Tag: emergency preparedness

HOW TO PREPARE YOUR BUSINESS FOR HURRICANE SEASON

July 21, 2023

With forecasters predicting the 2022 hurricane season to be one with above-normal activity, it’s time to ensure you have prepared your business to act quickly should you find yourself in the path of a storm. With these tips, you can keep not only your team but also your business operations safe and secure, with as few disruptions as possible.

Create a plan of action and distribute it.

While you may think a few days before a hurricane hits is enough time to fully prepare, it is imperative to have a plan in place beforehand. Storms can be unpredictable and not having something outlined ahead of time only leaves you susceptible. Your plan should include how you anticipate to monitor storms and give updates to your team, how you plan to communicate and maintain continuity should you lose power and who will do what to ensure all of your important documents and information is secure. Simply having a plan is only the first step – Next, it’s important to test it to make sure everything runs smoothly and that there are no gaps in the process. Lastly, you’ll need to make sure every one of your team members has documentation of the plan should it need to be put in place.

Secure all of your important assets.

When we say all assets, we mean ALL – your people, your facilities, and of course, your data and electrical equipment. Make sure you have an up-to-date contact list of everyone on your team and any important third-party partners so that it’s easy to check in and ensure that they have all of the equipment they need to be able to work remotely if necessary. Assess your physical location to identify any areas of improvement, such as a leaky roof or window, and invest in shutters or plywood, and sandbags to mitigate potential damage. For your important equipment, unplug your computers and servers and store them in a high place. Make sure your data is properly protected, backed up and accessible remotely should your location lose power.

Stay in constant communication.

With everything in place, all that’s left is to be sure you stay on top of what’s going on in your area, communicate it as best you can with your team and your customers, and act in a fluid manner. Utilizing a VoIP cloud-based communication system is one way to integrate all of your business operations in one place. It’ll store all of your information in a cloud that’s accessible to anyone, anywhere, even if the power in your office goes down. Interested in learning more about this service, our IT management offerings or our generator installation and management capabilities? Contact us to guarantee that you are fully prepared for the unexpected.

What The Future of Work-From-Home Could Look Like After COVID-19

December 1, 2020

Gage has been preparing small to midsized business (SMB) owners on what to expect in the workplace, after the pandemic. With people working from home in droves, there is plenty of speculation as to where the modern business is headed in terms of remote staff, on-premise staff and hybrid staff. With some experts expecting the earliest vaccine to arrive sometime in 2021, most business owners are assessing their options and planning for their futures, now. As a trusted IT advisor, Gage is helping companies to map out solutions to address the new workplace reality.

The data is crystal-clear when it comes to employee sentiment about the brave, new world of work-from-home (WFH). According to the New York Times and Morning Consult, “In a survey of 1,123 remote workers…86% said they were satisfied with the current arrangements — even when that sometimes meant working from their bedrooms or closets.” Furthermore, more than half of that number, 47% reported they were “very satisfied with the current arrangements.” This isn’t a surprise because of the obvious increases in freedom, flexibility, and productivity spikes which are all natural byproducts of WFH. However, many business owners are still asking themselves questions like, “How do I effectively manage my team? How do I keep our network secure with everyone working-from-home? Which portion of my workers will need to remain in-person vs. remote? How do we foster collaboration and strengthen the company culture?”

The ‘Open Floorplan’ Concept

While the answers to those questions are still moving targets, the pandemic is forcing companies to make these decisions before their lease renews. “Unfortunately, due to health concerns, the ‘open floorplan’ concept is no longer going to be an option for most companies,” stated Jason Landry, VP of Sales of Gage. “As a result of this shift, we’ll see two major movements. First, some businesses will opt to downsize their office space and to reallocate their reduction in cost to strengthen their IT infrastructure as they go full bore into a remote workforce. For companies who double-down and reinvest in commercial real estate, their space demands will grow dramatically, because of the social distancing recommendations.”

“50/50” Offices

Some workers will return to “50/50” offices, where they’re in the-office for 3 days, but out for 2 days, or any variation thereof. Additionally, once employers learn how to take advantage of geological arbitrage, the cost savings that occur when a company budgets a San Francisco salary to hire someone with similar talent from the Midwest, at a much more affordable rate, WFH could likely expand to 4-5 days per week for most workers.

IT Demands

These shifts don’t come without complexity, though. As WFH grows into the new standard, SMBs need to consider the rigorous demands that will place on IT. “Business owners need to understand that if you have 30 employees and one main office, you now need to treat that situation like you have 31 distinct offices. Each one will require a dedicated internet network, firewall, access to private company network and of course, cybersecurity must be thoroughly considered, as well,” added Mr. Landry.

While 45% of home networks are already infected with malware, like keyloggers, a type of malware which records your keystrokes and sends your passwords back to the hacker. Historically, IT departments have never tackled the home office before because of its inherent complexity and the multiple users that utilize the network. The network is only as secure as its weakest link, and if someone’s child is playing online video games and exposing the network to potential threats, there’s a question of where to draw the line. Does the IT department block your child from playing video games? Can your teenager download apps that will make their TikTok videos more likely to “go viral”, when it could affect your company network?

Gage is leading the way and consulting with business to create a clear transition plan to whichever version of WFH suits them. “Fortunately, the technology that Gage deploys enables our customers’ employees to be just as productive at home. We work with our customers to customize solutions that support their WFH objectives,” commented Landry. To learn more about WFH or business solutions, contact Gage today.

Power Outage Tips for Small Businesses

September 16, 2020

In Louisiana, we all know that power outages are very likely because of the frequent hurricanes that take place along our coasts and shorelines. According to Agility Recovery, 70 percent of businesses or organizations will face a power outage within the next 12 months.

