Hurricanes are a potential threat from June through November for our area. When the United State Hurricane Center issues a HURRICANE WARNING, the building will close, and all Tenants will be requested to secure their offices and leave the premises. A Hurricane warning is defined as follows:
- A warning that indicates hurricane winds of 74 mph or higher are expected somewhere within the specified area. A hurricane warning is issued 36 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical-storm-force winds to allow for important preparations.
- When a hurricane warning has been issued, it is of the utmost importance that all precautionary measures and actions are taken immediately for the protection of life and property.
- The following suggestions and divisions of responsibilities are designed to provide for the safety of all, by reducing the chance of injury or death and minimizing the potential loss of assets.
TENANT DUTIES
After hurricane preparations have been made in each Tenant’s suite, it is important to Tenants and the BMO that evacuation is completed as expediently as possible once
It is advisable for all Tenants to make necessary preparations for their suite as follows:
- Close and lower all window blinds.
- Disconnect all computers or other machines and remove any units located in window wall offices.
- Waterproof tarps may be useful in covering desks and filing cabinets.
- Clear all desks, credenzas and filing cabinets of loose articles and store in file cabinets.
- Tenants with significant computer or after-hours operations are encouraged to implement their own written Hurricane Emergency plan to deal with operation and protection of their systems and personnel.
If a hurricane is imminent, Tenants shall initiate and complete office preparation in sufficient time to allow employees to secure their homes prior to the expected arrival of gale force winds. The BMO will be monitoring U.S. Weather Bureau reports and will advise Tenant key contacts of changes in weather conditions.
Always notify the BMO upon evacuation of your space.
PUBLIC UTILITIES DUTIES
Auxiliary Power - CenterPoint Energy provides primary power to the building. During the loss of primary power, CenterPoint will work to restore service as quickly as possible. Tenants with vital energy power requirement should consider auxiliary generators or surge protectors for their own use. Building emergency generators provide power for exit lighting and life-safety equipment.
TELEPHONE SERVICE
Telephone service may be interrupted during severe weather. Tenants may request that telephone companies install emergency service lines to Tenants with compatible switching equipment. Tenants requiring emergency service should ask their telephone representative for specific information.
BUILDNG DUTIES
When there is a hurricane warning, the following action will be taken by the BMO:
- Move potential flying objects to an interior or safe location.
- Test building auxiliary emergency power.
- Move emergency building materials to an accessible location for use as needed.
During the hurricane, the following actions will be taken by Building
Management:
- Frequent contact will be maintained with the U.S. Weather Service.
- A patrol officer and any onsite staff Building Patrols will monitor building conditions and to assess for damages.
- Emergency repairs will be made as conditions permit.
After the hurricane, the BMO will take the following actions:
- Conduct a thorough search for safety hazards.
- Perform repairs as quickly as possible.
- Maintain communications with Public Utilities until all disrupted service is restored.
COMMUNICATION
Prior to any hurricane, the BMO will notify Tenants about storm preparations, and how to communicate with the BMO if the power or phone service were interrupted. Updates will be posted on a regular basis. Refer to the building Hurricane Plan for further details.
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