Facilities

El Niño Preparation

Last Updated on November 17th, 2015:

California is expecting heavy rain conditions this winter due to the El Niño weather phenomena, and as a result the campus is taking proactive measures to help ensure that campus operations are minimally affected.

 

What is El Niño?

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's website (NOAA):

El Niño is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, as opposed to La Niña, which characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific. El Niño is an oscillation of the ocean-atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific having important consequences for weather around the globe.  Read more on NOAA

When an El Nino occurs California typically receives record rainfall.

What steps has PPM taken to prepare the Campus for record rain?

Preventative Maintenance

1. Visually inspect all building roof drains and over flow drains

Remove all leaves and debris from roofs. (100% Complete)
Remove all potential roof drainage blocking hazards. (100% Complete)

2. Inspect every building, under side of roofs, i.e. interior spaces below the roof – for signs of existing leaks. For any location found – investigate, make necessary repairs, and water test, bring in roofing contractors as necessary. (80% Complete)

3. Verify all critical electrical infrastructure has no issues. (100% Complete)
4. Review existing drainage around buildings and correct deficiencies:

Known Problem Locations

Redwood N.E. corner (I)
Softball Women’s Locker Room (Complete)
Eucalyptus Hall Basement (80% Complete)
Eucalyptus Hall Rain Water leaders (80% Complete)
Citrus 3105 (Complete)
Oviatt Basement North (Complete)
Oviatt Basement South (50% Complete)
Oviatt Garden Level East & West Entrances (Complete)
Education Administration (Complete)
Jacaranda 1132, 2215 (Complete)
Monterey 334, 341
Sagebrush 217 Window (Complete)
Art & Design 120, 602
PPM Administration (Complete)
PPM Carpenter Shop (Complete)
PPM Paint Shop (Complete)

5. Inspect and jet storm drain lines (10% Complete)
6. Verify storm sump pumps are operational (Complete)

B5 Parking Structure Sump – verify/test operational. Verify drain outlet north-west corner does not drain into the structure (Complete)
B3 Parking Structure (No issues detected)
G3 Parking Structure – verify removable filter cartridges are clear

7. Site drain cleaning and inspection

 Administrative

  1. Meet and review with each MAR any other known problems, resolve as appropriate
  2. Meet and review with each Tech from each college any other known problems, resolve as appropriate
  3. Meet and review with IT, USU, Housing, DPS, and TUC
  4. Review Emergency procedures for water leaks

Update staff OT list for emergency call-in
Update Emergency Call-In List (Complete)
During Regular Business Hours: Mobilize staff to respond
Nights & Weekends: On Duty BSE provides initial response then use Emergency Call-In List to mobilize staff

5. Review Emergency Supply Storage (ESS) areas

Locations:

Redwood Hall 116A
Bayramian Hall 209G
VPAC 036
Citrus Hall 3201

Supplies:

One (1) roll of Plastic Sheeting
Two (2) rolls of Duct Tape
Two (2) each Box Cutter retractable knife w/ extra blades
“Wet Floor” signs, minimum six (6) each
Two (2) each, “Little Giant” pumps, Two (2) each, 100’ cords and two (2) each, 100’ water hoses
Six (6) each, GFI electrical outlet adapters
Two (2) each, 36” Floor Squeegees
Two (2) rolls, Caution Tape
Boxes of Latex Gloves and a supply of General Purpose Work Gloves in all available sizes.
Extra Rain Gear
Flashlights/Batteries

6. Ensure emergency clean-up contractor contact information on file is accurate:

Belfor
Har-Bro

 Procurement Planning

  1. Review materials for storm protection: Plastic, sand bags, Henry’s, mops, rags, pumps, etc. Procure and deploy clean-up materials throughout campus.
  2. Ensure adequate supply of employee rain gear. Boots, slickers, pants, etc.
  3. Review campus foot bridge deployment plan. Inspect and repair foot bridges as necessary.
  4. Review building walk-off mat deployment strategy and inventory. Order new stock (with CSUN logo if possible) as needed.
  5. Umbrella water knock off mats. Consider umbrella bags for highest traffic buildings.

 

What can you do to help?

You are our eyes and ears on campus. Here are some things to watch out for:

  • Leaks and/or water intrusion.
  • Stopped up drains, pooling.

Should you come across any of these issues, please notify Physical Plant Management immediately at (818) 677-2222 or 2222 from any campus phone.