Living in Florida, we always have a chance for a tropical storm or a hurricane. July is considered the middle of the tropical rainy season that accompanies by high frequency of heavy rain. June and July can typically produce over six inches of rain with August through September being the most active months for hurricanes. There are exceptions, and a hurricane can certainly arrive early. We should all take precautionary measures in preparing for hurricane season now! Just several weeks ago, the state of Florida had its first tropical storm with winds exceedingly more than forty mph. Additionally, South Florida received an abundance of rain and ocean surge during this recent experience.
There are many things to consider before a storm approaches, and if you are managing a construction site, there are some additional things you can do to plan for a storm or a hurricane. You have already been managing your stormwater program on site way before the storm has approached. You have installed stormwater BMPs, conducted weekly and rain event inspections, protected inlets, protected conservation areas, and temporarily stabilized non-active construction areas. During hurricane season, construction sites should always be on constant alert. A major weather event or a series of events can create concerns for construction sites to maintain the current well established stormwater management practices currently in place. During a hurricane, there is a good chance that any specific stormwater best management practices (BMPs) used will have at least partially failed.
Prior to sever weather approaches, it is important to start thinking about the potential of high winds and excessive rainfall. Here are a few tips to help you prepare.
- Notify all your subcontractors to help secure the site and advise them not to return to the site until the storm or threat of the storm has passed.
- Establish a plan for communication with employees and subcontractors.
- Clean up all construction debris. Cover dumpsters or remove dumpster and trash.
- Secure building supplies and material.
- Secure Construction Equipment, Portable Toilets, Trailers, and Staging areas.
- Ensure stormwater BMPs are installed properly and will sustain high winds and heavy rainfall.
- Only remove inlet protection that may cause flooding and make streets unsafe. Protect inlets from allowing accumulation of sediment inside.
- Cover all hazardous materials.
- Consult with your stormwater inspector to discuss any areas on site that may be of concern and plan for before and after the storm.
- Store important paper documents such as permits and SWPPP books in dry areas.
- Give yourself and employees enough time to get home to prepare at home for the storm.
Hurricane Season creates additional stress, and it is important to produce a plan. KCI has extensive experience in stormwater management and compliance. Over the years, we have also experienced many of Florida’s tropical storms and understand how to help clients plan, prepare, and ride the storm out. Call us today, 888-346-7779.