Do You Need A Commercial Generator For Your Office?

Unless you're selling seashells on the beach, your business depends upon energy to function. A natural disaster resulting in a power outage can devastate a multitude of small business and enterprise types, many of which are operating in the public good. No matter what your business goals are, a blackout has the potential to shut you down or diminish profits. In fact, government statistics indicate that 40 percent of all businesses forced to close because of a natural or human-made disaster never re-open their doors. A well-thought-out contingency plan may help stave off a worst-case scenario for your business, protecting both premises and personnel. As with most things, preparation is key.

Know What's Coming – Certain types of disasters, such as attacks or twisters, are largely unpredictable, but others, such as blizzards or hurricanes, can be anticipated and may be calculable to some degree. If you have a heads up about extreme weather and you run a non-essential business such as a clothing shop or book store, closing down for the duration of the storm and keeping your employees off the road is a smart choice. Plan for your area's specific risks and educate yourself in advance about the guidelines and procedures you should follow.

Protect Your Property – Following the recommendations of local authorities as to procedures for boarding up windows and securing the location can protect your property from damage and looting. You should also check heating, ventilation and air conditioning units to solidify their sealant properties to diminish the threat of outside contaminants getting in. Also, examine your insurance policy so you know what types of damages you are covered for to provide for the largest financial safety net possible.

Shut Off Utilities – Natural gas, water and electricity may all need to be shut off. Have a plan in place for deciding how to handle shut offs in the event of an emergency and include them in your employee handbook.

• Natural gas explosions and leaks are the leading cause of fires resulting from weather-related disasters. Check with your gas company to determine the correct gas shut-off procedure as well as the appropriate prep and response for shutting off and turning on gas. Typically, you will require a professional to turn your supply back on.
• If the water lines crack, your water supply may become contaminated and unsafe. Know where the shut-off valve for your main water line is and check it periodically for rust.
• Another cause of fires after disaster are electrical sparks, particularly if they come into contact with gas. Individual circuits should be turned off prior to closing down the main circuits. Know where your circuits and breakers are and label them.

Create an Evacuation Plan – If a disaster strikes without warning, or if you run an essential enterprise such as a nursing home or hospital, you must have an evacuation plan in place. If the power goes out, your evacuation may occur in darkness, so preparing your employees and having them go through drills will help to maintain a calm atmosphere, despite the urgency of the situation. Preparing for worst-case scenarios may not be pleasant, but it is important to leave nothing to chance. Include warnings about elevator and stair use and know in advance what each individual employee's responsibility will be for others, such as patients or people who are immobile, wheelchair-bound or handicapped, as well as the power-generated, life-saving equipment they may rely on.

Know What To Do If You Can't Evacuate – You and your employees may not be able to leave work due to weather conditions or because of warnings to stay put from the authorities. Just as you do at home, make sure you have a supply of non-perishable food and water on hand that can last for at least a two-day duration for each employee. Flashlights, fire extinguishers, a well-stocked first aid kit and batteries are all musts. No one wants to be away from their family at a time like this, so create a plan to keep communications open that can be maintained long term, which will also help to keep you apprised of the situation outside. A standby commercial generator designed for small business use can help, as it will provide power in the event of an emergency, whether you have evacuated or not. Back-up power provides for the protection of electronic data as well as maintaining land line phones and refrigeration, a particularly key element for food-related businesses. Back-up power can allow your business to remain open during a storm and requires no manual turn on or off. It can also help keep your employees secure, and safeguard your business against going under.

Corey Whelan is a freelance writer in New York. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Learn more by visiting CBS Philly's Storm Prep section