Weather patterns are shifting, and rare events are becoming more common across the country. Stronger storms, unexpected power disruptions, and regional climate variability all introduce new challenges for long-term cryostorage and specimen safety. In our biorepositories, staying prepared means treating these shifts as operational realities rather than exceptions.

Across our five biorepositories, we focus on two core pillars of preparedness: the physical resilience of our buildings and the technology and monitoring systems that help us understand what’s happening inside them at all times. Together, these allow us to maintain stable conditions regardless of what the forecast brings.

Built for Stability During Rare Events

Each of our sites is designed with structural features that support continuity during severe or unexpected weather. This includes:

• Reinforced storm rooms, anchored to reinforced concrete, protect critical equipment ensure environmental integrity during weather-related emergencies
• Bulk liquid nitrogen reserves that allow us to maintain operations even during extended supply or power interruptions

These elements allow us to operate from a position of readiness rather than reaction. For an illustrated preview of how our team approaches this daily work, watch this short video.

Monitoring Beyond What the Eye Can See

Physical safeguards are only part of the system. Equally important is our ability to track and interpret the data coming from inside the facility.

We use multi-layered, redundant monitoring systems to maintain continuous visibility into every tank. These monitoring tools support consistent cryogenic temperatures and long-term specimen protection. Readings are collected, recorded, and analyzed 24/7.

At the center of this process is Guardian, our proprietary monitoring and insights platform. Guardian connects:

• Real time tank data
• Building management systems
• Operational process tracking
• Our incident response management system

Guardian also integrates National Weather Service data and fire incident information, allowing us to correlate external environmental conditions with internal operational data in real time.

Staff can access this information on both web and mobile devices, ensuring they have immediate insight no matter where they are.

Looking Ahead

As climate patterns continue to change, the need for resilient biorepository infrastructure may become increasingly important. Our approach is to design facilities thoughtfully and pair them with intelligent monitoring and integrated data systems, helping us respond quickly to evolving conditions and maintain stable, secure cryostorage environments for the specimens in our care.