HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - Construction crews across South Florida are taking security measures to prevent dangerous projectiles from causing damage during a possible strike by Hurricane Dorian.
County officials said they are taking steps to avoid an outcome like the three cranes that buckled in Miami from the stress of Hurricane Irma.
Cameras captured one of the cranes swinging in the wind in September 2017.
Miami-Dade County had approved a plan to more closely monitor massive construction equipment, but that plan fell through.
“We ended up preempted by the state that said that the local authorities couldn’t have any control over the cranes,” said Frank K. Rollason, Miami-Dade County’s assistant director of emergency management.
However, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez announced Saturday that the state lifted that preemption, so the county can regulate them.
In a release from the mayor’s office, he stated, “The State of Florida and Governor Ron DeSantis have heard us and the state has temporarily suspended preemption on hurricane preparation provisions for tower cranes and hoisting equipment … Therefore, the provisions of Miami-Dade County Code 8E-11 – Hurricane Preparedness are applicable and can be enforced countywide until September 10, 2019, unless otherwise directed by the state.”
But those in charge of construction sites are taking action ahead of the storm. Friday morning, a hurricane safety inspection crew visited a site near Northeast 23rd Street and North Miami Avenue.
Officials said the site is storm ready.
7Skyforce HD hovered above workers securing equipment at a new terminal at PortMiami.
A similar scene unfolded in Fort Lauderdale, where crews worked to secure and stack supplies.
South Florida is a work in progress, and that means construction projects are plentiful.
William Law and his significant other recently moved into a condo building in Midtown Miami located right next to a massive construction site.
“There’s always a concern with construction sites and equipment nearby,” he said. “We’re confident in the building’s security code and what they’ve provided us with, and everything should be safe.”
County officials also said everything should be safe, including those enormous cranes.
“They are designed to take this weather. They are designed to spin,” said Rollason.
Small projects are also a concern, so officials have urged residents with construction on their properties to ensure all supplies and equipment are secured and out of the elements prior to the storm’s arrival.
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