Planning for loss of utilities

Most practices have uninterrupted power supplies (UPSs) installed which are designed to protect computer servers for a short period of time in the event of a power outage.

There are a range of UPS models available on the market, all of which are designed for different purposes and power capacities. Contact your UPS’s manufacturer or speak with your IT contact to confirm your current model’s appropriateness for your practice in the event of an emergency.

UPSs need to be checked regularly as they have a limited lifespan. Consider comparing the cost of replacing your UPS battery with the cost of replacing the whole UPS. Replacing the whole UPS may be more cost effective.

Diesel or petrol generators can provide your practice with back-up power if power sources are disrupted.

Generators can be used to power lighting, vaccine refrigerators, computer systems and other appliances in specific areas. Used in conjunction with a UPS, power generators can help to ensure that power is delivered to sensitive equipment such as computers and medical equipment.

You can hire or purchase back-up power generators as part of your emergency planning process. Hiring a generator in the event of an emergency may involve an annual reservation fee to ensure that your practice is given priority during periods of significant demand. Contact your local generator supplier to find out more.

Remember that you will need a supply of fuel to operate a power generator. Where will you get fuel from and where will it be stored? Do you have a direct connector allowing your generator to access power? Some locations do, some don’t. If you are not sure whether you have one or not, an electrician will be able to help.

You may be able to access temporary, small amounts of power via:

Portable power banks or chargers
Portable chargers are small, reusable batteries that are designed to taken with you anywhere and used to charge small devices like mobile phones and tablets. Portable chargers are helpful tools, however, it is important to remember that they must be charger prior to use. You can purchase these chargers from almost all retail stores that sell electronics. 

Solar mobile phone chargers
Solar mobile phone chargers are available at most camping/outdoor adventure and electronics shops. Typically, they need access to full sunlight in order to charge and provide power.

Car chargers
Most modern cars have USB outlets (or similar) that can be used to charge small devices. If a car does not have this feature, it may have a cigarette lighter socket. A cigarette lighter adapter with a USB port can be plugged into the socket to access small amounts of power. Adapters can be purchased at almost any retail store that sells electronics.

Wind-up chargers
Wind-up chargers can be used to top up a small electronic device’s power. The operator simply needs to wind the handle provided to generate small amounts of power. These chargers will work in any conditions; however, the power they provide is minimal. Specialist electronic retailers often sell wind-up chargers, as well as some camping shops.

All facilities accessed by the public are required to have battery-powered emergency lighting to highlight exit routes. Your practice’s battery-powered emergency exit route lighting needs to be tested regularly to ensure all is in working order.

Do not rely solely on this exit route lighting to assist people in exiting the practice during an emergency. Ensure that your practice team has easy access to your emergency kit, additional torches and a supply of batteries. In addition, you may wish to invest in wind-up or solar dynamo torches which can also be used to charge mobile phones.

Your practice may experience disruptions to your water supply during and after an emergency. Water pipes may become damaged within your building, local water supplies may be affected either through loss of supply or contamination, or water supply may be completely cut off to your area.

If your practice is experiencing flooding due to damaged water pipes, a team member will need to shut off the main water supply to the practice. It is crucial that all team members know where your practice’s water main is located and how to turn it off. The location of the water main should be highlighted on your practice map.

Keep a well-stocked supply of bottled water to use in case your local water supply becomes contaminated. Bottled water can be stored in your emergency kit. Consider boiling and/or storing extra back-up water supplies.