Preparing Your Crew for a Storm
With storm season just around the corner, it is important to have your checklist ready if one comes your way. Unfortunately, there is no calm before the storm when it comes to preparation. When the weather begins to turn, it is important to have a set procedure in place to keep everything and everyone protected.
Before the Storm
All efforts need to go towards securing the job site to shield it and your crew from the weather that is to come. Safeguarding the structure and materials on site is crucial so all the team’s hard work doesn’t go to waste. If it comes down to it and the crew ends up in the storm, proper personal protective equipment (PPE) needs to be worn to minimize exposure to dangers that one might face. Everything from goggles to gloves to proper boots have to be donned to act as a physical barrier between you and the weather and what hazards it causes. This also calls for fall protection as wet and slippery surfaces are bound to be a problem.
During the Storm
You may feel the need to persevere through the storm, feeling that the worst the rain can do is get you wet. However, storms can go from a pleasant, light drizzle to a torrential downpour in seconds, making it unsafe to continue working on site. No deadline is worth putting your crew at risk, which is why it is important to know when to stop and pack up. Setting up severe weather alerts on your phone is one helpful way to make sure the crew is aware of approaching weather. Delegating this task to a specific team member to be the notifier may come in handy as well. Right when that warning message pops up, it is time to pause the job and head home. Once storm hazards begin, such as high winds, lightning, and flooding, conditions can quickly become too dangerous to remain.
After the Storm
Before the project resumes, it is imperative to inspect for new dangers that may have resulted from the storm. Keep a lookout for power lines that have been knocked down, debris that may be scattered, broken scaffolding or ladders, any wet and slippery surfaces, and signs of structural damage. Addressing the destruction first and foremost protects your crew and limits any future harm.
Storm Cleanup
Once the site has been assessed, safely removing and fixing hazards will be the next priority. Take your time during this process, as rushing through can only lead to more risks. Work around damaged areas, being careful not to miss anything and making the job site completely safe to enter. Clear pathways, extract water where it is needed, and stabilize structures with temporary supports before working on affected areas. Doing a full inspection allows you and your crew to safely repair and build securely.
Final Thoughts
Preparation for a storm should be a planned-out process, not a last-minute decision. Having a clear strategy for tackling this situation helps your crew know exactly what to do and when to do it. Safety is the most important thing to keep in mind when carrying out any plan, as the ultimate goal is to prevent harm from occurring. Make storm safety part of your regular project planning, not just when severe weather is impending. Taking the time to make sure a secure plan is put into place and followed correctly can make all the difference, ensuring your crew feels confident and prepared.