New York City Department of Buildings (DOB) issued a weather advisory on Friday, Jan. 14, advising that the New York City area may experience severe weather, including potential intermittent wind gusts of up to 50 MPH, starting Jan. 14, and continuing into Monday, Jan. 17. Accordingly, 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. If sites are not secured, the department will take immediate enforcement action — issuing violations and Stop Work Orders, where necessary.

 

Winds may reach higher speeds and last longer than forecast in certain areas of the city. DOB officials said 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. Structures that have been subject to deferred maintenance or are in delicate condition could be at greater risk. Department officials suggest 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:

• tie down and secure material and loose debris at construction sites;
• cover electrical equipment from exposure to the weather;
• store loose tools, oil cans, and extra fuses in a toolbox;
• secure netting, scaffolding, and sidewalk sheds;
• suspend crane operations and secure crane equipment when wind speeds reach 30 mph or greater;
• suspend hoist operations and secure exterior hoists when wind speeds reach 35 mph or greater unless manufacturer specifications state otherwise;
• brace and secure construction fences, and;
• call 911 if there is an emergency on a construction site.

 

They advised that Buildings Bulletin 2015-029 outlines the requirements for vertical netting, debris netting and material-fall protection devices at buildings and construction sites.

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

• bring inside loose, lightweight objects such as lawn furniture, potted plants, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys;
• anchor objects that would be unsafe outside, such as gas grills or propane tanks;
• close up and secure patio umbrellas;
• secure retractable awnings;
• remove aerial antennas and satellite television dishes;
• take down tents or follow manufacturer’s instructions to secure them and;
• check 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. They said New Yorkers who suspect a building or property has been structurally compromised should call 911.

 

They added that 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.

 

Department officials said 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.

 

In addition, the following Coastal Flooding Watch was also issued on Friday by the New York City Office of the National Weather Service.

 

Coastal Flood Watch issued January 14 at 4:14. p.m. EST until January 17 at 1 p.m. EST

 

DESCRIPTION: COASTAL FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SUNDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY AFTERNOON

 

* WHAT…Two to three feet of inundation above ground level possible in vulnerable areas near the waterfront and shoreline.

 

* WHERE…In Connecticut, Southern Fairfield, Southern New Haven, Southern Middlesex and Southern New London Counties. In New York, Southern Westchester, Bronx, Northwest Suffolk, Northern Queens and Northern Nassau Counties.

 

* WHEN…From late Sunday night through Monday afternoon.

 

* COASTAL FLOOD IMPACTS…Widespread moderate flooding of vulnerable areas is possible near the waterfront and shoreline,
including roads, parking lots, parks, lawns, and homes and businesses with basements near the waterfront. Several road closures are possible, and vehicles parked in vulnerable areas near the waterfront may become flooded. Flooding will also
extend inland from the waterfront along tidal rivers and bays.

 

* SHORELINE IMPACTS…Breaking waves of 4 to 6 ft will result in beach erosion, wave splashover onto shoreline streets and
properties, and minor damage possible to shorefront structures.

 

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…There is potential for locally major flooding (3 ft above ground level) for southern Westchester and
coastal southwestern Connecticut if strong easterly winds and high waves continue through the time of high tide Monday
morning. The higher probability at this time is that winds weaken and shift to the south before high tide, which would reduce wave action and likely keep flooding at moderate flood levels (2 to 2 1/2 ft above ground).

 

INSTRUCTIONS: If travel is required, allow extra time as some roads may be closed. Do not drive around barricades or through water of unknown depth. Take the necessary actions to protect flood-prone property.