Tenant Handbook

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are a potential threat from June through November for our area.  When the United State Hurricane Center issues a Hurricane Warning the building will close to the public and all tenants will be requested to secure their offices and leave the premises.  A Hurricane warning is defined as follows:

A warning indicates that hurricane winds of 74 mph and higher, or any combination of dangerously high water and very rough seas, are expected in specified coastal areas.  When a hurricane warning is announced, hurricane conditions are considered imminent and may begin immediately, or within the next 12 to 24 hours.

When a hurricane warning has been issued, it is of the utmost importance that all precautionary measures and actions are taken immediately for the protection of life and property.

The following suggestions and divisions of responsibilities are designed to provide for the safety of all, by reducing the chance of injury or death and minimizing the potential loss of assets.

Tenant Duties

It is advantageous both to our Tenants and the property management staff that the building be evacuated as expediently as possible once hurricane preparations have been made in each Tenant’s suite.  (See below)

It is advisable for all Tenants to make necessary preparations for their suite as follows:

  1. Close and lower all window blinds within the suite.
  2. Disconnect all computers or other machines and remove any units located in window wall offices.
  3. Waterproof tarps can be useful in covering desks and filing cabinets.
  4. Clear all desks, credenzas and filing cabinets of loose articles and store in file cabinets.
  5. All major Tenants, and those with significant computer or after-hours operations are encouraged to implement their own written Hurricane Emergency plan to deal with operation and protection of their systems and personnel.

If a hurricane is imminent, Tenants should initiate and complete office preparation in sufficient time to allow employees to leave work to secure their homes prior to the expected arrival of gale force winds.  The Building Management will be monitoring U.S. Weather Bureau reports and will advise Tenant companies of changes in weather conditions for their own evacuation decisions.

Always notify the Building Management Office upon evacuation of your space.

Public Utility Duties

Auxiliary Power – Gexa Energy / Centerpoint is our current electrical service provider (ESP) and has provided primary power.  During disasters that cause loss of primary power, the ESP will work to restore service as quickly as possible.  Tenants with vital energy power requirement should consider auxiliary generators or surge protectors for their own use. 

Telephone Service

Telephone service may be interrupted during severe weather.  Telephone companies are capable of installing emergency service lines to Tenants having compatible switching equipment.  Tenants requiring emergency service should ask their telephone representative for specific information.

Building Duties

When a hurricane is imminent, the following action will be taken by the Building Management Staff:

  1. Bring potential flying objects indoors.
  2. Building auxiliary power for emergency lighting, etc. will be re-tested to ensure its availability.
  3. Supplies of building and other materials will be checked or obtained for availability to cover broken windows, etc.

During the storm, the following actions will be taken by the Building Staff:

  1. Frequent contact will be maintained with the U.S. Weather Service.
  2. Building patrols will be performed continually by the patrol officer on duty, the property manager and engineering staff to monitor building  damage.
  3. Emergency repairs will be made when weather permits. 

After the storm, the following actions will be taken by the Building Staff.

  1. A thorough search for safety hazards will be conducted.
  2. Repairs will be made as quickly as possible.
  3. Constant communications will be maintained with Public Utilities
  4. The Building Management Staff will be available to advise Tenant Representatives of the condition of the Building and its ability to be reopened for normal use.