Power Outage: Is Your Property Prepared to Handle A Prolonged Outage?

On March 21, 2025, a power outage caused Europe's busiest airport, Heathrow, to shut down. Flights were delayed, operations were disrupted, and travelers faced chaos as they scrambled to find alternate transportation or lodging. This event serves as a reminder of the fragility of our power infrastructure and the need for property managers and property owners to be prepared for prolonged outages.

The Lessons Learned from Major Blackouts

In 2003, one of the most significant power outages in North America occurred, affecting parts of the United States and Canada. The blackout shut down major cities like New York and Toronto, leaving millions of people without electricity for up to four days. Businesses closed early, public transportation halted, and some hotels had no choice but to turn guests away due to lack of power. This event highlighted how crucial it is for property managers and owners to have a reliable plan in place for emergencies.

The big question remains: have we learned from these incidents? While some improvements have been made, such as the widespread installation of backup generators in commercial and residential properties, many buildings are still unprepared for a power outage lasting several days. A well-prepared property is not only better equipped to maintain daily operations but also provides tenants with peace of mind, knowing their safety and comfort are being prioritized.

Why Power Outage Preparedness is Critical for Property Managers

For property managers, especially those overseeing multi-family residential buildings or commercial properties, preparation for power outages is critical. Here’s why:

1. Risk Management & Liability – Property managers have a duty of care to tenants and residents. Prolonged power outages can lead to security risks, fire hazards, elevator failures, and even legal liability if residents suffer harm due to lack of preparation.
2. Tenant Trust & Retention – A well-prepared property signals strong management and builds tenant confidence. In high-demand rental markets, preparedness can be a selling point when marketing properties.
3. Regulatory Compliance & Building Codes – Many municipalities have minimum requirements for emergency power. Property managers should be aware of compliance measures and consider exceeding them for better resilience.
4. Financial Impact & Operational Continuity – Power outages can halt operations in commercial spaces, causing business disruptions and potential financial losses. Having a backup plan mitigates revenue loss for tenants and property owners alike.
5. Sustainability & Emerging Technology – With the rise of solar-powered battery storage and energy-efficient systems, property managers should explore long-term solutions beyond traditional diesel generators.

This topic is timely, as extreme weather events, grid failures, and cyberattacks on energy infrastructure are becoming more frequent. Property managers who take proactive steps in power outage preparedness will be seen as forward-thinking leaders in the industry.

How Can Property Managers Be Prepared for Major Power Outages?

For property managers, especially those overseeing multi-family residential buildings or commercial properties, preparation for power outages is critical. Here’s a closer look at what you can do to ensure your property is ready for a prolonged power outage.

1. Invest in High-Capacity Backup Generators

Modern buildings should be equipped with backup power systems that exceed the basic requirements set by local building codes. Typically, bylaws stipulate that generators should maintain emergency lighting, fire alarms, and elevators in case of a power failure. However, many property managers overlook critical aspects like common areas and parking garages, which should also be included in the backup power plan.

Newer building models may come with generators that exceed these regulations, providing more hours of power supply and better coverage. However, it is essential to determine if your building’s generator can handle the power needs of all the necessary areas, from hallways to parking lots. For example, in a residential high-rise, you might need a generator that can power elevators, stairwell lighting, emergency exit systems, and even basic utilities like water pumps.

Tip: Ensure that your generator capacity aligns with the size and number of tenants your building serves. Also, make sure the generator covers common areas like hallways, elevators, lobbies, and stairwells, as well as parking garages. Consider reducing lighting in non-essential areas, but never compromise on safety.

2. Regularly Maintain Your Generator and Fuel Supply

A generator is only as reliable as its maintenance routine. Regular inspections are vital to ensure your backup power system is operational when you need it most. Make sure to run your generator weekly or monthly as part of your preventative maintenance routine to identify any potential issues before they become major problems.

Moreover, maintaining an adequate fuel supply is critical. Generators consume fuel during an outage, and the cost of refilling can quickly add up. Property managers must establish a system with their gas or fuel suppliers to ensure that fuel delivery will continue even during widespread outages. Work with a reliable fuel provider or emergency logistics company to guarantee that you won’t run out of fuel in the midst of an outage.

Tip: Create a contingency plan for fuel supply. Know who to contact in the event of an emergency, and work with fuel vendors to set up a backup supply agreement.

3. Emergency Lighting and Systems

Emergency lighting is an absolute necessity for any property that could experience a power outage. In a building with multiple floors, power outages can cause dangerous situations, particularly in stairwells, corridors, or underground parking garages. Ensure that your building has an automatic backup lighting system that activates when power fails. This should include exit signs, hallways, stairwells, and all critical areas.

Also, check whether your building’s fire safety systems, such as alarms, smoke detectors, and emergency evacuation lighting, are on a separate power source to ensure they continue to operate during a blackout. These systems are crucial for the safety of tenants and guests and can help prevent accidents in the event of a fire or emergency evacuation.

4. Tenant Communication and Safety Plans

Communication is key during any emergency, and a prolonged power outage is no exception. It’s essential to have a clear communication strategy in place to update tenants on the status of the outage, what to expect, and any actions they should take to stay safe.

Having a communication plan that includes email, text alerts, and even a phone tree can ensure that all tenants are kept in the loop. Additionally, make sure tenants are aware of where emergency supplies, such as water, flashlights, and first aid kits, are stored in case of prolonged outages.

Tip: Provide tenants with a list of essential contacts, such as local emergency services, your property management office, and fuel or power providers. Post this information in common areas to ensure tenants can quickly access it during an outage.

The Bottom Line: Safety and Trust

A well-prepared property not only protects tenants but also builds trust. By taking proactive steps to prepare for a prolonged power outage, property managers can demonstrate their commitment to tenant safety and well-being. This proactive approach can enhance tenant satisfaction, reduce risks, and minimize potential financial losses due to property damage or disruptions in service.

 Sources and References:

1. U.S. Department of Energy – Power Outages: Causes and Impacts https://www.energy.gov/eere/slsc/maps/power-outages
2. National Fire Protection Association – Backup Power Systems in Residential Buildings https://www.nfpa.org/
3. Property Manager Insider – How to Prepare Your Property for a Power Outage https://www.propertymanagerinsider.com