Electrical System Disaster

Electricity is vital to our world and businesses, and our reliance on electrical systems creates a risk. Could you continue operating your business without electricity? Power outages due to cold weather and hurricanes this year show us that natural disasters can strike anywhere, and at any time – and often have ramifications to critical infrastructures, such as power grids and gas lines. 

The many types of electrical equipment, and how often they are used, are things we often take for granted when they work as intended. Your business may rely on one or more of the following:

• Computer, phone, and other sensitive electronic systems
• Machinery, pumps, power tools
• Refrigeration systems
• Heating and air conditioning
• Overhead and display lighting
• Security doors or alarm systems

Should one of these systems or pieces of equipment lose its power source, it could not only interrupt daily work, but it could also be dangerous and expensive. Costs could stem from physical damage to the system, loss of business income, service interruption, clean-up, temporary repairs, and spoilage of perishable goods.

Having an emergency preparedness and recovery plan in place can help your business weather the storm should the power go out. Your plan could include:

• A key employee is responsible for coordinating the post-outage recovery of electrical systems.
• A list of all business-critical electrical systems at your business.
• Plans for mitigating the impact of short-term and long-term loss of electricity, such as moving to backup energy sources like generators.
• Policies regarding performing regular preventative maintenance on electrical equipment per manufacturer specifications. Inadequately maintained electrical systems are a leading cause of the business interruption, poor energy efficiency, equipment wear-out, and breakdowns.
• A list of employees who are qualified to properly, safely, and effectively maintain and help recover electrical equipment.
• Contact information for your insurance provider who can respond to coverage and claims questions regarding systems breakdown incidents.
• Verification that your business has systems breakdown coverage for your line of work.

Severe weather conditions and the havoc they bring are becoming increasingly unpredictable, but having a plan in place to reduce the impact of electrical outages can help your business recover following a storm. Take action today before disaster strikes your electrical system.