Hurricane Preparedness for Crane Industry

Most native Floridians are very familiar with preparing your home for a hurricane. Every year at this time, we keep an eye on the Atlantic Ocean, and take particular notice when a storm enters the Caribbean. We watch the storm models and the ‘spaghetti’ models, and we know when it’s time to head to Home Depot. We stock up on water, canned foods, sandbags, batteries, flashlights – all of the basics, and we hunker in. But, how do we approach a Hurricane from a professional aspect? Do we know, and do our co-workers know, not only when it’s time but also HOW to prepare our yards and job sites?

The first step is communication. Have a predefined means for communicating with employees in the days and weeks following the storm. It is very important to provide contact information to employees well in advance of the storm. Some employers provide pre-printed laminated wallet cards with information. Information may include a remote (hosted) company website or a toll-free telephone number hosted by a phone company located away from the storm zone. This will allow employees to get information and updates about the business, payroll and benefits information, and estimated dates for returning to work.

Many companies with locations in storm-prone areas ask employees to provide alternative contact information such as the phone number of of an out-of-state relative or a personal e-mail address. This can help the employer verify the safety of employees following a storm and contact persons who can assist in the business recovery process.

Facility shutdown procedures 

Procedures for proper facility preparedness and shut-down should be developed and tested on a regular basis. Such procedures typically include:

  • Creating a backup of computer system data.
  • Removing any loose yard and roof debris.
  • Obtaining materials such as tarps, cables, straps, lumber and steel to anchor and/or brace yard storage, cranes and roof-mounted equipment.
  • Obtaining an emergency generator (owned or rented) capable of providing power for life safety systems and critical equipment  (e.g., coolers, freezers and communication equipment).
  • Establishing methods of safely shutting down operations and protecting key equipment and materials. All hazardous and/or reactive materials should be identified, with provisions to safely store, neutralize or relocate the materials to a safe location.
  • Protecting building openings with storm shutters, pre-fitted plywood or other coverings to minimize damage from flying debris.
  • Covering key stock and equipment with waterproof sheets. Also, consider raising or relocating extremely sensitive items.
  • Developing pre-arranged plans with contractors and vendors for equipment and supplies that may need to be obtained outside the affected area. 

What to expect

A "Hurricane Watch" is issued whenever a hurricane becomes a threat to coastal areas. Everyone in the area covered by the "watch" should listen for further advisories and be prepared to act promptly if a hurricane warning or evacuation order is issued.

A "Hurricane Warning" is issued when hurricane winds of 74 miles an hour or higher, or a combination of dangerously high water and very rough seas, are expected in specific coastal area within 24 hours. Precautionary actions should begin immediately. 

Category One Hurricane 

  • Maximum Sustained Wind Speed: 74-95 miles per hour 
  • Damage Category: Minimal 
  • Approximate Pressure: Above 980 mb 

Approximate Storm Surge: 3-5 feet 
 
Examples: Hurricane Lili (2002) in Louisiana; Hurricane Gaston (2004) in South Carolina 

Category Two Hurricane

  • Maximum Sustained Wind Speed: 96-110 miles per hour
  • Damage Category: Moderate
  • Approximate Pressure: 979-965 mb
  • Approximate Storm Surge: 6-8 feet

Example: Hurricane Isabel (2003) in North Carolina 
 
 Category Three Hurricane

  • Maximum Sustained Wind Speed: 111-129 miles per hour
  • Damage Category: Extensive
  • Approximate Pressure: 964-945 mb
  • Approximate Storm Surge: 9-12 feet 

 Examples: Hurricane Katrina (2005) in Louisiana; Hurricane Jeanne (2004) in Florida; Hurricane Ivan (2004) in Alabama 

Category Four Hurricane

  • Maximum Sustained Wind Speed: 130-156 miles per hour
  • Damage Category: Extreme
  • Approximate Pressure: 944-920 mb
  • Approximate Storm Surge: 13-18 feet 

Example: Hurricane Charley (2004) in Florida; Hurricane Iniki (1992) in Hawaii; the Galveston Hurricane (1900) in Texas 
 
Category Five Hurricane

  • Maximum Sustained Wind Speed: 157 miles per hour and higher
  • Damage Category: Catastrophic
  • Approximate Pressure: Below 920 mb
  • Approximate Storm Surge: More than 18 feet 

Examples: Only three Category 5 hurricanes have struck the United States since records began: The Labor Day Hurricane (1935) in the Florida Keyes, Hurricane Camille (1969) near the mouth of the Mississippi River, and Hurricane Andrew (1992) in Florida
 
Once a Hurricane Warning is issued for your area, you should immediately be in contact with your branch managers, as well as anyone else you work with on a job site. Communication is key in early preparation, to ensure that nothing is overlooked and everything is take care of. If you do not have everyone’s contact information, now is the time to do it. Don’t scramble for it while a storm is bearing down. The sooner we get a job site secured, the sooner you can return to your family to prepare your home. If your job site or yard is near water, a storm surge of 4 to 5 feet above sea level is expected. If it is a major storm, surges from 13 to 28 feet, and sometimes higher, are expected. Elevate as many items as you can to protect them in case of flood.

After the hurricane

When allowed by local authorities, secure the site and begin the damage assessment to buildings and equipment. Separate damaged from undamaged materials. Damaged items should be documented, and repairs should be prioritized; and proceed immediately.

All electrical systems, natural gas lines, fluid transfer operations, production and maintenance equipment and building structures should be examined by qualified individuals before returning to service.

Damaged fire protection systems should be quickly repaired and put back into service as soon as possible.

Before conducting any repairs to the facility, make sure the facility safety programs are fully implemented. Contractors, like employees, should follow proper safety procedures at all times.

Our customer stories

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    - Jim
  • “Sims Crane Atlanta is the best in the business. I have worked with this group for the last 10 years and have always had tremendous success using them. They are highly knowledgeable, top tier equipment, professionalism, pricing, communication, etc. I would highly recommend using them with your next project!” 

    - Brandon
  • “It is always a pleasure working with Sims! Some of the best operators in the business, as well as a very in touch sales team! Highly recommend using them for any crane needs.” 

    - Dylan
  • “The efforts were led with consistent feedback, planning and precise execution day by day, making a difficult task painless and smooth. The install team was very professional, well trained and knowledgeable. They answered any questions we had and ensured a safe and swift installation, faster than anticipated. They were accommodating for last minute field decisions and provided assistance wherever needed. All of the Sims team members have proven to be true construction professionals and thus I will continue to reach out on future projects.” 

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