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Milwaukee, Wis. — Aug. 27, 2015 — Ten years ago, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and many other Gulf Coast communities. As rebuilding efforts continue today, Johnson Controls shares important tips for building owners and operators who may face the threat of severe weather or unexpected emergencies.
Emergency preparedness recommendations:
• Remember the domino-effect on operations: Consider the accumulated risks that result from “falling dominoes” in emergency situations. Develop a hazard assessment plan with a buildings expert to understand what may occur if a process fails and how to remedy a subsequent problem.
• Audit infrastructure now and avoid future risk: Work with a buildings partner to assess your building or campus-wide infrastructure. Ensure that IT and various system integrations have the necessary redundancies designed into buildings. Also consider developing a supply stockpile that may be needed during a severe weather event.
• Assess your notification process: During a weather or safety emergency, far too many institutions learn too late that their notification processes are outdated or unsuccessful. If your organization serves multiple building occupants, such as a college or large commercial building, consult with building experts to audit your mass notification technologies and resources. Educate your in-house emergency response teams on the latest compliance standards, especially as they relate to building evacuation process and protocol.
• Contact information is critical: When severe weather hits, you may not have access to your online contact directories or cell phone service. Understand in advance how you can reach a building expert for rental services, such as emergency generators, chillers, and packaged equipment.
Following are clean-up recommendations for potential hazards.
• Flooded basements: Avoid entering basements/mechanical rooms that contain water. Experts will use pumps and hoses to remove water prior to entering.
• Down power lines: Do not try to remove power lines without assistance from the utility provider. Down lines may still be energized.
• Fallen trees or debris: Wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) and establish a safe zone before cutting or removing debris from trees, siding, chimney bricks, etc.
• Water-covered roadways: Avoid driving on roads that are water covered. Unseen damage to the understructure of the roads/bridges may exist.
• Sink holes: Stop and move away from the surrounding area. The perimeter of the sink hole is very unstable and may collapse further.
Johnson Controls is a technology and industrial leader serving customers in more than 150 countries. Its 170,000 employees create quality products, services, and solutions to optimize energy and operational efficiencies of buildings; lead-acid automotive batteries and advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles; and seating components and systems for automobiles. For more information, visit johnsoncontrols.com/benews.
