First NYC Storm of 2024

Let it snow, 2024! New York can often bring unpredictable winter weather, including snowstorms, black ice, cold spells, etc. Also, with the past storms, such as Hurricane Sandy in October 2012 and, most recently, Hurricane Ida, New Yorkers have faced the effects of aggressive weather.

In order to prepare your elevators for future inclement weather in our city, TEI Group would like to advise our clients’ facility and building managers to adhere to the following safety tips:

Early Precautions

1. Ensure that all windows are shut closed.

2. Prepare a clear passage on the rooftops, so your mechanics can safely reach the motor room.

3.  Always have a diagram showing the placement of your elevators, car numbers and the elevator car phone number in your security area. Be familiar with the elevator’s emergency systems. Ensure that the emergency lighting and a telephone are operable.

4. Make sure that the elevator has surge protection or is running with a strong emergency power generation system backup. For hydraulic, machine room-less or traction elevators, an alternative would be an emergency return system.

5. Check the elevator’s machine room’s ventilation openings, windows and door for any rain leaks. If there is water leakage, install metal splash guards around ventilation openings and water stripping around any machine room that lead to the outdoors. (This will prevent water from touching the electrical panels, causing a safety hazard).

6.  Shut all vents and openings located in the top of the hoistway to prevent water from going into the elevator shaft.

7. Barricade machine room windows as needed.

During the Storm

1. Under no circumstances should you operate elevators during a hurricane or tropical storm. Run elevators to the top floor of the hoistway and pull the main breaker in the machine room.

2.  Park elevator cars as required, then shut elevator down with the key-switch. Close doors to prevent unauthorized staff from using the equipment.

3. Put the mainline disconnect in the “off” position to completely remove power from the elevator. (This is usually located next to the machine room or closet door).

After the Storm

1. Once the storm has cleared, check for water on the control panels, the machine rooms and the pit area before you restore power. If there is water, contact TEI Group and do not resume elevator operation until we have conducted a thorough inspection on site.

2. Remember to open the vents and openings that were shut because of the storm.

3. Be it flurries, six inches of snow or torrential downpours, we always meet the needs of our clients and customers. Our field employees have been trained to ensure that the quality of your elevator service remains a top priority during these unexpected weather conditions. Our mechanics and managers, including our dispatchers that assign our manpower, are here in the city 24/7 (in hotels if needed) to respond to any emergencies during the storm.