Getting Ready for a Power Outage: 6 Essential Tips for Workplace Preparedness
Power outages can happen anytime, anywhere. According to Agility Recovery, 70% of businesses or organizations will face a power outage in the next 12 months!
Read on to learn 6 essential tips on how to prepare for a power outage so that you’ll be ready when the inevitable happens.
1. Create a Safety Plan
Having a safety plan for what to do in a power outage at work can make a huge difference in handling the situation efficiently and safely. The well-being of employees and customers physically present is the most critical aspect. You should define a plan based on the possible risks. A safety plan should detail things like emergency exits, how to handle equipment, and steps for closing off dangerous areas (e.g., escalators). This plan should include having an emergency kit with all the necessary supplies, confirming all employees are safe and accounted for, relaying instructions on what will happen next, and determining who to contact in case of an emergency.
If you’re a manufacturing company, there will be additional safety concerns about equipment. If you operate a business that has a storefront, you need to think about keeping customers safe when preparing for a power outage.
Developing a company safety manual is a critical first step in every business’s safety program. Get started with this guide on putting together a safety manual.
2. Keep Emergency Supplies on Hand
Make sure you have an ample supply of batteries for flashlights and radios. Food and water supplies are also imperative in case your employees need to stay in your work facility until further notified by local authorities. Additionally, make sure you have a first aid kit for minor injuries and various forms of entertainment to keep your employees occupied.
Check out this article for a checklist of office supplies every business should have, including safety items.
3. Protect Your Electronics and Back Up Your Data
One of the first things affected by a power outage is technology–including important files and data stored on computers. To minimize lost work productivity and revenue due to these issues, it’s important to have an effective backup plan in place which may involve a portable hard drive, server, or cloud storage solution.
4. Protect Your Equipment with Surge Protectors
Protect machinery and computers during a power outage with surge protectors. If there is a change in voltage, it can damage your gear. It’s much less expensive to use surge protectors than to replace your equipment.
5. Install Backup Systems
Many facilities have backup systems in place. Ensure that your smoke alarms and exit signs have a battery-powered backup.
If your business has a generator, designate someone who is trained on the generator to operate it. Using generators in the workplace can allow you to continue your business operations in the event of an outage. When using a generator, always have adequate ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Also, never use a generator in wet conditions, and make sure it cools down before you refuel it.
6. Have a Communication Plan
Devising a communication plan in case of an emergency is an important part of your business's safety plan. Determine how information will be released (e.g., emails, website posts, social media) and keep your employees updated with the latest information. Regular communication in an emergency can help build confidence and reduce any fear or anxiety your employees may be experiencing.
Power outages are a part of life. Planning ahead with these tips on how to plan for a power outage can help put your employees at ease, keep everyone safe, and reduce the economic impact.
For additional information on how to prepare your business for a potential emergency, check out these articles:
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.
