Emergency Power: What's Your Backup Plan?

Snowstorms don't come with a warning label, and you definitely can't predict what old man winter will bring. So with the cold winter months knocking at your door, now is the time to prepare -- with the help of Cat^® Rental Power -- for that crucial time when a snow or ice storm hits and your business is without power.

The experts at Cleveland Brothers can help you develop a contingency plan to ensure you get the equipment you need, when you need it. We'll analyze your electrical loads and deploy equipment quickly and according to plan.

Some important questions you should ask yourself about your emergency plans include:

• What would be the cost per hour for downtime? Before you make your emergency plan, calculate how much it would cost you to have downtime following a storm. Keep in mind that an estimated 25 percent of businesses do not reopen following a major disaster (Hewlett-Packard Development Company).
• What would a failure in my power system mean to my business? Think of how your business would operate without power, especially if it's a manufacturing plant, hospital or school. Days, hours or even minutes without power could be catastrophic.
• What's my location like? The closest point outside of the building to connect your generator might not be the most appropriate. There must be a secure, level, obstruction-free space available for parking the generator set outside and room for a technician to fully open its service doors. Don't forget to plan for exhaust fumes and emissions regulations, too.
• What accessories will I need? The most important accessory is the cable needed to connect generator sets to your building's electrical system. But transformers, load banks, distribution panels, outlets and more may be critical accessories to add to your plan.
• Do I have fuel to keep the generators running? During an emergency, diesel fuel supplies may be limited. Adding a fuel tank with capacity for at least 24 hours of run time to your plan is recommended.
• Is the staff knowledgeable with generators? If the location staff is not experienced with power generation equipment, you'll need to arrange for assistance from Cleveland Brothers to install and operate the generator set.

Once you've got your plan in place with Cleveland Brothers, it's important to practice its execution in advance of a real emergency. Stage a drill in which the staff and a Cleveland Brothers representative run through the play step-by-step, just as if an emergency were really happening. You'll be able to identify how long it takes from the time the power fails until your emergency power supply is online, the roles the staff will play, and the voltage from the transformer breakdown. By knowing your voltage, you'll ensuring the safety of those around the generator and will allow Cleveland Brothers to fit the generator with the correct size of connections.

Keep in mind that emergency planning isn't just for snow, ice and the winter months. Plan now for other emergencies, like hurricanes, tornadoes and floods, so your business won't be left in the dark during those most crucial times. Contact our experienced team now to get answers to any questions you may have and to start your emergency plan.

Have a question? Speak with a Energy rep today, call (866) 268-1717 or send us a message.