The National Weather Service has forecast that the New York City area may experience severe weather including heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 50 miles per hour, starting Wednesday, Oct. 29, and continuing through Friday, Oct. 31. Accordingly, NYC Department of Buildings (DOB) is reminding all builders, contractors, crane operators, and property owners to secure their construction sites, buildings, and equipment.

 

Department officials said they will be performing random spot-check inspections of construction sites around the city and if sites are not secured, the department will take immediate enforcement action, issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

 

DOB officials said with winds possibly reaching higher speeds and lasting longer than forecast in certain areas of the city, property owners must consider the safety of their buildings and construction sites, including cranes, suspended and supported scaffolding, hoists, and any other building appurtenances that may come loose from exposure to high winds. They said structures that have been subject to deferred maintenance or are in delicate condition could be at greater risk and the department suggests consulting a professional to advise how to secure construction sites and buildings.

 

They said to safeguard construction sites, builders, contractors, and developers should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following: 

• removing fabric filter from catch basins to prevent flooding;
• tying down and securing material and loose debris at construction sites;
• covering electrical equipment from exposure to the weather;
• storing loose tools, oil cans, and extra fuses in a toolbox;
• securing netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds;
• suspending crane operations and securing crane equipment when wind speeds reach 30 mph or greater;
• suspending hoist operations and securing exterior hoists when wind speeds reach 30 mph or greater, unless manufacturer specifications state otherwise;
• bracing and securing construction fences; and
• calling 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.

 

DOB officials said Buildings Bulletin 2015-029 outlines the requirements for vertical netting, debris netting and material-fall protection devices at buildings and construction sites.

They said to secure a building, property owners should take all precautionary measures including but not limited to the following:

• bringing loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys inside;
• anchoring objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks;
• closing up and securing patio umbrellas;
• securing retractable awnings;
• removing aerial antennas and satellite television dishes;
• taking down tents or following manufacturer’s instructions to secure them;
• checking to ensure all gutters, roof drains, and down spouts are cleared of debris to allow for proper drainage.

 

DOB officials said New Yorkers are encouraged to call 311 to report non-compliant conditions or 911 to report emergencies at construction sites or buildings and said New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911.

They said under §28-301.1 of the Administrative Code of the City of New York, property owners are legally obligated to maintain their properties in a safe condition.

They said the department weather advisories are strictly a courtesy to remind property owners to prepare their properties for severe weather and cannot be read to suggest that the department, rather than the property owner, is responsible for maintaining his or her property.