As residents of hurricane-prone regions know all too well, storm season isn’t just about securing windows and stocking up on supplies—it’s also about protecting your home’s critical systems. One often-overlooked area? Your home elevator.
At Southeast Elevator, we are the trusted authority in residential vertical transportation solutions, with decades of experience serving Florida and the Southeastern U.S. Our expert guidance helps homeowners, builders, and property managers prepare and protect their elevator systems before, during, and after severe storms.
Why Hurricane Prep for Home Elevators Matters
During hurricanes, home elevators face serious risks:
- Power outages can render elevators inoperable or cause dangerous entrapments.
- Flooding can destroy electrical and mechanical systems, especially in shaftways and equipment areas.
- Wind-driven rain may infiltrate vulnerable components, leading to long-term damage and mold.
Failing to prepare your elevator properly can result in costly repairs, system failures, and significant safety concerns.
If you’re a homeowner looking to protect your investment, or a builder designing homes in coastal or flood-prone zones, understanding these risks is essential.
Southeast Elevator’s Expert Storm Preparation Checklist
Here’s our proven hurricane prep process to protect your home elevator:
- Park the Elevator at the Highest Landing
- Keep the gate and door fully closed. This minimizes the risk of water damage to machinery and reduces the chance of passenger entrapment.
- Turn OFF the battery and disconnects.
- Do Not Use the Elevator During the Storm. Wait until the storm has passed and full power has been restored to your home before using the elevator again.
In the Event of a power outage during use, if the power fails while the elevator is in use, most Southeast Elevator systems are equipped with a battery backup.
The battery backup:
- Activates cab lights
- Lowers the elevator one floor
- Opens the doors.
You should then close the gate and door manually and switch off the power. Do not attempt further use until the storm passes.
Prepare for Evacuation: In extreme weather scenarios like hurricanes, tropical storms, or heavy rains with flood potential, follow all local evacuation orders and do not rely on the elevator during emergencies.
In the event of an emergency evacuation: Park the elevator at the highest landing, close the gate and door. Turn the power to the elevator off. There are two power sources, one for the machine and one for the car lights, or an integrated disconnect, depending on your setup. Turn off the battery backup to prevent the alarm from sounding and the batteries from draining.
For additional emergency safety information, visit our Storm Prep Resource Page.
Preventative Maintenance: Your Year-Round Storm Strategy
Hurricane prep is not a once-a-year task. The best defense is a well-maintained elevator system. Routine inspections and pre-season service tailored for hurricane risk zones catch issues early, ensuring reliability when the next storm hits.
Southeast Elevator’s Preventative Maintenance Plan includes:
- One-Time Annual Maintenance and Multi-Point Inspection
- Up to Two Additional Service Calls
- Battery and backup system testing
- Priority Scheduling
- 15% Discount on Parts
Be Ready Before the Storm
As the Southeast’s leading elevator experts, we understand the stakes. With the right preparation and ongoing support, you can safeguard your elevator system and your home.
Whether you’re a homeowner seeking peace of mind or a builder aiming to deliver hurricane-ready homes, Southeast Elevator has the experience and expertise you need.
Don’t let the next storm catch you off guard. Prepare your elevator with the experts at Southeast Elevator, your trusted partner in safety, reliability, and performance.