Home
>
Strategic Planning
>
Under Construction During the Storm ? A Hurricane Guide for Businesses that are Under Construction

Under Construction During the Storm ? A Hurricane Guide for Businesses that are Under Construction

As a business owner, you've likely created a hurricane plan for your business and your family, but did you overlook your construction project? Don't worry, you're not alone. Most people don't even think about preparing their construction site because it's not written into their "construction timeline." But when a hurricane threatens, general contractors usually get panicked phone calls asking about potential damage, delays and cost.

You can save time and frustration by contacting your general contractor to discuss their plan before a hurricane strikes. You've invested a lot of resources into your construction project, so insist that your contractor safeguard it the same way that you safeguard your home. Here is a guide on what to expect from your general contractor's hurricane preparation plan:

1. Preparation Timing ? A construction site has infinitely more hazards than a completed building, so it is reasonable to assume that the site won't be properly secured in one day. Depending on the size of the project, your general contractor should start preparing your site three to five days in advance of the storm.

2. Actual Building Preparation ? Your general contractor should complete a structural analysis of your building to assess its weaknesses in the days prior to the storm. Is the roof up? Are any of the frames or trusses exposed? Are the exterior openings exposed? Any work that will help the structural integrity of the building should continue if it can be completed in time (this might include concrete or roofing). At the same time, any work that is highly vulnerable to damage (like landscaping or exterior painting), should be put on hold until after the storm.

3. Exterior Site Preparation ? Any lose material like 2x4's, rebar, scaffolding, and roofing tile could become a dangerous projectile. Your general contractor should secure all of these items to protect your building and to protect surrounding businesses and homes. Larger jobsites might require an engineering consultation to properly secure materials. Additionally, your general contractor should verify any onsite construction trailers are securely tied down, dumpsters should be emptied or removed, portable toilettes should be removed and any deliveries of non-essential materials should be placed on hold.

4. Construction Documents ? The same way that you would want to protect insurance documents or a mortgage, your general contractor should be protecting the jobsite documentation in a waterproof container, or relocating it to the contractor's main office.

5. Builders Risk Insurance ? This is a policy that the general contractor purchases on your behalf. It is your policy to protect your investment, so make sure that you read it thoroughly and understand it. Specifically, you should be aware the following:

a. Last year, there were several disputes over who paid the insurance deductible for damage. Since then, some insurance companies have already written that clarification into the policy. If the insurance policy doesn't mention it, your contract with the general contractor should stipulate whether you or the general contractor is responsible for the deductible.

b. Several buildings that were damaged last year were under-insured, so make sure that your insurance covers the full value of the building.

c. If your project will be completed during hurricane season, consider purchasing a policy that covers an extra month or two so that you are locked into a lower premium rate if your project is delayed. Most insurance companies will allow you to drop the policy if the project is completed early.

d. Builders Risk Insurance does NOT cover flooding or mold. However, you can purchase separate policies.

You've prepared for everything else when the storm strikes, don't forget to plan for your construction project too.

Cyndee Woolley is the Marketing Coordinator for Professional Building Systems. http://www.pbscontractors.com/

shuttle to Midway Beardstown .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

The FBI has issued a warning that scammers are impersonating doctors, police and banks using spoofed numbers as "smishing" texts surge nationwide.

Communities with unreliable internet service stand to gain after Amazon's Project Kuiper launched its first full batch of satellites into orbit April 28.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says unsubscribing from spam might actually backfire. Learn when to avoid it and stop junk effectively.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about how the first nonstop beating heart transplant, called zero ischemic time, at Taiwan hospital changes surgery.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson: FBI warns of "time-traveling" hackers.

Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about a soft, vine-like robot called SPROUT that aids safe survivor rescues in collapsed buildings.

Health insurance giant Blue Shield of California confirmed it had been sharing private health data of 4.7 million users with Google for three years without even realizing it.

Delta and JetZero’s blended wing body aircraft marks a meaningful step toward a cleaner, quieter and more efficient future for air travel.

Recent reports show many common passwords can be cracked in literally seconds. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how to strengthen your passwords.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Iron, a robot that stands 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighs 154 pounds, combines advanced artificial intelligence with human-like movement and exceptional vision.

Hertz, the rental car giant, recently confirmed that customer information was exposed through a cyberattack on one of its software vendors.

There are a number of features with AirPods you may or may not know about to take your listening experience to the next level. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.

These 35 Chrome extensions have privacy and security concerns. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says to delete them now.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says 329,000 mph fusion rocket promises to be fast, disruptive and enable deep-space missions.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says a new autonomous AI is a game changer that also raises privacy risks. Is your data safe?

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says robots and drones are revolutionizing fruit farming with faster picking and smarter handling.

Landmark Admin revises May 2024 cyberattack scope to show twice as many people were affected. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives tips to help stay safe from an insurance data breach.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about how Yamaha’s hydrogen outboard motor could revolutionize boating with zero emissions.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how to memorialize or remove a deceased loved one’s Facebook account and protect their digital legacy from misuse or scams.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says an Apple Watch saved psychiatrist Amanda Faulkner by detecting deadly leukemia early.

Scammers and fraudsters are increasingly targeting the most vulnerable, especially nursing homes and the personal data of their residents. Kurt the CyberGuy has safety tips.

Infected USB flash drives can spread malware among multiple organizations in ways that can easily bypass traditional security systems.

With a fully automated warehouse system and AI-powered robots, Ocado's Hive picks, packs and delivers grocery store orders in just a few minutes.

Under Construction During the Storm ? A Hurricane Guide for Businesses that are Under Construction

Strategic Planning