Community Development Department - Building Division

Construction Site Hurricane Preparedness Procedures

This checklist is intended to assist you in making your job site safe during a hurricane or tropical storm. Please follow these guidelines to limit construction materials becoming wind-borne debris and possibly causing damage to nearby property.  Preparations should be completed at least 48 hours in advance of landfall of a hurricane or upon the issuance of a hurricane or tropical storm warning for the Town of Fort Myers Beach.

1.    Site Preparation

•  Clean and secure site of loose building materials to minimize flying debris.

•    Tie down job trailers and portable structures (including toilets).

•    Secure lids of dumpsters and other debris containers.

•    Brace new landscaping.

•    Remove sand /trash from roadway gutters and drainage systems.

•    Secure sediment/erosion control devices to avoid sediment leaving the site during heavy rainfall

•    Remove construction vehicles and equipment or move inside.

2.    Construction Materials

•    Band and stake down plywood, lumber, scaffolding, etc.

•    All materials inside buildings should be banded together.

•    Remove all wood scraps around trailers and the job site.

•    Delay or postpone construction material deliveries.

3.    Roofing Materials

•    Do not load tile onto roof if it cannot be installed 48 hours prior to predicted landfall. 

•    Remove and secure roof materials prior to 48 hours prior to predicted landfall.

4.    Structural building elements

•    Shore up unsupported walls, frame or block.

•    Inspect trusses to ensure anchors and hurricane clips are in place.

•    Plywood not installed should be removed to the ground.

•    Lower tower cranes if possible.

•    Inspect tie downs on construction and sales trailers.

•    Secure any antennas.

5.    Windows and glass

•    If possible, install panels over windows and sliding glass doors.

•    Secure all windows and doors.