Construction Cranes May Pose Safety Hazard During Hurricane: Officials

MIAMI, FL — Construction projects around downtown Miami have all been placed on lockdown ahead of Hurricane Irma but city officials are still concerned that the two dozen or so unmanned cranes could become a potential safety hazard in hurricane-force winds.

See also Hurricane Irma: South Florida Schools Ordered Shut, Tolls Suspended and Evacuations Likely In Flood-Prone Areas Of Miami

“We urge all our residents to take warnings and evacuation orders seriously," said City Manager Daniel J. Alfonso. "We prepare for the worst and pray for the best.”

City officials estimated there are about 20 to 25 construction cranes in the City of Miami. "These tower cranes are designed to withstand winds up to 145 miles per hour, not a Category 5 Hurricane," officials stressed.

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Miami Building Department Deputy Director Maurice Pons warned people to avoid riding out the storm in buildings that have construction cranes parked outside.

"The crane’s arm has to remain loose; it is not tied down," officials said. "The arm’s counterbalance is very heavy and poses a potential danger if the crane collapses."

Officials added that people who choose to ride out the storm in high-rise buildings should seek shelter in an enclosed stairwell when the storm passes by.

"If you live in a high-rise and decide not to evacuate, the safest place in the building to ride out a hurricane is an interior, concrete enclosed stairwell," officials said. "Construction sites in the City of Miami are on lockdown so materials can be cleaned up, removed or tied down. The only exception would be for work to prevent projectiles, for example, roof tile installation."

Photo courtesy city of Miami