How to prepare for power, internet and telecommunications outages.
Power, internet and telecommunications often fail together. A workable response separates the immediate safety issues from the decisions required to continue trading.
Map the real operational effect
Do not stop at 'the internet is down'. Identify which activities lose payment processing, orders, customer records, building access, cloud applications, security monitoring or supplier communications. Include equipment that needs power to shut down safely.
Set clear operating thresholds
- How long can the business trade manually?
- When must refrigerated or temperature-sensitive stock be checked?
- What triggers relocation, closure or customer notification?
- Who can approve emergency purchases or alternate services?
Prepare realistic alternatives
Test mobile connectivity at the site rather than assuming a hotspot will work. Keep approved manual forms, essential phone numbers and a way to record transactions securely. Document safe shutdown and restart procedures for important equipment.
Treat planned outages as exercises
A scheduled outage is a low-risk opportunity to validate fallback arrangements, customer messages and recovery steps. Record what failed and update the plan before an unplanned interruption tests it under pressure.
Sources and further guidance
Australian guidance used in preparing this article. General information only; obtain advice for your circumstances.