How to Prepare Your Facility for an Electrical Emergency

Posted by Gillespie Electric, Inc. on Saturday, March 15, 2025

Electrical emergencies don’t send a calendar invite—they strike without warning. Whether it’s a power outage from a spring storm or a tripped breaker in the middle of a production run, being unprepared can cost your business time, money, and safety. As commercial and industrial electrical experts, we’ve seen firsthand how a little planning goes a long way. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get your facility ready for the unexpected, from backup generators to staff know-how.

Step 1: Assess Your Power Needs

Start by identifying what must stay online during an outage. For a warehouse, that might be refrigeration units or security systems; for an office, it could be computers and HVAC. Walk through your facility and list critical equipment, then calculate their combined wattage. This tells you how big a backup power solution you’ll need. Don’t guess—overloading a system during an emergency can fry equipment or worse.

Pro Tip: An electrician can perform a load analysis to pinpoint your exact needs. It’s the foundation of any solid emergency plan.

Step 2: Invest in a Reliable Backup Generator

A backup generator is your facility’s lifeline when the grid goes down. Choose one that matches your power assessment—too small, and it won’t keep up; too big, and you’re wasting fuel. For industrial sites, consider diesel or natural gas models with automatic transfer switches that kick in within seconds of an outage. For smaller commercial spaces, portable units might suffice.

Maintenance Check: Test your generator monthly and keep fuel fresh. A dead battery or stale diesel can turn your backup into a paperweight.
Placement: Install it in a ventilated, weatherproof spot away from flood zones.

Step 3: Inspect and Upgrade Emergency Lighting

Emergency lighting isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a legal requirement under OSHA and fire codes. Check that all exit signs and backup lights are functional, with batteries charged and bulbs bright. Test them by cutting power to see if they stay on for at least 90 minutes (the typical standard).

Quick Fix: Replace flickering fluorescents with LED emergency lights—they’re more reliable and energy-efficient.
Coverage: Ensure pathways, stairwells, and workstations are lit. A dark facility is a liability.

Step 4: Train Your Staff on Basics

Your team doesn’t need to be electricians, but they should know the drill. Hold a 30-minute training session covering:

Where the main breaker panel is and who’s authorized to touch it (hint: probably not them).
How to report an issue—sparks, burning smells, or flickering lights—without delay.
Where flashlights or portable lanterns are stored for immediate use.

Role-play a mock outage once a year. It’s like a fire drill but for power. Knowledgeable staff can prevent panic and keep things safe until help arrives.

Step 5: Schedule a Professional Electrical Audit

DIY prep is great, but nothing beats a trained eye. Hire a licensed electrician to inspect your wiring, panels, and surge protection. Old or overloaded systems are ticking time bombs in an emergency. An audit catches weak spots—like undersized circuits or outdated fuses—before they fail you.

Spring Bonus: With summer demand around the corner, Spring is the perfect time to upgrade for heavier AC or equipment loads.

Step 6: Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

Post a list of key phone numbers somewhere visible: your utility provider, your electrician, and your generator service tech. Digital copies are fine, but a laminated sheet near the breaker room works when electrical devices are dead. Speed matters when the power’s out.

Be Ready Before the Lights Go Out

Electrical emergencies test your preparation, not your luck. By following these steps—assessing needs, securing a generator, checking lights, training staff, and getting a pro audit—you’ll minimize downtime and keep your facility safe. At Gillespie Electric, we’ve helped businesses across the Mid-Atlantic region bounce back fast with our 24/7 emergency services. Need a hand building your plan? We’re just a call away, day or night.

Categories: Industrial Electric | Electrical Safety | Commerical Electric

Tagged: Industrial Electric, Commercial Electric, Electrical Efficiency, Commercial Lighting, Industrial Lighting, Electrical Contractor, Electrical Safety, General Safety, Emergency Preparedness, Electrical Audit, Emergency Lighting