Preparing and Dealing With Power Outages In Your Facility
Power outages are inevitable. Even in areas that don't suffer from aging infrastructure, storms, car crashes, and other disasters will take out portions of the grid from time to time. Emergency preparedness is already a big issue for facilities, and it's only growing as more and more turn to electric sensors and internet connectivity as security, efficiency-boosting, and labor-saving measures. How can you cope with a lack of power in your facility?
Be prepared.
It's said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and it's true. One of the best ways to deal with a power outage is to have a plan in place. Even if it isn't caused by a major disaster, damage to the electrical infrastructure can still leave you without power for days. Here's how to prepare for disruptions:
1. Make a plan.
In a few rare cases, power outages happen when the electrical company performs routine, planned maintenance or repairs to the grid. Check your provider's website regularly so you can stay abreast of any planned outages. You should also create a continuity plan. Which aspects of your facility are the most vital? Will they require a generator? Prioritize the functions of your facility, and know how to keep them up and running. Make sure your employees know this, and are trained on what to do when the power fails. This plan should be an extension of your overall emergency procedures. How should your employees shut everything down safely in the event of a serious emergency? What should they do if they're unable to leave the facility? Consider the kind of disasters likely to strike your area, and create a plan for shutting down and keeping everyone safe.
2. Set up emergency gear.
Once you know what needs to stay up and running, it's time to figure out how to accomplish that. Build an emergency kit with gas generators, portable solar panels, extension cords, portable USB chargers, and whatever else you'll need to ensure that your facility can keep going without power.
3. Extend that to emergency preparedness for your employees.
Most electrical outages happen because of severe weather, so it's highly likely that you'll also be dealing with employees who might be injured or stranded. Obtain a water-tight storage container, and pack it with first aid supplies, water, nonperishable food that doesn't require preparation, flashlights, headlamps, a hand-crank radio, a fire extinguisher, and thermal blankets.
4. Install emergency equipment.
You don't want to have to deal with problems in the dark, so ensure that your facility is outfitted with appropriate emergency equipment. Beyond things like generators, you'll need fire alarms, surge protectors to shield delicate equipment from power surges, and emergency lights. A power management system is useful here, too -- this helps ensure that electrical capacity matches electrical demand. They can also work in tandem with temperature sensors to detect spikes in heat which may indicate the beginnings of a fire. These systems also relay data continuously, which makes it easier to track down problems within the facility as they arise.
Don't neglect routine maintenance.
Faulty wiring and power surges are a recipe for disaster. Don't let aging or obsolete equipment become an additional obstacle in the event of an emergency. Perform regular inspections, and deal with aging building systems appropriately. Power management systems are capable of catching signs of danger and mitigating the risk of an electrical fire. They can't bear the full brunt of this, however. You shouldn't rely solely on a power management system to work around malfunctions. These systems are good at indicating where a problem is likely to arise, but it's the manager's responsibility to implement long-term solutions to electrical problems.
Stay calm. Respond instead of reacting.
The difference between "responding" and "reacting" is foresight. A response is an action based on knowledge of long-term effects. A reaction happens in the moment, without a concern for the future. When an unplanned outage occurs, perform an employee headcount. Next, inspect the facility to the best of your ability. Flashlights, headlamps, and emergency lighting will come in handy here. Your electrical provider should be able to provide an estimate of how long it'll take to restore power. Weigh this against your facility's power generation capacity. If you're not able to keep operating, and it's not safe to send everyone home, open up your emergency kit. Distribute food, water, blankets, and medical supplies to everyone present as needed. Keep everyone safe and calm until the danger has passed and they are able to leave. Power outages are often part of a much bigger disaster, but they can happen due to minor problems, too. Have a plan in place, keep your electrical system in good shape, and make sure you have the emergency equipment you need, and your employees and facility will be fine.
If you're an IFMA-LI member, please login so you can comment on this article.
