August 25, 2003—Having a backup generator, fuel to run it and some extra batteries for both cell phones and flashlights can pay off during a power outage, according to a survey conducted, August 18 by the International Facility Management Association (IFMA).
Among facility professionals surveyed in cities affected by the Aug. 14 blackout, 93 percent reported that they put their emergency plans into effect. Of those, 18 percent said their plans were initially developed in anticipation of Y2K-related power interruptions; 35 percent said their plans were developed after Sept. 11, 2001, and the remaining 47 percent said their plans were drafted before either of those events.
Seventy-eight percent of facility managers surveyed said they had and made good use of their back-up generators and Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) systems. However, some of the write-in comments indicated that it takes more than just owning a generator to save the day. Building managers also need to have a supply of fuel on hand to run generators and preventive maintenance is critical, which includes starting generators periodically to ensure they will work in an emergency.
Power outages caused by weather and other natural disasters are one of the most common emergencies faced by businesses. Having a back-up generator or UPS system can be very important to ensure the appropriate temperature is maintained in the companys data center or to maintain the phone system that is critical communication lifeline.
IFMAs survey also asked, “What was the smartest thing you did to prepare for or recover from the blackout?” and “What lesson(s) did you learn as a result of this latest blackout?” The majority of answers applauded the common sense inherent in the motto of the Boy Scouts of America: “Be Prepared.” This means having a supply of bottled water, light sticks and batteries for both flashlights and cell phones.
Another New York City-based facility professional said it was a smart idea to have materials on hand for sheltering-in-place for staff. In a Detroit facility that provides sheltered workshops for 250 mentally and physically challenged adults, having a protein-based, non-perishable food supply (granola bars) and water for medicine and drinking was critical, the facility manager reported.
In Farmingdale, N.Y., one manager reported that the company maintains a “black box” in the lobby that contains building diagrams, emergency contact sheets, a radio and flashlights.
It was also smart to disconnect all computer, servers, phone systems, printers, copiers, air conditioning systems and appliances from AC power sources in an organized, systematic way so that the surge associated with the restoration of power would not cause damage, a professional in New York City said. In Toronto, another manager reported it was wise to keep IT personnel on standby to address technical issues that arose when power was restored.
Photo-luminescent decals in stairwells and emergency lighting equipment also proved valuable, another New York City facility manager said. And, among the responses in the “lessons learned” category, many extolled the virtues of having at least one analog phone on the premises, and many reported that cellular phone service was not reliable.
Other responses showed that, even with the inconvenience caused by a loss of lights and air-conditioning, facility managers kept their cool and a sense of humor. One Toronto facility manager reported the smartest thing his team did was to go outside and hold a barbecue for essential staff.
The survey was distributed electronically to 1,100 IFMA members in affected cities in New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan and Connecticut, as well as two provinces in Canada. By Wednesday, Aug. 20, the Associations research department had counted a 13 percent response rate.
For more information, visit IFMA.
