When severe weather conditions become apparent, keep your radio or television turned to hear weather reports and forecasts (issued by the National Weather Service) as well as other information and advice that may be broadcast by local government. Except in very rare circumstances, the decision to evacuate the building based on the above weather reports will not be made by Building Management, but rather by each Tenant Company. Please train your staff on the following guidelines in case of severe weather:

• Move away from outside windows. If the windows in your offices are supplied with blinds, close the blinds (this will provide protection from broken glass).
  
• Do not panic.
  
• If evacuated, lock all desk drawers and take all items of value with you.
  
• If evacuated, use a route that is in the building interior and stay away from large expanses of glass and windows.
  
• Use the stairwells rather than the elevators.
  
• Use your telephone only to report important disaster events to authorities or Building Management. If you tie up the telephone lines simply to get information, you may prevent emergency calls from being completed.
  
• Stay away from disaster areas.
  
• Follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes are a potential threat from June through November in the Houston area. These tropical storms are characterized by winds in excess of 75 miles per hour and extremely heavy rain.

The U.S. Weather Service reports the movement of tropical depressions that may present a threat to the Gulf Coast area. Given an early alert, certain steps should be taken to prepare for the hurricane.

It is advantageous both to our Tenants and the Property Management Staff that the Building be evacuated as expediently as possible once hurricane preparations have been made in each Tenant’s suite.

Tenant Duties

It is advisable for all Tenants to make necessary preparations for their suite as follows:

• Close and lower all mini-blinds within the suite.
• Disconnect all computers and other machines and remove any units located in offices with windows.
• Waterproof tarpaulins can be useful in covering desks and filing cabinets.
• Clear all desks, credenzas and filing cabinets of loose articles and store in file cabinets.
• Make arrangements for storage of all refrigerated medications and other temperature sensitive items in the chance of power loss.

All major Tenants and those with significant computer or after-hours operations are encouraged to implement their own written Hurricane Emergency plan to deal with operation and protection of their systems and personnel.

If a hurricane is imminent, Tenants should initiate and complete office preparations in sufficient time to allow employees to leave work to secure their homes prior to the expected arrival of gale force winds. The Building Management will be monitoring U.S. Weather Bureau reports and will advise Tenants of changes in weather conditions for their own evacuation decisions.

Always notify the Building Management Office upon evacuation of your space.

Public Utility Duties

Auxiliary Power - During weather disturbances that cause loss of primary power, Centerpoint Energy will work to restore service as quickly as possible. The Building is equipped with emergency power generators that will run emergency systems, lighting, and one elevator in the case of a major power outage. Tenants with vital energy power requirements should consider auxiliary generators or surge protectors for their own use.

Telephone Service

Telephone service may be interrupted during severe weather. Telephone companies are capable of installing emergency service lines to Tenants having compatible switching equipment. Tenants requiring emergency service should ask their telephone representative for specific information.

Building Duties

When a hurricane is imminent, the Building Management will be monitoring U.S. Weather Bureau reports and will advise Tenants of changes in weather conditions for their own evacuation decisions. Building Management will alert all Tenants in advance if it is decided the Building itself will close and personnel evacuated for safety.

During the storm, Building patrols will be performed continually by the Security Officer on duty, the Property Manager, and Engineering Staff to monitor Building damage.

Emergency repairs will be made when weather permits.

After the storm, a thorough search for safety hazards and damage will be conducted. Repairs will be made as quickly as possible. Constant communication will be maintained with Public Utilities until all disrupted service is restored.

The Building Management Staff will be available to advise Tenant Representatives of the condition of the Building and its ability to be reopened for normal use.

Tornado

Tornados often accompany severe thunderstorms and are only one of many severe weather hazards. Others include lightning, strong winds, rain and hail.

Please be aware of the distinction between:

Tornado Watch - Tornados and severe weather are possible

Tornado Warning - Tornado(s) have been detected; TAKE SHELTER IMMEDIATELY

In the event that a tornado is sighted in the area and a local area siren is heard or a weather announcement is sounded through the public broadcasting systems:

1. Close all doors and windows.
2. Go to interior small rooms or hallways and face the wall.
3. Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior building walls.
4. Protect your head.
5. Remain in hallways or interior areas until the weather has passed.

Winter Storms and Extreme Cold

• Wet, dark, snowy, and icing conditions will be present and require personal caution to prevent injury.
  
• Slippery driving and walking conditions require awareness and judgment.
  
• Walk slowly in appropriate foot wear, wear gloves and use hand rails. Do not walk with your hands in your pockets.
  
• Report any areas of unusual snow and ice accumulation.