During the colder months, many businesses and construction sites may not think to safeguard against flooding. If you’re part of this majority, you might think hurricane season is the important time to think about flooding. However, according to FEMA, winter flooding is a major risk for every part of the United States, whether you’re near the coast or not. This winter, make sure your construction site is prepared for this weather threat.
[bctt tweet=”Winter flooding can occur without warning! Prepare your construction site with these 5 simple steps!” username=”HSIServicesInc”]
Prepare your Construction Site: 5 Simple Steps
Flooding is the number one natural disaster in the US, and the wintertime isn’t an exception. From storm surges in coastal areas to river flooding from ice jams, no area is protected from winter weather. In the construction industry, the chance of winter flooding can cause extensive damage and project delays. Practice these five steps to get your site ready.
- Watch the weather forecasts
- Install flooding protection
- Store your equipment properly
- Plan for project delays
- Protect your employees
1) Watch the weather forecasts
Stay ahead of incoming storms by keeping a close eye on what weather forecasters are predicting. For an updated flood outlook for your area, reference the National Weather Service’s updates. Depending on the location of your worksite, the prediction center can help you plan better for potential flooding.
2) Install flooding protection
Be ready for heavy rains and melting snow with a flood protection solution designed for you. Whether you need to install a metal flood barrier or inflatable cofferdam, make sure the barrier is accessible. If water levels were to rise during a storm, you need to be ready. By protecting against winter flood, you can minimize the amount of water damage that affects your site.
Pro Tip: The Aqua-Barrier is an excellent flood control alternative to traditional sandbags. Make sure the cofferdam is apart of the emergency aid kit for your business.
3) Store your equipment properly
Keep your equipment dry and warm this winter season. The severity of winter storms can be hard to predict, but it’s important to have a way to protect your equipment. By moving trucks to higher ground, using appropriate hydraulic oils for cold temperatures, and providing a way to warm tools, you can ensure the durability of your equipment.
4) Plan for project delays
Include weather-based extensions in the contract for your construction project. As much as you’d like to stick to your project’s schedule, rain, snow and ice storms can prevent your workers from being able to build. Be sure to schedule a reasonable completion date by planning for weather delays in advance.
5) Protect your employees
Have you prepared an emergency plan for your employees? In the unfortunate case that your worksite is flooded, it’s important to have a way to keep your employees safe during and after the storm. Be sure to have a first aid kit and communication system convenient for all employees to use in the time of a severe storm.
Are you ready for the winter months?
Whether your construction site is near a body of water or not, it’s important to have the resources available to protect your team and equipment in the winter. That being said, the risk of flood damage is ongoing throughout the year. Make sure you’re prepared to handle the changing weather conditions for your next construction project.
Have you experienced winter flooding? Connect with our sales experts to learn more about a flood solution to protect your property.