What to Do in a Power Outage: A Property Manager’s Comprehensive Guide
Power outages can occur in various forms – from planned outages due to switchgear maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and electrical replacements to unplanned outages, which have been on the rise in recent times. In 2023, California experienced a staggering 3,683 blackouts, marking an 80% increase from the previous year, and impacting 7 million customers, which is a 204% increase from the previous year. This emphasizes the importance of being prepared for power disruptions. Here’s your comprehensive guide to managing power outages effectively:
1. Safety First
Safety is the top priority during a power outage. Ensure the safety of all occupants in your building:
- Elevator Use: Remind everyone not to use elevators during a power outage, as they may get stuck. Provide guidance on the use of stairwells and evacuation procedures if necessary.
2. Contact the Utility Company
The first step is to determine the extent of the outage. Is it localized to your building, or is it a broader outage in the area? Contact the utility company or local power provider to report the outage and obtain an estimated time for power restoration.
3. Inform Tenants and Occupants
Quick and clear communication is crucial. Notify tenants and building occupants about the power outage as soon as possible. Use phone calls, email, text messages, or any other communication channels available to you.
4. Provide Information
Keep tenants updated on the situation:
- Outage Duration: Share the estimated duration of the outage.
- Safety Precautions: Provide information on safety precautions tenants should take.
- Emergency Contacts: Supply contact information for any emergency or maintenance personnel who can assist them.
5. Emergency Lighting
Ensure that emergency lighting is functional in common areas, stairwells, and exit routes. Emergency lighting is crucial for the safety of occupants during a power outage.
6. Backup Power Systems
If your building has backup power systems like generators or uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), ensure they are operational. Regular testing and maintenance are essential to avoid issues during power outages.
7. Address Tenant Concerns
Be responsive to tenant concerns and inquiries. Provide assistance and information as needed. If tenants have critical equipment that requires power (e.g., medical devices), consider offering alternative accommodation if possible.
8. Document the Outage
Keep records of the outage, including:
- When it started.
- Communication with utility providers.
- Any actions taken.
9. Monitor Security
Ensure that building security systems, such as access control and surveillance cameras, continue to operate if possible. If not, consider increasing security patrols or taking other measures to maintain safety.
10. Plan for Extended Outages
If the power outage is expected to be prolonged, consider making arrangements for tenants:
- Temporary Services: Provide temporary lighting, heating, or cooling, especially if the outage occurs during extreme weather conditions.
11. Collaborate with Emergency Services
If necessary, collaborate with local emergency services and authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of occupants.
12. Communication During Restoration
Keep tenants informed about the progress of power restoration and any developments. Once power is restored, confirm that all building systems are functioning properly.
13. Post-Outage Review
After the power is restored, conduct a post-outage review to identify any weaknesses in your preparedness and response plan. Use this information to improve your procedures for future power outages.
In conclusion, managing power outages as a property manager requires a well-thought-out plan for both planned and unplanned outages. Safety, communication, and proactive inspections are key elements to minimize disruptions and keep tenants safe during these challenging times.
To learn more please reach out to Nicole Schuck at [email protected]
Nicole Schuck is a Senior Real Estate Manager at Intersection, providing management services across the company portfolio. For real estate services inquiries, please contact Nicole at [email protected]