How to Protect Your Jewelry Business When the Power Goes Out

There are many reasons the power could go out at your jewelry business that don’t involve crime: high winds, a major storm, a traffic accident, a planned outage or the handiwork of a furry critter chewing on power lines included. However it happens, power outages have the potential to disrupt your business. Here are a few safety measures to implement before, during and after one happens:

Before an Outage

• Create a business continuity plan and include power outages as a potential disruption, then share the plan with your employees and update it annually.
• Invest in a backup power source such as a generator or battery.
• Prepare an emergency kit that includes flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies and other necessities. Keep it in a central location and make employees aware of its location.
• Inspect your electrical box on a regular basis and place a secure lock on the outside of it. If you suspect any tampering, report it to police and the Jewelers Security Alliance, even if the power is not cut off and no burglary occurred. Keep in mind that fire regulations vary in different jurisdictions regarding the placement of locks. If you need more guidance, contact your local fire department.
• Back up and encrypt your data to an external hard drive or the cloud. Keep copies of your records at an off-site location.
• Confirm that your burglar alarm system has operational line securityto protect your business if the power goes out or is cut intentionally.
• Update your call list so the alarm system notification can be responded to promptly by employees who will be available, including during vacations, weekend and holiday nights.
• Protect your jewelry business with a business insurance policy.

During an Outage

• Lock your doors and move as much of your inventory as possible into a locked safe or vault.
• Do not leave items in plain sight or simply cover your showcases as this signals that something valuable is being hidden.
• Arrange for Malca-Amitto transport your inventory to a safe storage location or transport your stock to the nearest bank safe if it’s safe to do.
• Call your utility company and report the outage. If you feel there is an immediate danger to you, your customers or employees, call 911.
• Turn off and disconnect business equipment and small appliances. If electronic equipment remains powered up when the power goes out, it could cause a power surge when power is restored, putting you right back in the dark.

After an Outage

• Make sure your business has adequate insurance coverage—and don’t assume you’ll be covered for any peril that threatens your business just because you have insurance.
• Determine your losses, if any, and follow the correct procedures to file a claim with your insurance company.
• Test the power first by turning on a light before fully restoring all equipment and appliances. Then, only power up after 15 minutes of confirming that power has been restored.
• Turn off your generator and safely store it.  —Jessica Thomaschefsky

Photo by Francesco Ungaro from Pexels

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