New app blows into Calgary constructions sites

Calgary frequently experiences high wind gust conditions each year, and these conditions pose a risk to public safety.

“A review of the last four years of gust speeds from the Calgary Airport shows that gust conditions exceed 60 km/hr over 20% of the time.” said Cliff De Jong,senior special projects officer with The City of Calgary. “The results of the project have shown that gust conditions vary greatly at differing heights and also from site to site. This new system uses multiple high resolution weather forecasts to provide advanced warning of up to 48 hours of wind gusts or adverse weather conditions that may cause wind gusts. The system is intended to be used in conjunction with other site safety procedures to prevent, unsecured materials being blown from structures and falling to the ground, loose materials being blown into and damaging nearby buildings and structural damage caused by wind loads on tarps and other coverings.”

The "Calgary Wind Warning App" will feature:

Quadrant specific wind warnings for home builders (2 stories or less) and low-rise buildings (4 stories or less);
Forecasts conditions are displayed hourly and are updated every 3 hours;
Indicates when there is potential for strong winds related to thunderstorms;
Registered users can access site specific forecasts for high rise construction and building maintenance;
List of construction items that are at risk of becoming windborne; and,
Relay of Environment Canada Weather Alerts.

The app is now available for iphone and ipad and in the coming week blackberry and android smart phones.

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