El Niño and La Niña—you won’t hear them mentioned on the weather report every day, but when you do, you should take note. When managing a construction team, it’s important to stay up to date on all the latest weather changes. With global weather patterns entering an El Niño cycle, it’s time to prepare your construction team. From using a reusable flood barrier to setting up water tanks, here’s how you can keep your team ready.
What Is El Niño?
El Niño is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycle that breaks normal conditions in the Pacific Ocean. It can last 9-12 months and occurs irregularly every two to seven years. During El Niño, the trade winds in the Pacific weaken, and warm water is pushed toward the United States’ west coast.
What does that mean for you? Here’s a breakdown of how El Niño can affect different regions of the country. The weather patterns peak in December and will begin taking effect soon. That means now is the best time to prepare.
Southern States: Prepare for Cooler, Wetter Weather
El Niño can suppress Atlantic hurricanes. That’s good news if you’re located on the Gulf Coast, but overall, it still brings wet and cool weather to southern states. From Arizona all the way through Florida and even making its way up the East Coast, these states can expect to deal with more precipitation than usual.
If you’re working near embankments, that means using more gear like culvert socks. Plus, you’ll want to double-check that you have enough spill containment solutions for all your equipment. Wetter weather makes any leak that much more difficult to resolve.
California: Prepare for Heavy Rainfalls
While California has experienced a drought in recent years, El Niño could mark a change.
The shift in the Pacific jet stream can cause more precipitation and even bring heavy rainfall to the West Coast. This can mainly occur in southern California and parts of the American Southwest and Mexico.
El Niño peaks in late Fall, so it’s best to prepare now while signs are just starting to show. Build flood plans with your team and teach everyone how to set up your reusable flood barriers. Take note of any areas prone to flooding damage on your job site. These are the best spots to set up your barriers when the rains start.
Northern States: Prepare for More Heat
On the opposite end of the weather spectrum, northern states should prepare for hotter-than-normal temperatures. The warming of the Pacific waters, along with the shifting jet streams, creates a warmer period.
Portable water bladders are a must-have for your construction team during El Niño. As the days get hotter than usual, it’s still important to keep your team hydrated and safe. Providing access to clean drinking water helps accomplish this goal. Set up a shady spot for breaks and ensure no one overexerts themselves in the heat.
Midwest: Prepare for Dry Weather
Areas of the Midwest stuck between the hotter weather of the northern states and the cooler, wet southern parts of the country can expect to experience a drier climate during El Niño.
With a dry weather pattern, you’ll need to provide some hydration for your team. Again, a water bladder tank is a great way to do this. But you’ll also have to account for extra dust and dry ground at your job site. As the year goes on, expect less rainfall and snowfall than the previous year and plan accordingly.
About AIRE Environmental
This summer, make sure your construction, fire response, or non-profit organization is equipped with spill containment, water storage, and flood containment products you can count on. AIRE Environmental, formerly known as AIRE Industrial, designs and manufactures every one of their products in the USA, so you can expect the highest quality every single time. With clients ranging from the defense industry to damage restoration teams, they know what it takes to help you succeed and give you the tools you need to get the job done. Their Spill Containment Berms, Water Bladder Tanks, and Dewatering Bags are built to stand up to the toughest tests. AIRE Environmental goes above and beyond the call of duty to ensure your team, community, and surroundings can stay protected.
Prepare for El Niño weather patterns with gear from https://www.aireenvironmental.com/
Original Source: https://bit.ly/46L2XLF