Living and managing property in Florida or other coastal areas means that hurricane readiness is a seasonal priority that you hope never has to be executed. The Delaware Elevator of Florida team knows firsthand how hurricanes can impact vertical transportation in residential, commercial, and marine settings. 

A licensed elevator technician must handle all elevator equipment repair and maintenance, but there are steps you can take to protect your elevator’s infrastructure before, during, and after a weather emergency. 

There are 3 main types of emergency issues you should know about and work to prevent.

Threats to Elevators: Water Intrusion

Water is an elevator’s worst enemy, especially when pits or machine rooms become flooded.

What To Do

• Test Pit Pumps: Delaware Elevator techs make sure sump pumps work properly, and that float switches and check valves are functional before storm season.
• Park Elevator Cabs High: Keep the cab near the top floor. Never leave the cab resting in the pit in case of flooding.
• Seal Openings: This applies to machine room louvers, vents, or windows exposed to rain and wind.

Threat to Elevators: Power Surges & Grid Spikes

Power fluctuations can happen during storms, and these easily burn out delicate electronic circuit boards.

What To Do

• Have the Power Shut Off: Contact Delaware Elevator’s local techs to switch off the main power disconnect in the machine room. Our team will ensure this is done safely and correctly if a big storm is anticipated.
• Inspect Before Restarting: Our certified elevator technicians will return after the storm to check for moisture or other signs of damage and restore power once your elevator receives the all clear.

Threat to Elevators: Unsafe Operation & Entrapments

Operating an elevator during extreme weather is a severe safety risk to tenants and first responders.

What To Do

• Shut Down the Systems Early: Reach out to your local elevator techs well before the storm begins to start the prep work and shut down the elevator. This prevents the possibility of entrapment.
• Inform the Building Occupants: Post signage and clearly communicate that the elevator is not to be used during inclement weather. Offer alternative measures for safe evacuation and sheltering in place.
• Rely on Local Support: When in doubt, give us a call. 

All in all, partnering with a regional provider like Delaware Elevator, with locations throughout Florida and Mid-Atlantic coastal areas, can help you stay prepared with pre-season elevator checks and rapid post-storm inspections. Connect with us today!

Want to know more? Check out the Delaware Elevator team in Virginia Beach addressing hurricane preparedness with WAVY Media!