Preparing for Wildfires and Power Outages
As we've learned the past few years, Oregon is experiencing longer and more intense wildfire seasons than ever before. Businesses need to be prepared for potential wildfire and weather-related events as well as the power outages they may cause. In an effort to help our members be more prepared for Public Safety Power Shutoffs, we've curated a list of helpful information and resources that provide preventative steps to help minimize disruption.
Steps You Can Take:
Preventative
Training / operations
Re-opening when power is returned
Management
Steps You Can Take:
Preventative
- Make sure all emergency exit signs and lighting are operable in the case of power outage
- Keep a crash box in case power goes out without notice. Include flashlights, batteries, carbon paper receipts to hand write credit cards.
- Make sure the POS System is plugged into a battery back-up so you can print receipts.
- Include any emergency procedures or checklists in printed form inside of the crash box in the event you do not have access to computer files.
Training / operations
- Communicate with staff on a plan of action. Example: If a power outage is unplanned and non-emergency will you continue to serve guests who are seated? Your exhaust hood systems will go off and you need to turn off fryers and gas cooking equipment, but flat top grills may still be hot enough to finish a few orders if lighting allows and it fits into your plan of action.
- Are there any breakers or power switches that need to be turned off if you are closing for the day? If power resumes and you are not there you want to make sure that cook tops, hot plates, and equipment that could cause damage of fire do not turn back on.
- Make sure pilot lights on gas equipment remain lit.
- Refrigeration. Get perishable products into refrigeration that has the best chance/plan for holding temperature (consider using a generator or dry ice if possible). Get product secured and keep units closed.
Re-opening when power is returned
- Did your credit cards (from any transactions on day of power outage) process? Does your POS System automatically run end of day and restart upon power returning?
- Have a system for temperature checks and discarding food.
- If you have used dry ice to help maintain temperatures in walk-ins make sure staff understands that dry ice produces carbon dioxide and will need to be vented off before entering walk-ins.
Management
- Communicate with vendors. Incoming deliveries may be coming from an area unaffected by power outages and vendors may be unaware of your closure.
- Communicate with your insurance provider. In the case of extended outages are you covered for business interruption or loss of product?
