Broward County - Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane Preparedness

 

ELEVATORS


Building managers should properly prepare elevators for a hurricane emergency.

 
BEFORE THE STORM

 

  • Check the operation of all vents and openings in the machine room and hoistway walls to ensure proper operation and prevent water leakage.
  • Check all sump pumps, float switches and alarms to ensure proper operation.
  • Clear out gutters, drains and downspouts to prevent an accumulation of rain water that may cascade to the floors below and find its way into the elevator shafts, causing electrical shortages and a shutdown.
  • Pull the disconnect switches in the machine room and close and lock the door to prevent the elevator from operating during a hurricane.
  • Elevators that open to the atmosphere should have sandbags placed all along the bottom of hoistway doors.

 
PREPARATIONS FOR DISABLED RESIDENTS

 

  • Make plans in advance to accommodate individuals with disabilities who may not be able to climb stairs in the event of an extended power outage or elevator closure.
  • Encourage any resident who may become vulnerable during an emergency to register with building management so that they may be notified before elevators are shut down.
  • If an evacuation order is in place for your area, do not shut down elevators until residents who wish to seek shelter elsewhere are able to evacuate the building with their supplies and belongings.

Regardless of age, a resident at risk due to disability, frailty or health issue who elects to stay at home in the event of a hurricane or other disaster should register with the Vulnerable Population Registry. This joint partnership between all municipalities and Broward County was created to assist emergency responders in better planning for future recovery efforts. It is not a guarantee that residents will be provided services or be placed on a priority list for emergency responders; however, it does help emergency responders be better prepared. To register in the Vulnerable Population Registry, call the Broward County Call Center at 954-831-4000 (TTY 954-831-3940) or your city's emergency management agency. Register Online.

 
DURING THE STORM

 

  • Elevators should not be operated during a hurricane emergency. Water may damage the machinery and passengers can become trapped in the cars. Telephones may be inoperative and elevator mechanics may be unable to handle emergencies due to flooded and unsafe roads.
  • Run elevator to center of hoistway and pull the main breaker in the machine room that operates the elevator.
  • Park the elevator with doors closed.

 
AFTER THE STORM

 

  • Once the hurricane is over, check the elevator machine room, all electrical equipment, hoistways and pits before starting the elevators.
  • If water has affected any of these areas, have the equipment inspected before placing the elevators back in service.
  • Do not attempt to start the elevator or call for service if the power is out.
  • Taking these precautions may prevent long elevator shutdowns, unnecessary repair expenses, inconvenience and personal injury.

 

 

Updated April 2008

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