A big storm is approaching your building. You need to prepare your elevator for the storm to mitigate any damage. By completing some of these preventative measures you can save thousands of dollars and hours of your time dealing with your insurance company.
Preventing elevator water damage for the season
Before the rainy season arrives or depending on where you live complete the following twice a year:
- Ensure elevator have a surge protection system
- Make sure the standby power generator is functioning
- Check emergency lighting and phones
- Inspect vents, windows and doors near the elevator for any leaks
- Add weather stripping to doors near the elevator
- Purchase sump pumps for the elevator pit or if you have them test them
- Install a float switch will prevent elevators from going to the bottom floor if the pit is flooded
Before a big storm
Before a significant storm or hurricane make sure to:
- Don’t ride the elevators during a major storm
- Shut down escalators
- Keep one elevator functioning for emergency personnel
- Run the rest of the elevators to the highest floor
- Turn off the main disconnects on the remaining elevators
- Place sandbags around the elevator machine room to prevent flooding
After the storm
Once the storm has passed:
- Ensure no one is stuck in the elevator. If so call your elevator maintenance company. Keep in mind they may be overwhelmed so you may need to call 911
- If you suspect any water damage do not resume normal elevator operation until it has been inspected by your elevator maintenance company
- Check the machine room for any water exposure
Elevator water damage has been found!
Unfortunately, you have found parts of the elevator that are damaged by water. Complete the following:
- Call your elevator maintenance company immediately to notify them
- Record as much information as possible about what parts of the elevator have been touched by water
- Take photographs of all affected part
- Save all damaged components in case your insurance company requests them
For major damage, you may want to call an elevator consultant to help with the rep[air, and insurance process.