In August of 2008, Hurricane IKE devastated much of Galveston Island including the majority of the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) campus. In total, approximately 90 buildings were severely affected, greatly contributing to an estimated damage of more than $600 million. Although protective measures were implemented prior to the storm, critical mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) equipment located in the buildings’ basements or first floors was severely affected. In conjunction with FEMA, LAN performed a damage assessment of damaged and undamaged equipment and relocated these systems to higher ground.

LAN worked with UTMB immediately following Hurricane Ike to assess the damage to over 8 million square feet of buildings on campus. LAN provided daily updates with recommendations to allow systems to be brought online in the shortest possible time. LAN provided direction for electrical, HVAC, plumbing and medical gas systems remediation. LAN and UTMB used these assessments as the basis for FEMA project workbooks to ensure compliance with funding and adherence to scope of work. LAN further crafted these assessments into work orders for UTMB to ensure systems were in compliance with JCAHO standards to maintain accreditations after the event.