On January 17, Martin Luther King Day, a major water pipe burst in the ceiling above The American's New York offices. In little more than ten minutes, tons of water had gushed into the computer room and surrounding areas.
Luckily, six members of staff had decided to work the holiday in order to catch up with backed-up tasks and so were on the premises. The break occurred about 2:00 P.M., so suddenly that staff, despite brave attempts to rescue documents and equipment, could do little. Before building maintenance could arrive, the ceiling had collapsed and the computer room was awash with ankle-deep water. Desks, computers, and paper files were thoroughly soaked, and electricity was cut off to prevent a short circuit. Despite the damage, the data management consultant was able to save the file server, and all other equipment, with the exception of a single computer, could be serviced.
Repairs and the relocation of equipment and work stations continue to create problems. Work with building staff, carpet restorers, plumbers, electricians, and insurance people will continue for some time until the mess is cleaned up. Soaked documents, files, and work stations create ongoing problems.
To compound these difficulties, during a heating oil delivery to the building the next day, the automatic shutoff valve malfunctioned, spilling several hundred gallons of oil over the retaining
wall, down the steps, and into the entrance area. From there the oil was tracked into the office. And in case anyone thought that was the end of it, a second flood occurred the weekend of January 22–23 in the file and storage room, occasioning minor damage.
This string of bad luck is certain to set the office back in its work, and staff hope that members will be understanding until the office is restored to full operation.