In facility management, preparation for the unpredictable is just as crucial as day-to-day operations. Parking structures, in particular, face unique vulnerabilities due to their exposure to environmental elements, heavy vehicle loads, and evolving risks like electric vehicle fires.
In this video from NFMT Baltimore, Francesco Genoese senior director of technical services for StructureCare, stresses a vital concept for facility managers: when emergencies strike, having an Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) in place can mean the difference between chaos and a controlled, effective response.
An EOP outlines communication strategies, resource management, safety protocols, and operational continuity procedures specific to an organization’s assets. For parking structures, it must also include access to specialized structural engineers familiar with garage construction methods, such as post-tensioned or precast systems.
Events like fires, vehicular accidents, and infrastructure aging are frequent causes of structural emergencies. Unfortunately, neglect often plays a role, especially when preventive maintenance is deferred. The collapse of the Surfside condo in Florida and a parking structure in Manhattan serve as stark reminders of the consequences of overlooking routine inspections and repairs. Aging garages across the country face similar risks, making proactive maintenance and emergency preparedness essential responsibilities for facility owners and managers.
A key element of emergency structural response is having qualified structural specialists readily available. These professionals assess damage rapidly, recommend immediate safety measures, and guide repairs or selective demolition. Their ability to interpret technical information for non-technical stakeholders ensures that critical decisions can be made quickly and confidently, protecting lives and property.
Beyond emergency events, lessons learned from incidents like vehicle fires or structural overloading reinforce the importance of controlling what is controllable. Measures such as snow removal protocols, oversized vehicle restrictions, and clear signage can prevent many emergencies before they occur. Likewise, involving local fire departments in planning and training for specific risks, like electric vehicle fires, ensures that response teams are prepared for the evolving challenges that modern parking structures face.
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