Power loss is a real concern for facilities, caused by anything from ice storms or lightning to fallen trees to aging machinery. As a facility manager, being prepared for everything is part of your job, and that includes having a plan for power loss at your facility.

Loss of power can disrupt your business and cause damage to your bottom line. Gain peace of mind, protect yourself from potential damage, and save yourself unexpected costs by making sure your facility is ready well ahead of time.

Being proactive

While the risk of losing power may not come up as part of your fall maintenance checklist, it’s definitely something to consider before winter comes. Power surges caused by lightning can result in burned-out switches or motherboards, so you need to be prepared. Consider adding heavy-duty surge protection as a way to get ahead of a power outage due to lightning striking your building.

Having a backup plan

Do you have a backup plan if your facility loses power? Keep your backup generators well-maintained so you know you have them to rely on if the power goes out for any length of time. If you are looking at buying a generator, be sure to consider the size and needs of your building, as well as the best storage spot for easy access.

As part of your backup plan, test emergency lighting, exits, and fire extinguishers so you know that your staff and visitors will be safe in case of emergency.

Preparing for shutdown

In certain extreme weather conditions, a full shutdown may be necessary. Having a shutdown plan in place can help save time and mitigate losses while production is slowed. Here are a few things to consider:

• Make a list you can refer to where duties are prioritized so that nothing gets missed in a panic.
• Prepare a map of your property, so visiting contractors have quick access to your equipment.
• Ensure that your staff is aware of the policies in place if a shutdown occurs. This will save you the time of briefing everyone if that time comes.

Loss of power seriously compromises your facility’s operations. You need to have a plan so you can recover quickly, address the issue, and get right back to what you do best.