Expecting an Extended Power Outage? Follow these Steps

Whether it’s due to a storm or another natural disaster, planned maintenance, or something else, at some point during your company’s lifetime, you’ll most likely have to prepare for an extended power outage. Follow these steps to keep your employees, customers, and equipment safe.

Before a power outage

Contact your communications company

As soon as you know you may experience a power outage, contact whoever provides service to your company’s phone and IT systems. They will be able to give you detailed instructions on what to do in order to keep your equipment and data safe. They will also be able to put your disaster recovery and continuity plan into action, ensuring that disruption and downtime are kept to a minimum.

Be sure your contact information is up to date

Ensure the primary and secondary contact information you have given your communications company, electrical company, and any other important vendors is accurate so that they know how to reach you in the case of an outage.

Communicate with employees and customers

The best thing you can do when expecting a power outage is communicate. Be sure employees are well aware of your company’s disaster plan and know exactly what to do if/when the power does go out. Be sure to identify any employees who require special or additional assistance in an emergency situation.

Are customers often in and out of your facility? If so, you’ll want to communicate the possibility of a power outage to them as well.

Shut off equipment

Turn off and unplug equipment in order to prevent damage in the event of a sudden outage or when the power is restored.

Have a plan for alternative power

If you plan to continue operations during the power outage, you’ll need to identify backup power and lighting sources, such as generators, and ensure they are working properly.

During a power outage

Stay informed

If the power does go out, be sure you remain up-to-date on the current status of the outage and the timeline for restoration. Keep an open line of communication with your employees and/or customers.

Keep calm

If you panic, chances are your employees will too. Do your best to remain calm during downtime. Encourage employees to exercise extreme caution if they are entering or exiting the building.

After a power outage              

Check on employees and customers

Most importantly, ensure that everyone in your facility is safe and sound, especially those who may have required special assistance during the outage.

Slowly turn equipment back on

Turn the most important equipment back on first and wait a couple of minutes before turning other equipment back on. This will give the electrical system a chance to stabilize and will help to avoid overloading it.

Review and revise your plan

Which parts of your disaster and continuity plan worked? Which parts didn’t? Work with your communications company to revise your plan if needed.

Have you ever experienced a power outage in your workplace? What tips do you have for keeping employees, customers and equipment safe?