Blackouts and what to do about them

Recently, I had a connection to the transformer on the main power line be zapped by lightning. It has meant that I had to get a new TV, fridge, freezer, microwave and oven as well as restock food, it has also resulted in two blackouts and a new wire needed to be put in to connect my home to the power.

All in all it has been a big pain, thankfully my insurer has been terrific as has the electricity company and electricians.

It has still taken over a month and is just about finalized.

Now this is all just in one home, how much more of a thing does it become if it is a food business which is zapped or flooded or any of the other disasters which can happen?

I didn’t have to worry about staff and what to do with them. I didn’t have to worry about loss of sales whilst the business is down. I didn’t have to worry about what to do with all the wasted food (I have a pet pig – who did very well!!!!). I didn’t have to worry about the big clean ups.

My blackouts were only a day or so at most.

If your fridges are without power for more than eight hours, the food has to be immediately cooked or dumped, for food in your freezers, you have 24 hours.

Neighbours kindly lent me equipment to keep me going and for this I am thankful, as it took the pressure off.

Business can do the same, assuming that your power is back.

Blackouts are inevitable and as food businesses, we should have a plan for what to do when they occur. It is part of the Risk Management Plan we should have. This should be reviewed every year to ensure it is current and applicable due to changes to equipment and procedures and people.

Along with a Business Plan with annual and long term goals, each business should have a Risk Assessment and a resulting Risk Management Plan.

Those that don’t  will not be able to easily react when something goes wrong and will probably miss something important.

Work out all the possible things that can go wrong and come up with a plan for what to do if they occur – include contacts and all other relevant info.

Remember lightning can strike just anywhere and it is the plan that will get your business up and running with the least hassles.