County Urges Contractor Storm Preparations

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Aug. 2, 2024) - The National Weather Service has issued a tropical storm watch for Charlotte County for Potential Tropical Cyclone 4, and it is a good time to secure construction job sites.

Secure or remove all loose items or secure items stacked on roofs that could become projectiles in high winds. Secure or remove all construction debris on job sites:

• Identify vulnerable work in progress and determine how best to protect it, and others, from damage.
• Be prepared to remove, anchor, or restrain everything that could blow away such as trash, lumber, port-a-potty, etc., that can become windblown hazards.
• Ensure that all construction debris is secured or placed in an on-site dumpster. If dumpsters are half or fuller, consider arranging to have them emptied before the weekend.
• Where possible, ensure that your on-site dumpster is covered.
• If roofing materials are on site, or will be delivered, but won't be installed before storm weather conditions arrive, be prepared to secure them as weather conditions may warrant.
• Remove the permit yard cardboard and job site signage if warranted by weather conditions.
• Ensure that erosion control silt fencing is securely installed.
• Keep all swales clear.

Please keep in mind this time of year that our ground is already very saturated with rainwater so it is imperative that all swales are free of construction materials, so water is able to flow. Ensure that anything that can be rain-proofed is protected and, wherever possible, move your construction equipment to a secure area.

Remember: Do not drive through floodwaters or go near downed power lines or near any other hazards. After an event, contractors will be notified by email and information will be posted to the Community Development pages on the county website for any special instructions relating to permitting.

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