Coauthored by: Daniel Fisher and Rick Bonds
*The recommendations herein are for general guidance purposes only, Owner / Manager should ensure that any actions taken as part of hurricane preparation comply with (AHJ) Authority Having Jurisdiction requirements.
During hurricane season, we often focus on the damage to buildings and infrastructure. However, it’s important not to overlook elevator safety. Elevators are crucial for moving between floors in tall buildings, but they can be dangerous if not managed properly during hurricanes or tropical storms.
In this guide, we’ll explain why elevator safety is important during hurricanes and provide straightforward steps to prepare, take action, and recover, ensuring everyone stays safe.
Elevator Preparation Steps: What to Do Before a Hurricane or Tropical Storm
Getting ready before a hurricane hits is crucial to keeping your elevators safe. Here are the key steps we recommend:
1. Check Elevator-Related Equipment
Regular inspections of elevator-related building equipment, such as sump pumps, float switches, and alarms, are crucial to managing water and preventing elevator damage. Additionally, installing a Liquid Intrusion Detection (LID) system can assist with moving the elevator to a predetermined floor, safeguarding the elevator and counterweight from potential water damage. Metro Elevator will help your plumber test and install these items, ensuring proper functionality.
2. Seal Openings
It’s important to check for and close all vents or openings in the elevator shaft and elevator machine room that could let water in. Sealing these areas properly protects the elevator’s parts from water damage. We use exterior-rated or severe weather-rated sealants and regularly inspect them, especially before hurricane season, to make sure they stay effective.
3. Use Sandbags for Outdoor Elevators
If your elevator has an outdoor entrance, use sandbags to block water from getting in. This can help prevent flooding and damage to the elevator. Sandbags are a simple but effective way to stop water from entering the elevator shaft. Place them around the entrance and other vulnerable spots to keep water out, especially in areas prone to flooding.
Download our free Elevator Storm Safety Checklist to ensure you've taken all appropriate steps before a hurricane or tropical storm.
Elevator Safety: Actions to Take During a Hurricane
When a hurricane is about to hit, take these immediate steps to secure your elevators:
1. Move Elevators to the Appropriate Floor
If your building has enclosed elevators, move the cars to the center of the building or to the top floor for two-story buildings. This helps protect them from flooding at lower levels and keeps them in a safe position. Additionally, elevators that are exposed to the outdoors should be parked at the floor below the top. This will reduce the risk of water entering the elevator cab and damaging the equipment.
2. Close All Elevator Doors
Make sure all elevator doors are closed. This prevents debris and water from getting inside and causing damage. Closed doors act as a barrier against outside elements, protecting the cab and its parts. It also keeps debris from entering the shaft and damaging the elevator's operational parts.
3. Stop Using the Elevators
Stop all elevator operations as soon as possible. Operating elevators during a hurricane increases the chance of mechanical failures and can endanger passengers. Stopping them keeps the elevators from being damaged and people from getting hurt.
Safety and Maintenance After the Hurricane
After the storm, it's important to check and maintain your elevators to make sure they are safe to use:
1. Inspect for Water Damage
Check each elevator for signs of water damage or other issues. Finding problems early can prevent long-term damage. Look for water stains, rust, and any strange noises or movements when operating. These could be signs of issues that need fixing right away. A thorough inspection makes sure any damage is found and repaired before the elevator is used again.
2. Wait to Turn Elevators Back On
Even if power has been restored to your building or area, we recommend waiting at least 24 hours before turning the elevators back on. This ensures there has been uninterrupted clean power for an extended period. Brownouts, which can occur up to a day after storms, may cause entrapments and equipment damage.
3. Call Metro Elevator for a Professional Assessment
Contact Metro Elevator to check and repair any damage. Our expert technicians will help ensure the elevators are safe and meet all safety standards. We will conduct a detailed inspection, finding issues that might not be obvious, and carry out the necessary repairs to ensure the elevator works safely and properly.
Hurricane and Tropical Storm Safety Warnings
Understanding the risks hurricanes pose to elevators is important for safety:
1. Power Surges and Outages
Hurricanes often cause power surges and outages, which can trap people in elevators. Make sure your building has emergency plans for such situations, like backup power or manual release mechanisms. These offer a safety net, ensuring that elevators can still be used in an emergency.
2. Emergency Communication Failures
Elevator emergency phones might not work during storms, making it hard for trapped passengers to call for help. Regularly test these systems and have backup plans, such as alternative communication devices. Making sure that emergency communication systems work and having backups can give peace of mind and improve safety during a storm.
3. Service Requests During an Active Storm
For the safety of our mechanics, Metro Elevator will not respond to elevator service requests during active hurricanes or tropical storms. These conditions can cause trees to fall and streets to flood instantly, making it dangerous to travel. Furthermore, if a mandatory evacuation is issued, responding to service calls and requiring rescue can result in legal consequences. It is important to work with and follow instructions from any emergency response teams in the area.
Ensure Your Elevator's Safety This Hurricane Season with Metro Elevator
At Metro Elevator, your safety is our top priority during hurricane season. Keeping elevators safe involves preparing properly, taking the right actions during the storm, and doing thorough maintenance afterward. By following these steps, facility managers and owners can reduce the risks hurricanes pose to elevators and passengers, keeping them safe and working well.
Focusing on elevator safety not only protects your property but also ensures everyone in the building stays safe during extreme weather. Trust Metro Elevator to help you upgrade your existing system or confirm your elevators are compliant and prepared for a storm. With locations including Raleigh, the Carolinas, Coastal Carolina, Virginia, and Texas, Metro Elevator delivers tailored elevator solutions to the unique needs of hurricane-heavy areas, prioritizing elevator safety to protect both equipment and passengers.
Contact us before a storm hits to ensure you’re prepared, and be sure to download Metro Elevator’s free Elevator Hurricane Safety Checklist.
Daniel Fisher is the Director of Field Operations at Metro Elevator Coastal Carolina and brings over 10 years of elevator industry experience to his role. Learn more about Daniel and the Coastal Carolina team.
Rick Bonds has over 20 years of experience in the elevator industry and is currently President of Metro Elevator Texas. Learn more about Rick and his team.
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