The Risks of Power Outages in Buildings

Protecting Occupants and Property Effectively

Power outages can occur at any time, in any building, and pose significant risks to the safety of occupants and property. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), between 2014-2018, an average of 8,210 structure fires occurred annually in the US due to power outages, resulting in 30 deaths, 155 injuries, and $218 million in property damage. 

It's essential to have adequate measures in place to protect occupants and property during power outages. Power outages can occur due to various reasons, including severe weather conditions, equipment failure, and human error. When the power goes out in a building, occupants can be exposed to various risks, such as darkness, fire hazards, and trapped elevators. In addition, property damage can occur due to the failure of essential systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration systems.

One of the most significant risks during power outages is the lack of visibility, especially in large buildings with numerous occupants. The darkness can create confusion and panic, making it challenging to evacuate the building safely. To address this issue, the use of glow-in-the-dark egress safety systems and glow-in-the-dark exit signs can be effective.

Glow-in-the-Dark Egress Safety Systems
Glow-in-the-dark egress safety systems are designed to provide guidance and direction to occupants during power outages. These systems use photoluminescent materials that absorb and store light energy from artificial or natural light sources and release it in the form of a visible glow in the dark. This means that in the event of a power outage, the egress safety systems will continue to emit light, providing occupants with visible guidance and direction to exit points.

Glow-in-the-dark egress safety systems are available in various forms, including floor markings, stair nosings, handrails, and door hardware. These systems are durable, non-toxic, and require minimal maintenance. They are also cost-effective and can be easily installed in new or existing buildings.

Glow-in-the-Dark Exit Signs
Glow-in-the-dark exit signs are another essential component of an effective power outage plan. These signs are designed to guide occupants to exit points during power outages when regular exit signs may not be visible. Like egress safety systems, glow-in-the-dark exit signs use photoluminescent materials that emit light in the dark.

According to the NFPA, all exit signs must be visible and clearly marked, and the exit path must 

be illuminated to a level of at least one foot-candle (10.8 lux) at the floor level. Glow-in-the-dark exit signs can provide the necessary visibility during power outages to meet these requirements.

It's important to note that not all exit signs are created equal. In addition to the photoluminescent materials, the quality of the sign's construction can also impact its effectiveness. Therefore, it's essential to choose high-quality, code-compliant exit signs that will provide the necessary visibility during power outages.

Protect Occupants and Property
In addition to glow-in-the-dark egress safety systems and glow-in-the-dark exit signs, several other measures can be implemented to protect occupants and property during power outages. 

Emergency Power Systems
Emergency power systems, such as generators and uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), can provide backup power to essential systems, such as lighting, fire alarms, and security systems. These systems can ensure that the building remains operational and safe during a power outage. It is important to regularly test and maintain these systems to ensure they are in good working order when needed.

Emergency Lighting
Emergency lighting systems can help guide occupants to safety during a power outage. These systems are designed to provide sufficient illumination in the event of a power failure, allowing occupants to safely exit the building. 

In addition to traditional backup lighting systems, some buildings may also use photoluminescent exit signs and egress path markings. These glow-in-the-dark safety systems can provide a reliable source of illumination during a power outage and do not require electricity to operate.

Communication Systems
During a power outage, communication systems may also be affected. It is important to have backup communication systems, such as two-way radios or satellite phones, to ensure that building occupants and emergency personnel can communicate effectively. Emergency notification systems, such as mass notification systems or emergency broadcasting systems, can be used to alert occupants of the situation and provide guidance on what to do next.

Security Measures
Power outages can also compromise building security, leaving occupants and property vulnerable to theft or other crimes. It is important to have backup security systems in place, such as battery-powered security cameras or security personnel, to ensure that the building remains secure during a power outage.

Prepare Your Building
Power outages can pose significant risks to both occupants and property in buildings. From causing fires to creating dangerous conditions during emergency evacuations, power outages can have serious consequences. However, with the right planning, preparation, and technology, building owners and managers can protect their occupants and property effectively, even in the event of a power outage.

If you are looking for certified and high-quality UL-924 listed glow-in-the-dark egress and exit signage, shop the wide selection at Jessup Manufacturing.