Natural Disasters and Other Emergencies

1. Floods in Buildings

   1. The most important consideration is to eliminate, if possible, all sources of electricity from the flooded area.  If the power switch is accessible away from the water, switch it off.
   2. If possible, remove all documents and portable equipment from the premises or to a higher location and close file drawers to limit damage.  Evacuate the immediate area.  If sufficient warning is provided, consider moving furniture to higher locations.
   3. Building management will turn off the water source and shut down the electrical power and gas supply, as required, and start flood-proofing measures.

2. Power Outages

   1. During a power outage:
      1. All life-safety systems are backed-up by an emergency generator.
      2. Sufficient emergency lighting must be provided on each tenant floor.
      3. The stairwells must be fully lit by emergency power.
      4. Elevators must automatically return to the lobby one-by-one during a power outage.
      5. One elevator per elevator bank will operate on emergency power.  This elevator and the service elevators are used to evacuate persons with handicaps and will be used by emergency personnel.
      6. The building’s evacuation plan should be followed.
   2. There are three instances that the electrical company considers a power failure:
      1. TOTAL SHUT DOWN – This is when all lights, computers, etc., shut down.  Immediately turn off all nonessential motor driven devices to prevent unnecessary damage.  Notify the Property Management Office immediately.
      2. BRIGHT/DIM LIGHT – This is when a bright or dim light is emitted from lights or motor driven devices.  Turn off all nonessential motor driven devices and notify the Property Management Office immediately.
      3. PARTIAL LIGHT CONDITION – This is when either part of a room or equipment shuts down.  Turn off all nonessential motor driven devices and notify the Property Management Office immediately.

The Property Management does not evacuate a building unless a power failure is life threatening.  The Property Management Office will continue to update the tenants until power is fully restored.

3. Hurricanes

   1. Close and lock all doors and windows
   2. Close all curtains/blinds
   3. Store all calculators and small office equipment in locked cabinets in the interior of the suite, if possible.
   4. Store loose paper in cabinets and drawers, locked if possible.
   5. Unplug all computers, remove them from locations near windows, cover computers with plastic, and store them in higher locations if possible.
   6. Take all personal belongings home.

4. Tornadoes

   1. In the event of a Tornado Watch, tenants should store all small office equipment and loose papers in locked cabinets in the interior of the suite if possible.
   2. Tornado Warning Means Imminent Danger.  Tenants should follow these instructions in the event of a Tornado Warning:
      1. Stay away from windows, doors, and outside walls.
      2. If an underground shelter is not available, go to the interior small rooms or hallways on as low a floor as possible.
   3. Property Management should follow these instructions as soon as they are advised of a tornado Watch or Tornado Warning:
      1. Advise the tenants of immediate danger and remind them of procedures to follow.
      2. Assemble a reentry team, including the building owner or manager, to assess damage, following established safety criteria for reentry.

5. Environmental Emergencies

   • We rely on the police and emergency management authorities to advise us of protection actions that will be taken during an environmental emergency.

6. Medical Emergency

   • In the event of a serious injury or illness, contact the nearest tenant contact.  The tenant     contact should arrange for immediate first aid and/or call a doctor or ambulance, if     necessary.
     1. A “Serious” condition is defined as when a person is unable to get to a doctor under his/her own power.
     2. When a tenant contact is called, the floor number should be stated, along with the name, location on the floor, and estimate of the injury or illness.  DO NOT PANIC.  Speak slowly and distinctly.  Lay the victim down and keep him/her comfortable.
     3. Property Management should designate a doctor and a hospital to provide service in the event of an emergency, and set up agreements with each of them.  Outline with them what is to be done in the event of various contingencies, and also establish and agreement with an ambulance service.

7. Riot Situation 

   1. Office Hours Procedures
      1. Property Manager’s Duties
         1. Contact the Police Department to:
            1. Ascertain their evaluation of the situation
            2. Solicit their opinion regarding any action that may be taken to ensure the safety of employees or property.
            3. Ascertain whether they plan to enact any specific program that should affect the building or general area.
            4. Request additional security, if needed.
            5. If necessary, advise personnel working in the building of the situation
         2. Give information to the tenant contact on the situation, and possible workday termination or building closing.
            1. Employees on the first floor may be advised to proceed to any upper floor level for safety.
            2. Employees should not attempt to leave the building until advised that conditions have returned to normal.
      2. Tenant Contact’s Duties
         1. Close all blinds and drapes
         2. Act as fire guards
         3. Ensure that everyone stays away from windows
      3. Building Engineer’s Duties are to keep engine rooms functioning normally and monitor incoming utilities.

8. Earthquake

   1. DO the following:
      1. Crouch under desk or table
      2. Lie flat on floor and cover head and neck with your arms if you cannot reach a sheltered area
      3. Do not leave building until advised to do so
   2. AVOID the following:
      1. Masonry walls or large glass areas susceptible to collapse.
      2. Running from the building where you may be struck by collapsing walls, broken glass, overhead power lines or falling debris.
   3. Office Hours Procedures:
      1. Tenant contact’s duties should include:
         1. If fire develops, call 911 and follow fire drill procedures.
         2. Direct first aid personnel to injured persons.  Follow “Medical Emergency” procedures.
         3. Assist in directing evacuation of building after shaking has stopped.
         4. Help avoid confusion and panic.
         5. STRESS USE OF STAIRWELLS – Elevator must NOT be used.
         6. Evaluate injuries or property damage; report them to Safety Coordinator.
         7. In event of a minor earthquake, survey area of responsibility, including restrooms, for damage and water leakage.  Report damage to Property Manager via Angus work order system.
      2. Building Engineer’s Duties:
         1. Shut down equipment as necessary.
         2. Control elevators.
         3. Turn off natural gas supplies.
         4. Check all equipment for hazardous leaks or breakage.