How To Prepare For A Workplace Power Outage?

3/9/2021 (Permalink)

Recent severe winter storms knocked out power to thousands across the Piedmont Triad in February 2021. The threat of ice storms along with thunderstorms in the spring and summer highlights the importance of having an emergency preparedness plan for your workplace. It’s critical business owners have a safety plan in place to protect their employees as down power lines from powerful winds and toppling trees can wreak havoc on a worker’s commute. The most important thing is ensuring that everyone in your workforce is safe. Having a safety plan of action that includes who and where to report to is crucial in these scenarios. 

Many businesses may have a generator that may continue to power their electrical system if it’s disrupted. However, some workplaces may only utilize a generator to keep minimal services up in running. In those sorts of cases, a business manager or owner informing their workers on what will be kept up and running is crucial. Also, remember that your power company may already be aware of the outage is caused by a natural disaster such as an ice storm, tornado, or hurricane. 

When preparing your workplace for a potential outage recognize that planning too much is a good thing. You can never be prepared in natural disaster scenarios. According to the National Fire Protection Agency’s website: electrical distribution and lighting equipment was the second leading cause of office property fires (12%) of fires while causing 15% of direct property damage.

 Listed below are several key steps that your business can take to protect your employees and commercial space from potential fires. Caused by an electrical disruption as well as tips to prepare for a power outage. 

Power Outage Preparedness and Safety 

1. Be aware of the weather forecast by watching your local news or checking the weather online. 
2. Communicate with your employees prior to any power outage or natural disaster event on the emergency preparedness plan. 
3. Utilize a print version of your company’s emergency preparedness plan as a resource. 
4. Communicate with your supervisor on the next steps if a power outage occurs. 
5. Consider unplugging any personal electrical equipment including phone chargers and desk lights. 
6. Don’t go near any down power lines or wires during a power outage. 

If your home or business is in need of our services whether for fire, water, flood, mold, or storm damage; perhaps even deep cleaning services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Burlington, 336-229-1156.  

References 

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Publications-and-media/Press-Room/News-releases/2020/NFPA-releases-first-two-videos-of-a-new-campaign-series

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Building-and-Life-Safety/US-Structure-in-Office-Properties 

https://www.nfpa.org/News-and-Research/Data-research-and-tools/Electrical/Fatal-electrical-injuries-at-work 
https://emergencyplanguide.org/power-outage-in-the-workplace/