Contractors reminded to secure materials in case of heavy winds

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. -- Charlotte County wants to remind contractors to tie down their equipment and materials in case the winds get bad.

The county says they should look out for anything that could blow away.

There's a lot of new construction in Southwest Florida right now, so if you're building a home, this is something you should think about, too.

The county offers these suggestions to contractors in preparation for poor weather:

• 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 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 this weekend, be prepared to secure them as weather conditions may warrant.
• Remove the permit yard card board and job site signage if warranted by weather conditions.
• Ensure that erosion control silt fencing is securely installed.
• Keep all swales clear.