There once was a time when power outages were barely a factor in your business plan. Those days are gone. A 2014 Washington Post report showed that since 2003, blackouts due to unpredictable weather have doubled.
These grid failures can have a severe effect on your ability to make money. The hours in labor you’re likely to lose during a power outage are difficult to make up later, and then there’s the loss of critical data to consider, too.
Time spent off the grid can put you out of business, which is why more and more commercial enterprises are investing in temporary emergency power equipment. Portable and standby generators are no longer a luxury for the forward-thinking business; they’re now a crucial cornerstone of any new venture.
To understand the value of an emergency temporary power system, you need to consider how businesses get along without them, or by using them incorrectly. The short answer: badly. For a longer answer, here’s a closer look at common mistakes many businesses make during blackouts, and how you can avoid them:
1. Failing to Prepare
Blackouts occur so frequently and for such a variety of reasons that simply hoping they won’t happen to your business is not a sustainable solution. In the event of an emergency, temporary power equipment can be difficult to get hold of, and the time wasted trying to secure it could cost you money. Rather than scrambling to find the right system in the middle of a blackout, invest in the equipment you need ahead of time.
2. Choosing Inferior Equipment
The emergency temporary power system you choose needs to be tailored to the demands of your business. Choosing equipment that is either of poor quality or unsuited for the workload required to power your production line will leave you in the dark for longer than you can afford. Have a professional evaluate your needs and give you a quote that reflects how much power it will take to keep you online.
3. Using an Emergency Temporary Power System Indoors
Temporary power equipment is designed to run outdoors, as they often rely on flammable fuel sources and emit dangerous gases, like carbon monoxide, that can put your workplace and workforce at risk. Always install portable generators outside and away from windows, and make sure your employees know the risks of using it incorrectly.
4. Failing to Maintain the Machinery
A standby generator requires a regular maintenance routine to check for everyday wear and tear. Frayed cables or unnoticed fluid buildup can create a hazardous or unstable system – and recognizing the danger when you urgently need a temporary power source is too late to fix it. Assign the task of inspecting the equipment to someone you trust, and check in regularly yourself.
Where to Buy or Rent Emergency Power Equipment in San Francisco
If you’re in need of a backup power system for your home or business in San Francisco, contact Allied Rental Co. Call 415-644-5792 to learn about our product line.