How to run your business when electricity fails
How to run your business when electricity fails
Most companies are heavily reliant on electricity for their businesses to function. Heavy machines, computers, printers, servers and lights are just some of the essential things you need for your business to work effectively. Unfortunately, when the power supply to your business is interrupted, this could result in a massive loss of revenue and productivity.
How to prepare your business for an electricity blackout
- Protect your technology
Technology like computers, servers and televisions are expensive. When the power goes out it could cause a surge of electricity that can severely damage this technology. So the first thing you need to do to prepare your business from a potential black out, is protect your expensive technology with surge protectors. Surge protectors are an affordable way to safeguard your equipment from fluctuations in power supply.
- Identify critical business functions
Make a list of all the essential parts of your business that need electricity to function. This could include items like computers, servers, large industrial machines, security systems and emergency lights. Once you have your list of critical business functions, you can explore ways to reduce their downtime.
- Consider the installation of a generator
When the power goes out, all your systems will shut down. If you have a generator in place, it will take a few seconds for your essential business functions to come back on line. You can still keep your business functioning and maintain productivity levels in your company. However, it is also important to consider the cost of running a generator. This could prove to be expensive, especially if the electricity is out for long periods of time.
- Have a list of all emergency contacts ready
When the power goes out, you need to know how long the problem will last and what caused the problem in the first place. So keep your emergency contact details handy. This includes the number for your electricity provider in your area, the police services and even an ambulance service. Prepare for the worst case scenario, even if you don’t need it.
- Know your emergency evacuation procedures
When the power goes out, elevators and lifts stop working. So it is important to know where are the fire exits are if you need to get out of the building quickly. Make sure that your employees understand the evacuation procedures too.
In South Africa, we know that we have challenges with electricity supply. That’s why it is important to be prepared. Remember to update your insurance cover to make sure that if any of your machinery or information technology systems are damaged that you have the right level of insurance cover in place.