47.5 MB - The Whole Building Design Guide

Figure 4-46:Fixed windows on NewOrleans Police DepartmentHeadquartersCuevas Volunteer Fire Department, located inland at Pass Christian,Mississippi, was without municipal power for approximately2 to 3 days, but, since its generator functioned properly, their operationswere only slightly affected by the storm. In contrast, theindoor generator and electrical panel at the Back Bay Fire Company#3 in Biloxi, Mississippi, became submerged in the flood,even though the generator was mounted several feet above thefinished floor. The water flooded the building, putting all the mechanicaland electrical equipment, including the generator, outof commission. As the water continued to rise, the firefighters andthe local residents that sought refuge in the station had to climbto the top of fire engines until the floodwaters receded.The New Orleans District 3 Fire Department Headquarters lostpower as a result of flooding. The generator was located outsideat grade level, and was ruined when approximately 2 feet of waterflooded the area (see Figure 4-47). The firefighters were forced torelocate to the nearby West Bank facility for 4 months, until powerwas restored at the headquarters building.Facilities that escaped deep flooding were typically operationalimmediately upon restoration of power. The Gulfport Fire DepartmentStation #1 had water barely enter the station, and was ableto get by on their generator for 3 days until municipal power wasrestored. Although their radios worked intermittently, they wereable to perform their search and rescue duties and use their newlyacquired chainsaws to help clear the roads of debris.OBSERVATIONS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF CRITICAL FACILITIES4-63