Protecting Elevators Before a Hurricane
By Mike Nolan | Senior Associate, Consultancy & Business Development, Southeast Region
Hurricane preparation should include more than stocking supplies and securing the building exterior. For building owners and managers, it’s also important to think about elevator systems — especially in properties where equipment may be exposed to wind-driven rain, flooding, power outages, or delayed service response.
Taking a few proactive steps before and during a storm can help reduce equipment damage, prevent unsafe operation, and make it easier to restore service once conditions are safe.
Review Your Maintenance Contract and Insurance Coverage
Before hurricane season begins, review your elevator maintenance contract and property insurance policy. Many standard elevator maintenance agreements do not cover hurricane-related damage, and some insurance policies may not fully cover storm damage to elevator equipment.
Understanding what is — and is not — covered ahead of time can help you avoid confusion, delays, and unexpected costs if your building is affected by severe weather.
Before the Storm: Protect Elevator Equipment from Water Intrusion
Storm damage to elevator equipment is often caused by water entering the machine room, hoistway, or pit through poorly sealed openings, damaged windows, louvers, or doors. These preparation steps are simple, but they can be effective in protecting valuable elevator equipment.
- Check weatherstripping around doors: Inspect machine room doors and other vulnerable openings. Replace or repair damaged weatherstripping to help reduce water intrusion.
- Protect ventilation openings from wind-driven rain: If the elevator machine room or hoistway has louvers, consider fastening a sheet of plywood to the inside of the ventilation opening to help keep blowing rain out. After the storm, remove the covering so the space has proper ventilation.
- Cover machine room windows: Strong winds can damage or blow out machine room windows, allowing water to enter and affect elevator equipment. Fasten heavy plywood over windows before the storm to help prevent water damage.
When a Hurricane Is Approaching: Shut Down Elevators Safely
As a hurricane gets closer, elevator operation should be limited or suspended to reduce safety risks. Even buildings with emergency generators can experience power interruptions, shutdowns, or conditions that make emergency response more difficult.
- Suspend elevator operation during the storm: Avoid using elevators during a hurricane. This helps reduce the risk of trapping passengers if power fails or the elevator shuts down. Storm-damaged roads may also delay service mechanics responding to an emergency.
- Move elevators to a safer location: If elevator entrances are exposed to weather, position elevators at the top floor and turn off power. If elevators are fully internal to the building, park them near the center of the hoistway to help protect elevator cars, traveling cables, and counterweights from water entering the pit.
- Shut down power at the mainline disconnect: Shut down the elevator system at the mainline disconnect in the machine room. If necessary, elevators may also be turned off using the key switches in the cab, but removing power at the mainline disconnect is preferred. Cab lighting may need to remain on to help keep emergency batteries charged for as long as possible.
After the Storm: Wait for a Qualified Inspection
Once the storm is officially over, do not restart elevators right away — even if there is no visible water damage. Hidden water intrusion or structural damage can lead to an emergency shutdown or create unsafe operating conditions.
Before restoring service, contact your elevator maintenance provider and have a qualified mechanic inspect the system. A professional inspection can help identify potential damage, confirm whether the elevator is safe to operate, and reduce repair time.
Get Support Before or After Storm Damage
If you need help preparing your elevator systems for hurricane season, evaluating storm-related damage, or reviewing proposed repairs, VDA can provide independent guidance and support. Our elevator professionals can help you understand the condition of your equipment and make informed decisions before service is restored.
About the Author
Mike Nolan joined VDA in 2014 and is based in the Miami area. His responsibilities include consultation ranging across a vast array of service disciplines that include but are not limited to maintenance contract fulfillment, open repair and maintenance deficiency mitigation, technical expertise in modernization and other equipment upgrades, reviewing and reporting on the condition of existing equipment, holding required certification allowing for inspection services to be provided and delivering project management skill set.