Disaster is often the predecessor to a full-blown catastrophe and as the 2019 hurricane season shifts into high gear, we would be wrong if we didn’t advise on you on how improper storage of hazardous materials can prove costly during a storm.
National weather forecasters are already predicting a busier than normal season in the Atlantic and the brunt of peak activity has yet to come. If recent years are any indicator of what we can expect on the eastern seaboard, torrential flooding from slow moving and unpredictable storms could be in the very near future.
We are truly living in unchartered territory when it comes to hurricanes and the affects of global warming on named storms. Storms are growing in intensity and slowing down, which creates the perfect set-up for historic flooding and the loss of life. Last year, Hurricane Florence drenched the Carolinas from the hills to the sea and briefly flirted with the idea of reforming as a separate named storm once it moved offshore and back into the Atlantic.
Hazmat Rentals are needed stopgap in face of adversity
Fortunately, the southeast is cognizant to the dangers of hurricanes. It’s just a fact of life anyone who lives near the coastline has to contend with every summer. When hurricane warnings flood the airwaves, residents in storm prone areas quickly head for the hills. They’ll typically take a few belongings with them, cover vulnerable areas with plywood and secure their beloved pets before relocating inland or to a shelter.
What many people do overlook during these storms is the proper storage of hazardous materials. Gale-forced winds and heavy flooding can dislodge fuel containers, common solvents and everyday cleaners from garages and job sites alike. This can unleash harmful toxins in the environment once these containers spill. Add this decontamination to the deluge of debris that commonly forms during the storm and the EPA will come down on those responsible parties faster than the downpour of rain itself.
Don’t let dangerous chemicals get caught out in the rain
So, what can you do to secure these materials? Any small business owner, such as a painting contractor or band of carpenters or plumbers, may want to consider a two-hour and four-hour fire rated flammable storage building from U.S Hazmat Rentals. Our four-hour fire rated structures are engineered and designed specifically for flammable materials, such as paints, thinners, kerosene and gasoline or any other common chemical found on the jobsite. Even better, these steel-secured buildings can even double as storage lockers for your tools and valuables in the event that you have to quickly leave, as would be the case with a hurricane.
You won’t have to worry about spills seeping into the waterways either if that mammoth storm does blow into town. Our innovative spill sump containment and fire suppression systems offer unparalleled protection and can be smoothly implemented into any workflow or process. With these 12-gauge steel units, you can breathe a sigh of relief while contemplating the unexpected. Explosion proof paneling and interior features makes these movable units a formidable match for any tropical storm or opportunistic looter.
Storm shelters add extra protection
Make no mistake: evacuation or relocating to a larger community shelter in the event of a hurricane are your best shots at outsmarting these unpredictable storms, but we also offer protection for residual threats during hurricanes. Tornadic activity is an unfortunate associated reality with hurricanes and tropical storms. Recently, we have expanded our line of hazardous material storage lockers to also include the venerable Tornado Lock Safe Room Shelters.
Tornadoes and hurricanes are real dangers in many locations across the United States, and you need to ensure the safety of every one of your employees that decide to hang back and ride out the storm. With our premium grade storm shelters, you can eliminate the negative consequences of harsh weather conditions on your project or job site. Made out of solid plate steel with multi-point locking doors, these structures are designed to withstand tornado and hurricane force winds.
