FM Alert: 7 Steps To Protect Elevators During A Flood

The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane season is expected to be the most active since 2012. With flooding one of the most damaging effects of a big storm, here are some timely tips from thyssenkrupp Elevator.

The 2016 Atlantic Hurricane season is expected to be the most active since 2012, according to The Weather Channel. With Matthew about to make landfall on Florida’s East Coast as a Category 4 or 5 hurricane, it looks as if that prediction may be accurate.

Click to enlarge. (Source: thyssenkruppelevator.com)
Click to enlarge. (Source: thyssenkruppelevator.com)

Matthew is a major storm, but even a weak tropical storm can cause major impacts, particularly if it moves slowly and results in flooding rainfall. Elevator company thyssenkrupp is making sure to remind building engineers to keep elevators and escalators on their emergency preparedness lists.

“Elevator pits are one of the lowest points in a building so a hurricane’s storm surge, excessive rain and even broken water pipes can flood the elevator pit,” said Gary Losey, vice president, U.S. service operations. “A host of equipment susceptible to water damage is fixed within the pit. Flood water also can contaminate the fluid needed to operate hydraulic elevators. We highly recommend installing a sump pump.”

Remember these seven steps to protect elevators during a flood:

  1. Never ride elevators during any kind of storm
  2. Evacuate occupants who rely on elevators
  3. Shut down all elevators except one. Keep one elevator, serving all floors operational for emergency personal and disabled persons
  4. Run the remaining elevators to the uppermost landings and cycle the doors shut
  5. Turn off the main disconnects of the remaining elevators in the machine room
  6. Place sandbags 4 feet high around the machine-room door
  7. Shut or cover any vents or openings at the top of the shaft

“Most importantly, remember Safety First,” said Losey. “Safety is everyone’s responsibility at thyssenkrupp and we encourage our customers and the people who depend on our products every day to have the same focus.”

For more safety tips, visit thyssenkrupp online.