CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (Sept. 23, 2024) – There is a possibility of tropical storm conditions that may affect Charlotte County this week. Construction materials and debris can cause significant damage if unsecured during high winds and can cause blockage of the county’s drainage swales.
In preparation for the possible storm conditions, the Community Development Department is requesting contractors to begin securing their work sites as soon as possible with attention paid to the following:
- 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, portable toilets, 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 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 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 all swales are free of construction materials, so water is able to flow. Ensure 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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