The DNV Houston office will be closed Thursday and Friday, September 22 and 23, 2005 due to the impending threat from Hurricane Rita.
The computer systems will be shut down at 10:00 a.m local time, Thursday. The servers are temporarily re-routed through Norway to allow maritime non-Houston offices to maintain limited functionality.
There are some 200 employees at the Houston office. Communications have been coordinated through the operating units to contact all employees after the storm passes to verify their safety and location.
Arrangements have also been made in a worst case scenario to forward the Houston office general number, 281-721-6600, to the New Jersey office switchboard. In that event, employees or others may call the Houston number and the call will be automatically forwarded to the New Jersey office. Staff will be available either at the Houston office or in New Jersey from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Central Time on Sunday, September 25 to take calls and coordinate communications as need be. Individuals may also call the New Jersey direct number, 201-512-8900 at that time.
A mailbox has also been established on the DNV internet to facilitate communications if necessary. The address is hurricane.rita@dnv.com. This mailbox will be monitored by both local Houston management as conditions permit and also by staff in Norway to coordinate communications.