Building access and status FAQ, September 15, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

NYC Health THE NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT of HEALTH

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEOPLE RE-OCCUPYING COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS AND RESIDENTS RE-ENTERING THEIR HOMES steps have building owitav and managers taken to ensure building strfety?

Before building owners and managers allow residents and occupants to return, they have been required by New York City to assess and certify the stability and safety of their buildings. Specifically, no budding may be re- occupied unless each of the following steps has been taken:

1) flie structure has been thoroughfy assessed for strength and stability; 2) gas service has been checked and restored, with the help of Con Edison; 3) electrical service is operating, and any exposed wires or damaged fixtures have been repaired or removed; 4) building water service is operating, roof water tanks have been flushed and re-filled and, if necessary, cleaned; 5) steam service has been checked and restored, where appropriate; 6) the building has been assessed for hazardous materials and if any have been found, they have been removed according to applicable regulations; 7) building mechanical systems have been inspected and cleaned and repaired, as necessary, including heating ventilation arid air conditioning systems; 8) the interior has been cleared of dust and debris.

In addition, New York City is requiring building owners and managers to communicate with building occupants and be available to answer questions regarding building conditions. If you have questions about any of the above issues, you should contact your building owner, manager, or superintendent

tVhat stqjs should I take upon returning io ngt workplace m- home? If you were evacuated finm a residence or workplace south of Warren Street, west of Broadway, and north of Exchange Street, and have been approved to resume tenancy by your budding manager, you are advised to wear a dust mask upon entering this area to decrease the possibility of dust inhalation and throat irritatioa Outside these boundaries, masks are not necessary, but may be worn for your own comfort. If there is dust present indoors, it should not be necessary to wear this mask if you foUow the cleaning procedures detaded below. I In a workplace, speak to your supervisor to see if there are special startup and cleaning procedure. In very dusty places, clean-up may be necessary before equipment can be restarted. Fodow the cleaning procedures discussed below.

In your home, 'you should first make sure that conditions are safe. You should enter your home dressed in a long sleeve shirt and pants, and with closed shoes. Upon entry:

• Check for the smell of gas. If the apartment smells of gas, leave immediately and report it to your budding manager land to Con Edison • Check for broken glass and fixtures. Wrap any broken glass in paper and mark it “broken glass.” If large pieces of glass are broken, ask your budding superintendent for instructions on disposal. • Run hot and cold water from each of the taps for at least two minutes, or until water runs completely clean. • Flush toilets untd bowls are refilled. For air pressure systems, you may need to flush several times. If there are any problems with the todet or plumbing system, cad a pluniber — do not try to fix the problem yourself. • Follow the cleaning procedures discussed below.

I have heard that asbatos was releasedfrom the collapse ofthe World Trade Caita-. What tae the health effects ofasbestos?

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