PUSH YOURSELF, NOT THE BUTTON

Every work day most of us come to work and, out of habit, go straight to the elevator and push the button. But taking the stairs has so many great health and economic benefits such as:

1. improved cardiovascular health;

2. weight loss;

3. enhanced leg strength & muscle tone;

4. better bone & joint health;

5. improved mood & mental well-being;

6. convenience, accessibility & efficiency;

7. low environmental impact;

8. promotion of social interaction;

9. improved cognitive function & brain health;

10. boosts balance & coordination; and

11. no experience required.

And not that we have this problem here but there is zero risk of elevator entrapment when you take the stairs.

Don't feel like you have to walk from bottom to top on day 1. Take baby steps (no pun intended). You could walk up half a flight and walk back down or walk up one flight and then take the elevator the rest of the way. The important thing is that you start. Who knows, you may get so good that you throw on a weighted backpack to make it more challenging.

When walking the stairs, please be sure to:

1. keep to the right;

2. use the handrail;

3. wear proper footwear;

4. plant your foot firmly on each step;

5. take one step at a time;

6. avoid distractions (i.e., cell phone); and

7. report any safety issues to the Cousins Management Office.

See you in the stairwell!

TACOS & TORNADOES

March, April and May are typically the peak months for Spring severe weather in North Texas with heightened chances of flooding, high winds, hail and tornadoes. When the National Weather Service advises that DFW is at an enhanced risk of storms, the Cousins Management Team and Security will monitor the weather by using a Weather Alert radio. It is advisable that each customer do the same in order to make life safety decisions for your organization.

With severe weather comes the potential for a power outage. Now is a good time make sure that your company has provided us the most up-to-date contact information and that your battery-operated devices (cell phones, laptops, flashlights, radios, etc.) are fully-charged. And don’t forget to save your work often.

In the event of a longer-term power outage during normal business hours, please listen for announcements over the public address system and look for e-mails and/or texts via Everbridge for updates. Please unplug equipment to avoid damage, as well as, helping to avoid a peak demand when power is restored.

But why Tacos & Tornadoes, you ask? Someone came up with a more memorable way to remember the difference between a Tornado Watch and a Tornado Warning. So this:

is equivalent to this:

If severe weather warrants immediate action, an announcement will be made over the public address system that the building is at risk and that it is necessary to move to a safe place. Should you hear the announcement, proceed as follows:

1. Move away from the perimeter of the building and exterior glass, closing doors behind you.

2. Take shelter in an interior area (i.e. restrooms, corridors and stairwells); then sit down and protect yourself by putting your head as close to your lap as possible or kneel to protect your head. Please remain calm and quiet.

3. DO NOT USE THE ELEVATORS. DO NOT GO TO THE FIRST FLOOR LOBBY OR OUTSIDE OF THE BUILDING.

4. You will hear the “ALL CLEAR” over the public address system when it is safe to return to your office.

Then maybe go have tacos and a margarita for dinner.