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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, August 6, 2014 Contact: Curtis Lum, Public Information Officer, Department of Planning and Permitting, 768-8284. CONTRACTORS SHOULD PREPARE FOR APPROACHING STORMS With the possibility of strong, damaging wind and torrential downpours as Hurricanes Iselle and Julio approach, the Department of Planning and Permitting advises contractors and homeowners to take action now to prevent serious damage and flooding. Most large contractors have emergency plans, and they are urged to implement them now. Construction material and equipment should be secured because they could be swept up by strong winds and cause serious damage and injuries. Contractors who have placed temporary "gutter buddies" at storm drains, as required by the DPP to prevent unwanted debris from entering the storm drain system, are being asked to remove them as the storm approaches to avoid flooding. Developers and owners of grading and trenching permits should also remove all inlet filters at drain inlets and catch basins. These filters should be replaced after the threat of flooding is abated. "Although we are hoping for the best, we realize that these two storms are approaching and we must be ready for the worst-case scenario," said George Atta, DPP director. "The time to prepare is now." -END-