Earlier this year, the National Hurricane Center predicted an above average active season for named storms. Regarding the Atlantic Ocean, the National Hurricane Center predicted approximately fourteen named storms this year, including seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. Current climate conditions are still favoring an above normal 2024 Atlantic hurricane season. We need to mindful that September historically is the peak of the season. According to the most recent forecast from the National Hurricane Center, we do have an active tropical storm in the Gulf. Tropical storm Francine is expected to intensify into a Category 1 hurricane, potentially prior to reaching Louisiana late today.
We all need to stay vigilant. We could still see a spike in activity as the month and season progresses. Mid-September marks the climatic peak of hurricane season. Studies and historical observations have demonstrated this is the time of year we see favorable conditions that can stimulate the increased development of possible storms and hurricanes. Currently, meteorologists are beginning to see an increase in water temperatures and mild wind shears that typically allow an increase of thunderstorms over the eastern Atlantic.
Even though we have not seen the amount of named storms this year as predicted, many experts state that conditions are still favorable for future storms. We still have room on the calendar for potential tropical depressions to form and turn into hurricanes that could impact our Florida coastal areas. Analysis still identifies the most active month for hurricanes making landfall is September, then October second.
For those who work in the construction industry, an incoming hurricane can be incredibly daunting. A construction site must be prepared for destructive winds that can carry off dangerous items with destructive force. There is also the potential of an extended recovery time for sites that were ill-prepared for the storm. Recovery time equals down time, and down time costs contractors lots of money. With all this in mind, there are some steps that can be taken to ensure both minimal damage and construction down-time.
- Plan – The first step to not being caught unprepared in the face of a hurricane is to plan for it before you even know it is coming. This means developing and producing a solid hurricane preparedness plan.
- Watch the Weather – It is important to always monitor the weather.
- Prepare to Secure Materials – Understand how you plan to secure site materials. The first step is to ensure all trash, tools, lumber, debris, equipment, portable toilets, dumpsters, and machinery are ready to be secured.
- Secure Chemicals and Hazardous Materials – Construction sites generally have hazardous chemicals or waste on site, as well. It is important to ensure that your concrete washout is cleaned up, all paint, stucco, or other chemicals are secured, and any dangerous waste is removed from site to avoid any potential contamination on or off site.
- Stabilize Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) – In addition to making sure all your materials, waste, and chemicals are secured, it is important to make sure that your Stormwater BMPs are prepared.
- Educate your Team – To protect the hard work of your employees and other subcontractors, it is important to make sure you and your team understand their role in the preparation process.
Remember, safety is the top priority. Be sure to keep this in mind throughout the entire process, both before, during, and after the storm. You can find the KCI Hurricane Preparedness Plan HERE.
When it comes to hurricane planning and stormwater management, one company stands out as the leader in the field: Koncept Carma, Inc. We have a proven track record of excellence established through our solid experience in managing and implementing comprehensive stormwater evaluations, inspections, and maintenance – before, during, and after a storm. Contact us today, 888-346-7779.
