Weather Precautions for July 14

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for parts of New York City, beginning at 2 p.m. today, July 14, and continuing through this evening. Current weather forecasts predict periods of heavy rain, which may cause flooding in the city, including on highways, streets, basements, and underpasses.

Help us protect our campus by closing and locking all windows, blinds, and doors each day, especially in spaces that are not normally occupied. This simple act is one of the most important things you can do to prevent weather-related damage.

Plan Ahead

• Close all windows in spaces that are not normally occupied (e.g., conference rooms). If you are unable to fully close your window, please contact CUIMC Facilities Management at 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3, for assistance.
• Turn off air conditioners in unoccupied rooms. Set the air conditioner fan speed to the lowest setting possible and keep the thermostat at higher temperatures for energy conservation.
• Make sure all faucets are off.
• Move electrical or valuable items off the floor and away from windows.
• Turn off computers, lights, appliances, electronics, and any other non-essential office equipment when not in use, including space heaters and air conditioning units.
• Review any departmental contingency plans and emergency protocols, including those related to equipment operation.
• Make sure all critical equipment is connected to emergency power outlets. Contact CUIMC Facilities Management at 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3, if you are unsure, and a representative will visit and assess your area.
• Keep all freezers, refrigerators, and environmental room doors closed and limit access. Typically, this equipment will maintain temperature for approximately four (4) hours. Do not place dry ice or cryogenic materials in cold rooms, as they can create a hazardous, oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
• Tightly seal all containers in fume hoods or remove and safely store them elsewhere in the lab. Shut off all gas valves servicing the fume hoods.
• Refrain from conducting any laboratory work involving hazardous materials–including chemicals, biological, and radiological materials.
• Sign up for real-time notifications from Public Safety and building-specific alerts from Facilities Management.

Stay Alert

CUIMC Facilities Management, Public Safety, and Environmental Health and Safety are available to assist with campus, building, laboratory, or other issues that may arise. In addition to monitoring building systems, our staff will be walking the rooms of campus buildings, looking for conditions such as open windows or leaks.

• Facilities Management personnel are available to respond to any issues that may arise at 212-305-HELP (4357), option 3.
• For Public Safety, call 212-305-8100 for routine matters or 212-305-7979 for an on-campus emergency.
• For problems in research laboratories, call Environmental Health and Safety at 212-305-6780.