 Hurricane Irma is a devastating, catastrophic storm currently in the Atlantic near Puerto Rico. With winds of over 180 mph, it is one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes – EVER.
It is much too early to tell at this point exactly where it will end up, but current predictions show a bee line up through the Florida Keys, and likely up the entire Florida peninsula. If you have family, friends, or loved ones there, please counsel them to heed all warnings. 160-180 mph will DESTROY many buildings, even with newer Florida building codes. People who stay against mandatory evacuation orders will put not only themselves at risk, but also First Responders. The prognosis for next week is uncertain – some models show the jet stream and a Bermuda high conspiring to steer the storm up the East coast. The likelihood of any impact on CT is unknown at this time. That being said, with the weekend coming, and the potential for effects to be felt mid-late next week, I think it’s important to start developing plans for battening down the hatches, securing sites, and communicating with Owners, employees and subcontractors. Please keep a close eye on the weather these next few days, and keep this storm in the forefront of your mind. Stored materials, housekeeping, roof projects, temporary protection, abatement and clearances, air filtration, storm water management, temporary (and permanent) electric, material deliveries and loading/unloading may all become problematic next week. Please start thinking about this. As a safety professional it’s my job to worry about potential risk – and this is one. As a survivor of Sandy (flooding in our home, and about $85k in damage), I am VERY sensitive to this. I will try not to be Chicken Little, but I will counsel you to err on the side of caution. Thanks. |
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