Working conditions on a construction site will not always be pleasant—some days might require you to prepare for severe weather. This weather could damage the structure, ruin equipment and supplies, and further force the project’s timeline back. When a storm is in the forecast, no matter the season, you must protect the employees and worksite.
Evaluate Site Drainage & Potential Flooding Areas
When the forecast calls for an extreme amount of rain, there is a potential for flooding to happen in the work zone. Before the weather reaches your area, walk through the construction area and identify where drainage systems are located to ensure they are free from obstructions. Drainage systems should be near parts of the worksite that could be prone to flooding to prevent an excessive amount of water from building up.
Tie Down Lighter Supplies & Materials
You may have supplies that do not leave the workspace; if that is the case, tie down the material so that it cannot fly away in the event of high winds. Forgetting this step in the preparation process could cause potential harm to the surrounding structures of the worksite because the supplies could hit and damage other buildings. Tie down materials that you cannot move and transition supplies that you can to a different location or enclosed area for safekeeping.
Relocate Equipment
In the event that there is hail or any other weather that could damage your foundation drilling rigs and machines, you must move them to a secure location, preferably one that’s indoors. This equipment can be expensive to replace; don’t take any chances by leaving them out in a large storm. Carports or garages are the best bet for storing these items. Have a location in mind ahead of time so that you aren’t scrambling to find a safe storage location right before the storm hits.
Take Pictures of the Construction Site
Before severe weather makes its way to your construction site, take pictures of your surroundings. This helps prepare your construction site for severe weather because it provides you proof of damage from the storm that you can bring to your insurance company. This helps you prepare for your next steps after the storm hits, allowing the construction team to get back to work and keep track of their losses. This is also a great way to keep an eye on the team’s progress throughout the course of the project.
Ignoring any of these tips could result in extensive damages that will take more money from your budget and require you to add more time to the project timeline. Prepare for storms beforehand and check the weather the day before so that you know what to expect. Mother Nature can come at the most inconvenient times; when this happens, you’ll want your construction team to be ready.