You can’t always predict a power outage, but you can always be prepared for one. Here are a few tips to ensure your business or property is ready for the next time the power goes out.
A How-to Guide for Power Outage Preparation
The first step in making sure you’re prepared for a power outage is knowing how an outage will affect your business or property. This means keeping track of what all you need electricity for. Having a comprehensive list of what appliances, machines, and systems rely on electricity will allow you to develop a course of action for pivoting operations in the event of a power outage.
Once you know how you will be affected by losing electricity, you can plan for alternative power sources. Having back-up batteries, battery-operated lights, and generators at the ready can alleviate any loss of productivity due to power outages. If you run a generator, make sure it is outside and away from any windows for safety, and always talk to a professional beforehand to confirm that you are using a generator that can sustain the power you need. While running a generator, always make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector with battery back-up on each level of the affected property for safe usage. If there are any electrical devices or appliances that are not integral to operations, unplug them to protect them from power surges and to preserve your generator’s energy for necessary items.
Know when it is safe to continue operating during a power outage. If the weather is too hot or cold to remain open safely, or if the outage is due to a natural disaster or inclement weather, always err on the side of caution. Keep your business, property, and people safe by listening to officials and remaining flexible. If you cannot proceed with business, unplug all electrical appliances and devices to keep them safe for when you can resume operations. If your business or property relies on refrigeration, move perishable items or cool temperature-reliant medications to a refrigerator at a location with power, use coolers and thermometers to ensure safe temperatures, or throw out any perishables that will not keep during the outage. If the outage is expected to be short, keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed, and check the temperature of food and medications once the power has returned. As always, it is better to be safe than to be sorry - if there is any question about food or medications’ safety after a power outage, it is best to throw it out.
Whether you’re amending operations or closing for the outage duration, make sure you have a plan for communicating with any tenants or customers. Know if landlines will still be functional during an outage and make sure cell phones, laptops, and tablets are charged and ready to go in the case of an emergency. Report outages to utility companies as soon as they happen, or once you become aware of them for a more timely resolve, and make sure you communicate with any tenants, employees, or customers to make sure everyone is safe. With proper preparation, your business or property can skirt any unnecessary losses in the event of a power outage.
Let Synergy Electric Help Guard Against Power Outages
When you trust Synergy Electric for your facility’s electrical needs, you’ll have nothing to fear in the face of a power outage. With our team’s experience and expertise in comprehensive backup solutions, we can help you effectively maintain operations and avoid costly downtime. Contact us today for your next project!
