Business Toolkit : Responding : Blackouts

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Responding: Blackouts

Backup all critical files.
Unplug electrical equipment. Spikes and surges could occur as power is restored, damaging equipment.
Charge any batteries you need to run laptops, PDAs, cell phones or pagers.
Ensure backup systems are ready to go and review plans to restore affected systems.
Activate outgoing messages on your Internet or telephone system explaining to people outside of your area why they can’t get through.

Use your emergency supply kit if needed during the blackout.
Follow your emergency action plan.
Use a flashlight only for emergency lighting. Never use candles.
Unplug electrical equipment until a steady power supply returns.
Do not run a generator inside a building.
Listen to your emergency alert, radio or TV station for further information.
Leave one light turned on so you know when power is restored.
Eliminate unnecessary travel, especially by car. Traffic signals will stop working during an outage, creating traffic congestion.
Determine the extent of the outage. Check to make sure backup systems are running.
If power is restored, be certain it is steady before you plug equipment into it.