Blackouts and Power Loss Incident Management

Incident Management Guidelines

Power blackouts and rolling blackouts involve a disruption of electric power supply and may result from a large‐scale loss of electricity supply to an area, which in turn can result from a defect in a power station, damage to a power line or other part of distribution system, a short circuit, or the overloading of electricity systems. Blackouts are also associated with a range of natural disasters, or can be a result of infrastructure targeting by disruptive groups. Blackouts are very common in developing countries where the increase in demand for electricity exceeds the increase in electric power generation, and may result in scheduled or predictable losses of power, or periodic and unscheduled occurrences.

In the event of a power loss incident occurring, the following points should be addressed:

✓ Action Points

1. Stand up the Incident Management Team using the SAD CHALETS system. Alert the Crisis Response Team only if significant risks or additional effects are expected.
2. Turn off all appliances and utilities and turn on emergency generators (if available).
3. Determine the cause of the blackout, and evaluate the risks the cause itself might present.
4. Gather all staff and move outside, or to an area with lighting.
5. Stop work activities and reduce movements or travel.
6. Raise the alert status and security posture of the facility to the predefined planning level and mobilize security staff, closing down access control points and securing buildings if at additional risk.
7. Protect heat‐sensitive medical equipment or medicine storage facilities.
8. Alert staff outside of the facility or affected area.
9. Determine the extent and coverage of the blackout and what critical services and utilities it affects.
10. Take appropriate actions to address secondary risks or resulting casualties.
11. Provide an IMP Risk Assessment Report as soon as possible.

Key People to Call (see the IMP Communications Plan)

Group	Yes/No	Group	Yes/No
• Medical organization		• Organic QRF
• Military interface		• Crisis response team
• Embassy or consulate		• Security provider (vendor)
• Police, fire, or ambulance		• Other groups