In today’s world, power outages are almost inevitable. Whether they stem from severe weather events, unexpected accidents, or scheduled blackouts, these interruptions can disrupt not only daily routines but also crucial business operations and safety protocols. Instead of wondering if your business will be affected by an outage, it’s better to plan for when it happens — especially given that these events are becoming more frequent and lasting longer. Global Industrial Port Washington reviews that preparing ahead of time will allow you to ensure your business stays operational, your employees remain safe, and any potential financial losses are minimized.
Understanding the Growing Frequency of Power Outages
In recent years, power outages have not only become more common, but they also now tend to last longer than before. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveals that from 2013 to 2021, the average duration of power outages in the U.S. increased from about 3.5 hours to over seven hours. Alongside this, the number of outages per customer has risen from an average of 1.2 to 1.42 per year. This means that today, the likelihood and impact of an outage on businesses are both on the rise, making preparedness even more critical.
While many might assume that winter storms are the main cause of these outages, electricity companies report that the majority of power disruptions actually occur between April and August. Here’s why:
- Overheating of Equipment: Intense heat can lead to overheating in electrical infrastructure.
- Sagging Power Lines: During high temperatures, power lines can expand and droop, potentially coming into contact with trees and triggering outages.
- Lower Transmission Line Capacity: Heat can reduce the efficiency of transmission lines, meaning they can handle less load than usual.
- Reduced Equipment Efficiency: Hot conditions make power equipment less efficient, causing more energy loss during transmission.
Understanding these causes can help you anticipate when outages are likely and prepare accordingly. Here’s a look at key steps and tools to help you handle these disruptions like a pro.
Building a Comprehensive Outage Preparedness Plan
A successful power outage plan ensures your team knows how to respond swiftly and effectively. This plan can be broken down into four main parts:
- Educate and Prepare Your Team
When an outage strikes, it’s not the time to start figuring out a response. Employees should already know exactly what actions to take. Regular safety drills and clear communication about emergency procedures are essential to ensure everyone understands their roles. Equip your team with knowledge about emergency equipment, safety signage, and procedures to foster a culture of preparedness. By training everyone in advance, you can reduce panic and confusion during an actual event.
- Stay Informed
Being aware of potential outages helps you stay one step ahead. Most power companies provide notifications and real-time updates when outages occur or if maintenance is scheduled that could affect service. Sign up for these alerts through email or text to ensure you’re always in the loop, allowing you to take proactive steps rather than reactive ones.
- Develop a Power Outage Checklist
A checklist that everyone can access provides a clear guide for actions to take during an outage. This can be particularly valuable since stress or fear may hinder clear thinking. Ready.gov offers a basic checklist for outages, which can be customized to fit the unique needs of your facility. This should include steps to shut down critical equipment safely, verify the status of emergency lighting, and ensure that evacuation routes are clear if needed.
- Install Essential Equipment in Advance
Preparation doesn’t just mean having a plan; it also means having the right equipment ready to go. Key systems include emergency lighting, which can guide people safely, and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems that provide short-term power to vital equipment until the main power is restored or backup generators kick in. Invest in this equipment now so that you’re ready when an outage hits.
Must-Have Equipment for Power Outage Preparedness
Being ready for a power outage is as much about the equipment you have as it is about the plan you create. The right tools will keep your operations running, provide lighting, and maintain a safe temperature. Here are some critical items to consider:
Backup Generators
Backup generators are essential during outages, as they provide power to keep your most critical systems running. Standby generators are installed permanently and can automatically activate when an outage occurs. For added flexibility, portable power generators can be moved as needed. Different types of portable generators, such as gas, propane-powered, and lithium battery-powered stations, offer a variety of options depending on your power requirements.
Emergency Lighting
Navigating a facility without proper lighting is dangerous. In addition to flashlights and portable work lights, install emergency lighting at key points throughout your building. This should include exit signs, wall-mounted lights, and ceiling fixtures in essential areas to allow for safe movement and evacuation if necessary.
Temperature Control
Extreme temperatures during outages can jeopardize employee safety and damage sensitive equipment. Portable heating and cooling units can help stabilize temperatures in critical areas. This is particularly important for facilities like healthcare centers and manufacturing plants where consistent climate control is necessary to prevent equipment damage.
Batteries and Fuel Storage
Fuel and battery supplies are vital to keep generators and other essential devices running during an outage. Stock up on batteries in various sizes (both rechargeable and disposable) and ensure safe storage for fuel containers. For larger facilities, ventilated cabinets and fuel storage tanks offer secure and accessible storage options.
Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) Systems
A UPS system provides short-term backup power for critical devices, ensuring operations can continue without interruption. This is particularly useful in healthcare facilities, data centers, and offices, where even a brief loss of power could disrupt vital processes.
Patient Transport Equipment
In healthcare settings, power outages require special planning for patient transport. Battery-powered stretchers, wheelchairs, and other transport equipment allow for safe, uninterrupted movement of patients, particularly those who are highly dependent on medical equipment.
Essential Safety Supplies
In addition to power-related equipment, make sure to have adequate safety supplies on hand:
- First Aid Kits and PPE: Keep first aid kits stocked and easily accessible, along with personal protective equipment.
- Two-Way Radios: Battery-powered radios ensure communication with staff members if phone systems go down.
- Emergency Lighting: Have an easily accessible supply of flashlights to help employees navigate safely.
- Protective Gear: If your facility is prone to flooding, store waterproof boots, jackets, and gloves.
- Water Supply: Always keep bottled water on hand in case water systems are affected.
- Spill Kits: Spill response kits can help manage any leaks or spills that may occur.
While it’s impossible to predict when a power outage will hit, following these steps can make all the difference in keeping your facility operational and your employees safe. Whether it’s next month or next year, being prepared with the right plan and equipment means you’ll be ready when the lights go out. If you’d like more guidance on preparing for power outages or need help selecting the right equipment, our experts are here to assist.