Construction Crews Prepare Sites for Erika
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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Rebar, wood, tools, and trash abound at construction sites all over South Florida.
They are items that are needed to construct high rise buildings, but are also potentially deadly if they become flying objects during a storm.
That's why crews at many construction sites in South Florida are already moving quickly to strap down materials, secure fencing, and make sure cranes are ready in case Tropical Storm Erika hits.
"We're pouring concrete to weigh down the deck so the sheets of plywood don't blow away. We're rushing right now," said John Spurlin, a supervisor at Facchina Construction.
He was not happy to learn of the storm's trajectory, because it means delays in his mixed use condo project in Coral Gables, and a lot more work for his guys but he says he can't take chances.
"You can't wait until Saturday. There's not enough time. There's so many things to do," he told CBS4's Natalia Zea.
Code compliance officers in the Gables checked on construction sites Friday to ensure everyone is doing what they can to secure their sites if a tropical storm warning is issued.
"Our goal is to make sure the residents are safe and the construction sites are secure," said Code Compliance Director William Ortiz.
Many residents in Brickell are concerned too, considering the massive construction projects just outside their windows.
"They have a lot of construction material so I don't see how they can secure all of it because there is so much," said Brickell Resident Adriana Mckinnon.
Workers building the Brickell City Centre project are working to tie down many materials and picking up signs that could become projectiles.
Construction is not complete at Sunlife Stadium, but crews brought down cranes and had a big heads start bringing their materials indoors...they wanted it out of the way for Saturday's Dolphins game.
And as for all that road construction, the Florida Department of Transportation said only that it is monitoring the storm and making plans and preparations.
