BEFORE A STORM:

• Bring all the elevators up and away from any possible flooding areas.

• If possible, shut down the elevators. Before shutting down, any elevators opening to the outside should have sandbags placed along the bottom of the hoistway doors. This will make the elevator unusable.

• Re-check all sump pumps, float switches, and alarms in the elevator pit.

• Close all vents and openings at the top of the hoistway and into the machine room to prevent water intrusion. If the machine room is air-conditioned, you shouldn’t have vents, except in the event of an emergency. Be mindful that vent closing in the machine room should be the last stage of your preparation, as the equipment can heat up much faster than you would expect.

• In your designated security area, you should have a diagram showing the location of your elevators, the car numbers, as well as the elevator car phone numbers, and your elevator company’s emergency number.

DURING A STORM:

• Run the elevator to either the center of the hoistway for a traction elevator or to the top floor for hydraulic elevators.

• Pull the main breaker in the machine room. This will prevent unauthorized persons from moving the elevator and prevent severe damage caused by short circuits in wet circuitry, or voltage surges, spikes, or dips. If there is water intrusion, the equipment should be dried and inspected by the service mechanic, after which it can be quickly restarted.

• Park elevators with doors closed. This will prevent debris from entering the hoistway and anyone from inadvertently getting trapped.

• Do not operate the elevator during the storm.

AFTER A STORM:

• Inspect the pit, the cab, and the machine room for indications of water. If water is found, call BOCA Group immediately.

• Do not attempt to start the elevator if the power is out.

After a BOCA Group inspection, a detailed report will be sent to you with the following info:

• Statement of noted problems

• Condition and current state of the equipment

• Photographs

• Recommendations