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Prepare Your Property for a Major Power Outage in New York City

Between increasing severe weather events and a grid that could be improved against failure from multiple sources, the Northeast faces the strong probability of large-scale blackouts in the near future. Here’s how you can prepare your property, no matter what size it is, from a major power outage in New York City.

Consider Backup Power Alternatives

Emergency generators

Once the purview of hospitals and government buildings, backup generators are becoming more common for apartments and commercial rental properties. They’re required in New York City in certain types of buildings, such as high rises, malls, and places of assembly.

While generators are easier to install in new construction, they’re not impossible to add to older buildings. You may find a backup generator to be well worth the investment if your tenants expect it, and it can be a literal lifesaver if your building has occupants who rely on portable medical equipment.

Emergency power systems have five types of components:

• The power source itself
• Associated equipment, like inverters and automatic transfer switches
• Fuel supply (typically gas or diesel, and storage tanks or an additional gas line may be necessary)
• Controls (including remote operation and monitoring)
• Other elements (AC, exhaust fans, etc.)

There are different levels of emergency power systems used in larger buildings. The most comprehensive system powers nearly everything and comes on within 10 seconds of an outage. The intermediate level may only power certain things, like egress and fire suppression, but this also comes on automatically, usually about a minute after power loss. The third type of system is an optional stand-by system that the building’s owner or manager can activate as needed for a variety of uses, whether for human comfort, data protection, security, or communications.

The size of the generator typically depends on what you intend to power with it. You may need to prioritize power distribution. For example, it may be more important to provide heat, water, and elevator power than electricity for lights and home entertainment.

Installing a backup generator is definitely a job for the pros like Bolt Electric. If you try to do it yourself and run into a problem, it could void the warranty on the generator, which would be very costly. In most cases, NYC building code prohibits this anyway. When adding generators to older buildings, especially pre-war apartments, professionals look at several factors:

• The amount of power needed to be generated based on factors described above
• How long the generator is expected to provide power
• The existing electrical anatomy and how current the panel and wiring are
• The space available for the generator and related equipment (basement, boiler room, garage, rooftop, or exterior space near a transformer — generators can be noisy)
• The property owner’s budget
• Any pertinent laws regarding generator use

We typically work as part of a team involving an architect, electrical engineer, and general contractor.

Make Sure Emergency Lighting and Signage Are Ready

City regulations

Many commercial and residential rental properties in New York City have strict requirements about emergency lighting and signage, not only for winter storm power outages but for fires and other situations. It’s essential that you make sure your emergency system is working properly and to make any necessary changes before faced with a real emergency. For most property owners, that means testing every 30 days for 30 seconds, plus an annual 90-minute test.

Your emergency lighting and signage must:

• Illuminate hallways, corridors, stairways, lobbies, and other public spaces
• Show occupants via arrows and signs how to find their way out of the building safely
• Not have any gaps in coverage along the egress path
• Be bright enough to be seen in dark conditions, including smoke
• Be located properly in all spaces in order to be easily read without any ambiguity
• Be the right color, height, and font
• Meet fire resistance standards
• Have a battery and/or backup power supply to stay illuminated during an emergency

If you’re not sure if your emergency system meets city requirements, or if your system has failed a test, Bolt Electric is happy to come by and consult with you. We can fix any problems to pass your next test and, more importantly, make sure your tenants have the proper assistance they need in an emergency.

Have a Protocol in Place for Plumbing and Burst Pipes

Insulation and education

Pipes can freeze and eventually burst if the power goes out during a cold snap. Therefore, it’s important to know how to reduce the likelihood of a plumbing disaster, whether you own a single-family home, duplex, or apartment building.

First, you can take a proactive approach by insulating vulnerable pipes and cold areas of your property. Which pipes are most likely to freeze?

• Pipes that have frozen or burst before
• Plumbing along cold, shaded, or windy walls
• Pipes in the least insulated areas of the property, such as crawlspaces, attics, and the like
• Pipes where you or tenants notice evaporation, frost, or leaks
• Conduits with signs of previous freezing damage, like cracks or loose fittings
• Pipes that supply dishwashers and clothes washers, which tend to run to the exterior of the property

If the temperature drops and there is no heat in the building, open all the taps a little bit to let water drizzle and hopefully prevent full freezing. You can also open under-sink cabinets to let any warmer air from the room warm pipes.

Have an emergency protocol ready in case the above measures don’t work. Know how to shut off the main water supply, and have the number for a licensed master plumber handy. Make sure your power is turned off at the electrical panel so if electricity comes back on, no one will be at risk of shock. Plan for how to minimize water damage to floors and furniture.

Help Tenants Prepare for Emergencies

Staying warm and more

Your tenants will appreciate it if you also adopt a proactive stance toward their emergency preparedness. Help them learn how to conserve inside heat by using window coverings and not opening windows for air. Closing doors to rooms they don’t use will reduce drafts, too.

Every tenant should have a few flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for electrical outages. These are safer than using candles. Emergency power packs are relatively inexpensive and can keep phones and laptops charged when outlets don’t work. There are also small generators meant for indoors that can be charged in advance to power a few table lamps or a mini-fridge.

Make sure tenants understand the risks of carbon monoxide poisoning, which kills hundreds every winter, especially during power outages. Under no circumstances should occupants use outdoor grills to cook inside or try to heat their apartments using a gas stove.

Tenants should know emergency exit routes in case the building needs to be evacuated. Check in with tenants who may need extra help and protection, particularly seniors or those with young children or disabilities. Ensure they have adequate food, blankets, and flashlights and can reach you if they need help.

If you want to discuss adding an emergency generator to your property or need help with your emergency lighting and signage, Bolt Electric welcomes the opportunity to assist you. Call us at 212-434-0098 or use our online form to schedule an appointment. Don’t wait until you have a power emergency! Reach out today.