Preparedness Vs. Recovery

Houston is no stranger to disaster. Over a century of documented devastating storms. Large Scale Civil Preparedness is mandated. Raising Galveston Island and building the Seawall. Building Extensive Flood Control New Counter Flow for Evacuation Mandated Backup Power for all Utility Water

Systems, Hospitals, Fuel Depots, General Business Preparedness: Rarely mandated and

usually opt for recovery due to lack of knowledge and fear of

initial cost.

The processes and procedures that are carefully planned for and carried out by a business to ensure that essential functions continue to operate during and after a disaster.

There are many facets involved in developing a sound Business Continuity Plan. This allows a company to protect itself and guarantee itself, its employees and its assets the best chance of continued operations.

None of the plans succeed without immediate minimum short term power, soon followed by extended full scale power, when required.

There are different degrees and combinations of both. Minimum Preparedness 1. Using a UPS battery backup system to save data. 2. Installing a Quick Connect Docking Panel for a portable

rollup generator. Minimum Recovery 1. Using a small gas generator and extension cords to keep

essential items running.

Maximum Preparedness 1. Install a full sized backup generator with capabilities to tie

in another backup and have the ability to be regularly load tested.

Maximum Recovery 1. Rent a full size portable generator, if you can find one. 2. Hire an electrical contractor, if you can find one. 3. Have the utility company come and unhook the utility

power, good luck with that. 4. Fuel and maintain the generator. 5. When utility power is back on, call back the electrical

contractor and the utility company, patiently wait for both.

Varying degrees of Preparedness and Recovery: This allows a business to be prepared, yet have the option

to make a decision on the degree of recovery required based on the situation.

1. Install a full size Quick Connect Docking Panel and

Cables: A. Pre-rent a portable generator during storm seasons. B. Purchase a portable generator and have it stored,

maintained, deployed and fueled when needed. 2. Install a minimum sized backup generator with a full

sized Quick Connect Docking Panel: A. Pre-rent a portable generator during storm seasons. B. Purchase a portable generator and have it stored,

maintained, deployed and fueled when needed.

Quick Connect Docking Panels

Sometimes called Generator Tab Boxes, they utilize the industry standard cam-lok connectors which are color coded to guarantee safe and correct connections.

Allows for a portable generator to be safely and quickly tied into an existing building without the need to notify the utility company or an electrical contractor, unless you prefer to.

Range in sizes from 50A to 5000A. Can utilize a buildings existing switches when pared with

Trapped Key Safety Interlocks. Can have integral manual or automatic transfer switches.

Inexpensive means of adding a generator cam-lok connection, 100A to 800A, onto a building’s existing utility disconnect.

Utilizes a Castell Trapped Key Safety Interlock System which has two locks, one for the existing disconnect and the other on the access door of the Quick Connect Cabinet.

The key can either be used to access utility power or the portable generator power, but never both at the same time.

Allow for both cam-lok and hardwire connection of a portable generator, or load bank, from 200A to 1600A.

Can be remotely attached to a building for more convenient tie in.

Tamper resistant while in use. Standard Phase Rotation Monitor Can utilized the Castell Trapped Key Safety

Interlock System. Can serve as the service entrance rated

utility main breaker and/or integral manual or automatic transfer switch.

Typically used for larger amperage requirements or for multi-purpose applications.

Range in size from 400A to 5000A. Modular design allows for everything

from a simple generator connection to a multifunction unit for load banking, paralleling, load shedding and/or service tie breaks.

Utilizes, trapped keys, manual or automatic switching, and utility main breakers.

Modular design allows for safer and more manageable installation and future expansion.

Minimum preparedness is better that maximum recovery. When you’re prepared, you are not at the mercy of the

companies who thrive on solely recovery based businesses.

Upfront well planned preparation cost money, but far less than last minute emergency recovery items.

The cost of losing business income, customers, and product is staggering when compared to the cost of being prepared.

Don’t let your lack or fear of electrical knowledge keep you from being prepared for the inevitable loss of power and your business continuity….Have a plan and ask for help, it’s free!!