Hurricane Preparedness - Issue #5

Welcome to the August issue of White Cap’s Contractor Field Notes, your source for industry insights, product reviews, and safety tips. June 1st marked the start of Hurricane season, and experts anticipate the number of severe storms will increase each year. That’s bad news for construction sites. In this issue, we’ll be looking at tips and best practices you can use to mitigate hurricane, or other severe storm, threats.

Trends from the Field?

White Cap Safety Product Sales Specialist, Daniel L.G., shares his expertise about preparing for a hurricane at the jobsite.

What to include in an evacuation plan

Time is critical during a hurricane, so it’s important to have a detailed evacuation plan before you need it. At the very minimum, an evacuation plan should include the following:

·????? Determine a chain of command.

·????? Identify emergency functions and assign who will perform them.

·????? Communicate specific evacuation procedures, including routes and exits.

·????? Outline procedures for accounting for personnel, customers, and visitors.

·????? Collect emergency contact information for all team members.

·????? Specify the hurricane conditions that will activate the plan.

Carefully monitor the weather

During a hurricane, conditions can change dramatically in just 24 hours. Designate a team member who will stay abreast of weather developments and evacuation advisories. Remember that hurricanes reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major storms with the potential for significant loss of life and damage.

Secure and prepare the jobsite

We must consider not just our safety and the safety of workers at the site but also the safety of the community around the site. Flying debris can be lethal during a hurricane. Consider the following steps to secure the jobsite:

·????? Take inventory of all equipment and materials on the site.

·????? Remove and store any materials, tools or equipment that are easily transportable and could otherwise be damaged.

·????? Use sandbags, anchors, and rope to tie down materials.

·????? Cover materials with a tarp or plastic sheeting to protect them from water.

·????? Make sure backup generators are properly fueled.

·????? Secure the structure by boarding up doors and windows and by placing sandbags around the building to protect it from water.

·????? Cancel deliveries to the jobsite until after the storm passes.

White Cap is focused on keeping workers safe on the jobsite. We can help you get the products and training you need to reduce the risks should a hurricane impact your area. Contact your local branch or a specialist today to see how we can help.?

Safety Toolbox: Avoiding Losses from a Hurricane

Some experts have predicted that the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season will be “above average,” with 17 named storms and major hurricanes making landfall. Severe weather can present challenges for construction projects and reduce overall profitability. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to prepare for this hurricane season and mitigate your exposure to this season’s storms.

Make sure you’re covered. Double-check the list of perils included in your construction risk insurance policies. Many policies, often called “Builders Liability Insurance,” provide damage coverage at building sites from fire, tornados, lightning, and hail. But not all insurance policies cover earthquake, flood, or hurricane damage.

Know how your contract treats weather-related delays. When negotiating contracts, check the documents for conditions concerning establishing time extensions for weather delays. Try to protect yourself by setting guidelines if the weather significantly delays the project or your ability to be at the jobsite.

Have a plan for when storm warnings begin. It’s important to establish simple procedures for your crews. Establish a “Storm Leader” that will be responsible for crew assignments; outline a plan that explains what workers should do after a storm warning begins to minimize the storm’s impact; and prepare to protect materials or equipment that cannot be moved.?

Plan for a safe return. Consult OSHA’s Hurricane eMatrix, which includes thorough planning tools and information on protecting workers when resuming post-hurricane activity.

Inspect the worksite. After a storm hits, carefully inspect the jobsite and determine the extent of the damage. It’s important to have clear communication regarding who is responsible for any repair and clean-up. Be sure to notify the owner and their insurer before making repairs.

For more information about keeping your jobsite safe, contact a White Cap?safety specialist.??

Product Spotlight: Products Designed to Weather the Storm

In recent years, the increasing number and ferocity of hurricanes and natural disasters have made it clear that we must continue to innovate building practices and products and update codes accordingly. White Cap is constantly working to offer innovative products to simplify installation and protect against storm damage.?

Here are some revolutionary products and techniques designed to combat the destructive forces during hurricanes and other natural disasters.?

Reducing wind and seismic loads.?Anchoring shear walls and roof trusses at each level with interconnecting fasteners and framing elements transfers wind and seismic loads to the foundation, creating a continuous load path for a stronger structure. To build stronger and meet new building codes,?threaded rod tie-down systems?are replacing conventional hardware. Threaded rod assemblies create a continuous load path and provide the necessary tension against lateral forces. To fight uplift, threaded rod assemblies are installed from the top plate to the foundation, securing roof trusses.?

High wind protection.?In high-wind and seismic areas, building codes require that framing for floors and roof diaphragms be connected to the side of masonry walls to prevent walls from being pulled outwardly. Contractors embed?PA/HPA Purlin Anchors?into masonry walls where the floor or roof will be. To simplify installation, embedment lines are stamped on the anchors so installers know the correct embedment level.?

Avoiding wind-related sliding.?When?high winds blow against the sides of a structure, it can create such a strong force that the structure slides off its foundation. Combined with uplift forces, the shear forces can even make a structure overturn or rack. Adding?bracing, connectors, and reinforced shear walls?will strengthen the structure against these load paths. Large window and door openings, including garage doors, do not provide enough wall strength to resist lateral loads. Prefab panel applications offer strong solutions and meet code requirements.?

Learn more about how to build stronger with natural disasters in mind.

Additional Resources?

It’s never too early to make a solid storm plan and train your crew on how to protect a jobsite from hurricane-force winds and rain. White Cap has a variety of educational resources available to help. Check out these articles for more insights and tips. ??

Hurricane Preparation Checklist

Hurricane Preparation Guide for Contractors

Stormwater Best Management Practices?

How to Select the Right Generator

How to Choose the Best Tools to Reduce Runoff

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