Lasker Bldg. Advisory: Temporary Electrical Shutdown, Saturday, Oct. 17

A temporary electrical shutdown affecting normal power and partial lighting to all spaces and laboratories and offices from the 1^st floor thru the 5^th floor will take place from Saturday, October 17 from 7 a.m. until approximately 9 a.m. due to installation of new electrical infrastructure on the 6^th floor.

CUIMC Facilities Management representatives will be walking the floors starting Wednesday, October 14, to discuss the upcoming shutdowns with building occupants and address any questions or concerns. Before the loss of power, an announcement will be made on the floors.

Please be aware, the electrical shutdown will not affect fume hoods or any other ventilation systems.

In preparation for the upcoming shutdown, please take the following precautionary steps before you leave on Friday October 16.

• Save all files and important documents.
• Completely turn off all computers and laptops.
• Turn off all other electronic devices and non-essential laboratory equipment.
• Ensure that all essential equipment is connected to emergency power (red) outlets. If you are unsure if your equipment is plugged into an emergency power outlet, please contact CUIMC Facilities Management at cumc.facilities@columbia.edu, and a representatives from Facilities Engineering will visit and assess your area.
• We highly recommend that all freezers, refrigerators, and environmental room doors be kept closed and access prohibited during this shutdown period. Typically, this equipment will maintain temperature as long as the doors are kept closed. Please note, placement of dry ice or cryogenic materials in cold rooms can create a hazardous, oxygen-deficient atmosphere and must be avoided. If necessary, please relocate critical materials to unaffected freezers for the duration of the shutdown.

We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your cooperation as we work to improve our facilities. For issues in laboratories during the temporary shutdown, please call Public Safety at 305-8100 and a mechanic will be dispatched to address the issue. If you have questions in advance of the shutdown, please contact  Project Manager, Fernando Bedoya at fb2330@cumc.columbia.edu