47.5 MB - The Whole Building Design Guide

4.2.8 Mechanical and ElectricalSystemsHurricane Katrina struck at a time when the temperatures duringthe daytime reached 95°F. Air-conditioning systems in hospitalswere generally not connected to the emergency power supply,nor was there any flexibility to switch emergency power from onesystem to another to provide some relief. The heat build-up was asignificant factor in creating difficult conditions for patients andstaff (see Figure 4-12).Lack of air-conditioning also allowed humidity to build up, whichcaused problems with switchgear, computers, and other electronicequipment. In many cases dehumidifying and coolingcould not resume for months after the event. The excessive humiditydamaged the electronic components of mechanicaland electrical equipment, such as fire alarm systems, elevatorswitchgear, or the telephone switchgear, as happened in TouroInfirmary. Mold growth in conditions of high temperatures andhumidity caused further damage. At West Jefferson MedicalCenter, rainwater and high humidity caused considerable damageto the fitness center, requiring all the electrical equipment tobe replaced. The ground floor at Hancock Medical Center wasflooded 3 feet deep; enough to cover all electrical outlets close tothe floor. The damage was irreparable.Figure 4-12:Toppled HVAC equipmentat Charity Hospital, NewOrleans4-18 OBSERVATIONS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CRITICAL FACILITIES