Owning a restaurant involves significant responsibilities, including assessing risks and making backup plans in case of power outages. If you’re not adequately prepared, a blackout can paralyze your operations and affect your profit. Aside from calling for electricians and waiting for the utility company to restore service, there are steps you can take to ensure your restaurant runs smoothly even during a power failure. Here’s a closer look at why they occur and how you can prepare for them.

Why Do Power Outages Happen?

Blackouts are often caused by natural disasters—such as storms and hurricanes—that knock over power lines. However, outages may also happen in the summer when power demand is high and the electric grids become overloaded. Blackouts may also occur due to blown fuses, which can be resolved by calling skilled electricians.

What Should You Do Before, During, & After a Power Outage?

Before blackouts even happen, be sure you have a system in place for dealing with the problem. For example, print out lists of emergency hotlines and place these in accessible areas. Have flashlights, battery-powered lighting, and candles in a cabinet where employees can quickly get them. Additionally, install at least one telephone in your establishment so the staff can call an electrician; if you prefer backup cell phones, ensure these are fully charged every day.

It's also good practice to print out from the POS so you can easily access your records even when the power goes out. Consider having an emergency menu as well, with meals you can prepare without using electrical appliances. If locals are without power in their homes, they may come to you hoping for dinner.

During power outages, inform your guests about the situation. Take note of the time you lost power so that you can monitor your ingredients' condition. Dispose of all food items that have not yet reached their safe cooking temperature. Avoid opening your refrigerator so you can keep the cold air in. 

Once the power comes back, start checking your frozen stocks. Items in your walk-in refrigerator should be okay if you lost electricity for no more than two hours. Otherwise, take the temperature of your frozen food; ideally, this should be at or below 45℉. To prevent these inconveniences and limit your profit losses, consider purchasing a generator.

If you want to save your inventory and limit your profit losses during power outages, have a generator installed by the skilled electricians of the Etheridge Electric Company. For more than 45 years, this fully licensed lighting contractor has been providing a complete range of reliable electrical services in Hahira, GA, including generator sales and installations. To schedule your free estimate, send them a message on their website or call (229) 794-2148.