Weathering the Storm inDowntown Houston‍

Disaster Preparedness | Facilities Engineering

In February of 2021, a series of severe winter storms left unprecedented damage and power failure in the Midwestern and Southwestern United States. Facing such unusual temperatures for the state, Texas was notably affected, suffering a major power crisis that left 4.5 million homes and businesses without power.

Challenge

As the winter storm approached downtown Houston, property managers became concerned with the possibility of water pipes bursting, potentially causing major property and water damage in a district that’s already highly vulnerable to flooding.

Solution

ɫ����kickstarted their disaster preparedness plan at the first sign of trouble. Regional ɫ����leaders quickly contacted property managers to understand their facility’s unique situation and adapt a preparedness plan to fit their needs.

Leveraging ABM’s wide network of skilled team members in Houston, ɫ����was able to help multiple facilities secure storm riders, or dedicated ɫ����engineers and custodians to stay nearby or onsite at vulnerable facility locations. These highly-skilled team members were provided accommodations, food, supplies, and more essentials to support their wellbeing and the task at hand.

Storm riders quickly worked together to move sensitive facility equipment and supplies away from basements and other areas susceptible to flooding. Once the right precautions were taken and facilities were secured, these team members remained ready to handle emergency maintenance and cleanup issues at any hour.

Benefits

With the support of ABM’s preparedness team, facility owners and occupants soon felt safe, comfortable, and confident returning to their workspace at an otherwise disconcerting time. ɫ����team members continued to assist in the storm’s aftermath, helping property managers and facilities return to normal building operations.