brick walls or anything in the way.  Failure to take the necessary preventative measures could result in lawsuits, fines, or other legal action permitted by state laws or local ordinances.

Create a Natural Disaster Plan

A builder's 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. Create a "telephone tree" including important members of your staff as well as a contingency plan to operate from another site if needed. Don't depend solely on your cell phone or PDA device; establish a point of contact out of the affected rea so your employees and subs can keep in touch if wireless communications are interrupted. 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, 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 an 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 responsibility to secure or remove their materials and equipment. Stop projects that will likely be damaged by the hurricane, such as window installations, housewrap, or landscaping. And where possible, complete construction tasks that may help minimize damage, such as concrete work, closing in a house, or filling in foundation excavations.

Keep office computers and other electrical 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 on hand. 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.

 [return to top]