Peak Hurricane Season Is Here. Do You Have A Job-Site Readiness Plan?
By Rick Fender
The Importance of Hiring a Licensed Contractor
During post-storm cleanup, unsuspecting consumers can be easy prey for unlicensed contractors whose bids almost inevitably will be much lower than bids from licensed contractors. The strong appeal of saving money can be overwhelming, but buyers must beware. The cheapest contractor available may be the one who will cost the most in the long run.
Most people don’t understand the risks and therefore don’t do the proper background checks on contractors, and they often end up regretting it. Having a license is critical because it protects both parties from anything that might go wrong during the process.
Job Site Guidelines for Hurricane Preparedness Tips from GOBA
June 1 marked the start of hurricane season here in Central Florida and peak-season arrives mid-August. Just as you make a plan and prepare your home and family for the potential arrival of a tropical system, it is also important to prepare construction job sites. Developing an action plan now can make a big difference in how efficiently your crew is able to respond to an impending storm. A pre-determined plan that is properly executed can also protect your construction sites and valuable equipment.
Greater Orlando Builders Association (GOBA) has compiled an excellent resource for job-site hurricane preparedness. Please note these are recommended guidelines that constitute best practices.
For more information about storm readiness from Orange County Government and contact information for Orange County’s Office of Emergency Management, please visit www.OCFL.net/Storm.
Orange County Division of Building Safety Streamlines Process for Electrical Utility Connections
In an effort to streamline the development processes, Orange County Government Division of Building Safety is working to improve the Electrical Utility Notification Process to increase efficiency and save time for customers. The new procedure will inform energy utility providers that the inspection has been completed and approved for connection.
The Division of Building Safety has established this procedure through direct communication and collaboration with both energy utility providers in Orange County, Duke Energy and Orlando Utilities Commission.
Under the new standards, an inspector will adhere a blue “Power Release” label, typically located in the top right corner inside the electrical equipment, once the scheduled inspection is completed. Additionally, an email with specific contact information for the utility provider will be sent to individuals identified on the permit application notifying them of the approval. Customers can then notify the utility provider to coordinate service.
This procedure aims to decrease the total number of communications needed to complete the Electrical Utility Notification Process, reducing the potential for confusion.
Orange County Government Division of Building Safety is currently field-testing the blue labels and is expected to officially adopt the process on August 1, 2019.
