It is surprising how many business owners underestimate how important it is to prepare for a power outage before it happens. Unfortunately, power outages are more common than you might think. FEMA estimates that seven out of ten businesses will experience an outage in the next year. The only way to avoid getting left figuratively and literally in the dark is to prepare in advance.
How to Prepare for a Power Outage
It doesn’t matter whether the outage results from bad weather conditions, damaged power lines, or power station failures. If you’re not prepared, the results will be the same. Your business will face the potential for severe disruptions and subsequent losses. Instead of waiting for a worst-case scenario, start preparing now.
Power Outage Supplies: Build a Kit
You’ll need to have a few essential supplies on hand. Don’t scramble to put them together right before a storm hits. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Weather-Tight Storage Containers
Keeping your emergency supplies in a centralized location will make things easier to find during a power outage. Choose weather-tight storage containers for the items. They should be waterproof, pest-proof, and made of clear plastic to make finding necessary items easier.
2. Water
The average American takes drinking water for granted. In most buildings, tap water will be unavailable during power outages since the water pump’s power will also shut off. Stock up on water bottles for you and your employees to make sure everyone is prepared for the power outage. Experts suggest putting aside one gallon of water per person per day.
3. Headlamps and Flashlights
Without power, you’ll have no lights. Headlamps and flashlights can ensure employee safety while people are walking around in the dark.
4. First Aid Kit
You can either buy a pre-packaged first aid kit or put one together yourself. If you put together your own first aid kit, make sure it has everything required to treat minor medical problems.
That should include:
- Adhesive bandages
- Absorbent compress dressings
- Medical tape
- Alcohol wipes
- Over-the-counter painkillers
- Emergency blankets
- Cold compresses
- Non-latex gloves
- A breathing barrier
- Hydrocortisone cream
- Antibiotic ointment
- Gauze rolls and pads
- A thermometer
- Tweezers
- A reputable first-aid guide
5. Portable Chargers
Putting aside one or several portable chargers will allow you and your workers to keep phones and other essentials charged. The ability to stay in contact with family or friends can dramatically improve a bad situation.
6. Emergency Radio
Emergency radios can be powered by batteries, solar power, or hand cranks. They’ll let you keep track of what’s going on without relying on the grid.
7. Fire Extinguisher
You should already have your building equipped with fire extinguishers, but they could be challenging to find in the dark. Add an extra one to your emergency kit to make sure it’s easy to find.
8. Playing Cards
Keeping a deck of cards on hand may sound frivolous, but it isn’t. You and your employees may have to wait for hours before the power is restored. Having a pack of playing cards available will keep everyone entertained and help to reduce stress.
Emergency Equipment
Having an emergency kit put together is a great way to prepare for the worst. Not everything your company will need to get through the outage can fit in a box. There are also a few other types of emergency preparedness and safety equipment you need to have on-hand.
1. Power Surge Protectors
Preparing for a power outage isn’t just about protecting people. It’s also about protecting your company’s assets. Installing power surge protectors can help to prevent damage to vital electronics when the grid goes back up.
2. Backup Generators
Installing a backup generator is the easiest way to keep business running as usual during a power outage. Buy a generator that is large enough to meet your company’s needs. You’ll also want to try it out before an outage occurs to make sure you know how to use it.
Inspect & Repair Backup Generators
A backup generator won’t do your company any good if it isn’t working correctly. Establish a schedule for inspecting your backup generator or hire a professional. That way, you can make repairs as needed to ensure that you’re prepared for a power outage. You’ll also want to keep detailed records of all inspections and repairs.
3. Install Fire Detectors
You may be wondering why you need fire detectors to prepare for a power outage. The answer is simple. Outages often occur in conjunction with extreme weather events, which can increase fire risks.
4. Exit and Emergency Lighting
Exit and emergency lighting systems don’t operate off of grid power. They should work even if the power goes out. Your building should already have an exit and emergency lighting system. Now is an excellent time to inspect it to make sure it will work if it is needed.
Create a Plan
Having a backup generator, power surge protectors and an emergency kit is a good start. However, there are a few other steps you’ll need to take if you want to be prepared. Create a plan for what to do now so that everyone is on the same page.
Sign Up for Outage Alerts
Outage alerts will let you know if the power company is about to implement a planned outage. They will give you time to get all your ducks in a row and prepare your employees.
Continuity Plan
Most power outages are not pre-planned, and you won’t always have a warning. Establish a continuity plan for how the business will operate during an outage. It should include:
- Identification of all critical systems that will run on the backup generator
- A list of all regular employees and other building occupants
- A list of essential equipment or assets that should be checked when the power goes out
- A checklist that details what steps your facility management team will need to take
- Contact information for an emergency disaster response professional
Remember that it can be difficult to focus during an emergency. Having these lists on-hand makes it easier to create a safety plan covering both the building’s occupants and the company’s assets.
Train Your Employees
Provide ongoing employee training in what to do if a power outage occurs. Managers and other key employees should know where to find the emergency response kit. They should all have well-defined roles to play in the event of an outage. Delegating responsibility and providing employee training for everyone in the building can prevent unnecessary accidents and stress.
Inspect Your Facility Regularly
You or someone on your team should regularly inspect your facility’s emergency equipment, backup generators, and electrical units. Look for potential problems such as loose or exposed wiring, deterioration, or damage. If there are any problems, address them immediately.
Systems such as fire detectors, exit lighting, and other personnel safeguards must undergo functional testing at least once a month. Your company should also follow all industry guidelines for equipment maintenance and repairs. Your facility manager should perform basic inspections and know who to call for more specialized tasks.
Maintain Inspection Records
Maintaining detailed records of every equipment inspection is the best way to avoid unnecessary problems. Have the facility manager compile and review records and keep backups of all the data. The manager should also keep records of all repairs and parts replacements and document lighting and equipment that can’t be tested. You may want to purchase a cloud-based software program to facilitate record-keeping and data storage.
What to Do if a Power Outage Occurs in Your Business?
The most important thing to remember if a power outage occurs is that you should stay calm. Employee safety should always be your priority. Assess the situation by gathering everyone together, then examine the facility and check the weather outside.
If there are no immediate threats, call your power provider and keep an eye out for emergency alerts. Once you’ve performed an initial assessment, you should have a better idea of what to do from there.
If the outage wasn’t weather-related, the power company should resolve it quickly. Use the generator to restore temporary power and continue business as usual.
If the outage will take more than a few hours to fix, check your generator. If you can produce enough power to keep everything running smoothly until your utilities come back online, get back to work. Otherwise, consider sending your employees home until the power grid is back online.
If the power outage occurred due to inclement weather, the situation might be very different. You’ll want to distribute emergency supplies to employees and, if appropriate, customers or clients. Make sure everyone is safe, warm, and comfortable. Request that everyone stay put until all danger to personal safety has passed.
Get Help Dealing with Damage
If your building sustains damage during a natural disaster, you’ll need some extra help. You can call on ServiceMaster Restoration by RSI any time of the day or night. We handle all kinds of commercial restoration work. Our representatives are available 24/7 at (405) 251-7286, so call now to get started.
