Although power outages are less than ideal, especially if you’ve not been given much time to prepare, there are several steps you can take to ensure your business is as prepared as possible for a power outage. By being practical before a power outage occurs, you can ensure your business and your staff can remain safe and stay powerful – even without power.
Keep the Number of People In-House as low as Possible
Sometimes power outages take you by surprise and you’re left without any time to prepare, but most of the time you’ll be given a couple of days’ notice about a potential outage. In this case, allow your staff to work completely remotely if possible. If staff do need to be present, try to keep the number of people to the minimum to ensure that the operations are still running but that the smallest number of people are put in any danger as a result of the outage.
Invest in Surge Protection and an Uninterruptible Power System
When thinking about preparing for a power outage, it’s important to consider the after effects on your power supply, including when the power comes back on. It’s common for power surges to occur after a power outage, so it’s important that these risks are managed.
This is why it is essential to invest in quality surge protectors and an uninterruptible power system (UPS). You should also make sure all fire detectors are in proper working order because, if not controlled, power surges can do a lot of damage to your equipment, and also potentially your staff. Investing in surge protectors and a UPS power supply is the best way to keep your assets safe.
Have an Emergency kit Prepared
If the power outage is the result of a storm, you’re going to need more than just a first-aid kit to see you through. Whether the kit is prepared for your work colleagues or your family, it’s always better to be over prepared than under prepared, so go wild with the emergency kit. Pack as many non-perishable snacks as you want, along with plenty of bottled water.
Of course, don’t forget about things like candles, lighters, batteries and torches. When in doubt, pack it all. It’s better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it.
Ensure that Staff are Fully Trained in Safety Protocols
One of the best tools during a power outage, not including those physical items previously discussed, is knowledge. When staff know what to do during a crisis, they’ll be able to ensure everyone is kept safe without panicking. So, you need to establish a safety protocol and train all members of staff in it. As part of this protocol, there should ideally be some kind of communication system in place, so everyone knows how to get updated about the situation.
Your safety protocol might include some of the following information:
- What to do immediately after a power outage
- If customers need to leave the premises
- How authorities are going to be contacted about the outage
- Who, if anyone, will be allowed to leave early.
With these tips and ideas in mind, you have all the basic information you need to begin mitigating the risk and after effects of a power outage in your business.