In today’s world, (almost) everything is reliant on electricity and many small businesses are unable to continue operating without power. If you own a business in Louisiana, you should be aware of the certain challenges your business is likely to face. Although small businesses should have a power-outage preparedness strategy in case of a power outage, we’ve put together a few tips to consider if a power outage threatens the continuity of your business.

Call Utility & Report The Power Outage

Immediately after you notice there is an outage, your utility needs to know when and where it occurred. Since the utility company owns and operates the wires that bring electricity into your business, this means they are the first people you should contact to report a power outage in your area. While a severe storm or event with widespread power interruption should be recognized on the utility provider’s monitoring system, we still advise you to report outages.

If you think you or your employees are in danger, call 911.

Use Backup Power

If your business loses power, make sure you use a standby or backup power sources for emergency power. Always read and follow all manufacturer operating instructions. Also note that you should only use these generators in well-ventilated areas. That’s because generators can be a major cause of fatal carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause loss of consciousness and even death.

If your business is interested in getting a generator professionally installed, learn more about our generators and power solutions.

Equipment Safety 101

In the event of a power outage, it is important to unplug or turn off all electrical equipment, such as computers and televisions to prevent damage from electrical surges or spikes when power is eventually restored. Your circuits could overload when power returns if all your electrical items are on. We recommend that you leave one light on to indicate that power is back on.

GAGE provides standby power solutions for your home or business. For more information on our generators and general power services, visit here today or give us a call at 225.753.4243.

4 Things that Set Cummins Generators Apart

August 9, 2018

Gage Standby Power Generator Services - Baton Rouge, LA

GAGE is proud to offer a product line like Cummins that provides efficient, fully-integrated power generation systems built for reliability in uncertain circumstances. From homes to office buildings and medical facilities, their power generation products inspire confidence and keep the lights on. What sets Cummins generators apart?

// Fuel Consumption

Cummins fuel consumption beats other competitors in the market, and their crank only exercise mode feature helps to save fuel.

// Load Management

Cummins intelligent load management system is integrated, smart, faster than competitors and economical for customers.

// Noise Levels

Cummins has designed and tested their generators for minimal noise in the Cummins Acoustical Testing Center, the largest sound testing facility in the industry, resulting in super-quiet operation, perfect for residential neighborhoods.

// Remote Monitoring

Cummins ConnectCloud is integrated into the generator at no additional cost and able to be remotely controlled and monitored from an Apple or Android app.

Gage is an Authorized Partner of Cummins Power Generation Systems. If you’re in the market for a home or commercial generator, schedule an appointment with a GAGE representative today to develop a custom solution tailored for you.

4 Reasons to Consider a Standby Generator

July 25, 2018

While many know about standby generators, there are still a lot of questions about how they work, how much they cost, and whether or not they are worth it. At the very least, power outages can be a minor inconvenience, but for many individuals and business owners alike, they can create very difficult and even dangerous situations. Besides the obvious benefit of immediate power restoration, what can backup power with a standby generator do for your home or business?

// Protect your investments

While the first thing many people think about when it comes to generators is how costly they can be, we would argue that the cost of not owning one could quickly add up to just as much if not more. With an extended power outage, your property could undergo significant damages that could result in costly remedies such as mold mitigation; and if you’re a business owner, you already know how impactful loss of business could be.

// Fuss-free upkeep

Unlike portable generators, standby generators do not operate on external fuel tanks that need to be kept full and fresh. In fact, most options will connect directly to your gas line and won’t require any work at all for you to ensure it’s always accessible and ready when you need it. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning or electrocution risks often associated with the running and maintaining a portable generator.

// Keep your home safe

The value of installing a permanent standby generator is clear – you want to ensure that your family, property, or business can remain as safe and comfortable as possible in the event of a natural disaster. Uninterrupted power will ensure that your security system continues to protect your property even during an extended power outage. And if a family member has a medical situation, a standby generator could be critical to their continued care.

// Increase your property value

Standby generators are a permanent upgrade to your home, and buyers will be sure to take note. Statistics show you will likely recoup 54% of the cost of a standby generator within a year, but in addition to this, prospective buyers will see this as a notable differentiator and added benefit that your property is already equipped to make their lives smoother in the event of a power outage.

A power outage this hurricane season does not have to put your home or business in the dark. More than anything, the right standby generator for your needs can bring you peace of mind in an otherwise difficult situation. We’re here to help you make the right decision for your business or family. Learn more about our standby generator services, or contact us for a free site evaluation for your home or business in Baton Rouge, LA and the surrounding areas.

Protect Your Pets: Before, During & After a Storm

July 6, 2018

Now that we are officially in hurricane season, there is no better time to begin preparing for the possible disruptions extreme weather can cause. You may already have the basic necessities stored away and your documents and photos easily accessible, but have you considered making preparations for your pets as well? We all love our animal companions, but during the 2017 hurricane season, countless pets were abandoned or lost in the chaos. Consider your pet’s safety as you prepare this year – before, during and after a storm.

Before the Storm:

Assemble an emergency kit in case you need to evacuate your home, just like you would for yourself and your family. In the kit, include care items such as:

Sufficient food and water for at least a week
A photo with your pet, paperwork, or any other identifying documents you may have that may serve as proof of ownership if they end up missing. If your pet is microchipped, make sure their information and tags are up-to-date.
A copy of any medical and vaccination records you have, as well as a current rabies vaccination tag
Likewise, be sure to gather any medication your pet may be on.
Create a home away from home for them: gather a sturdy yet comfortable carrier, along with some comfort items like a favorite toy or cozy blanket.
Don’t forget small care necessities, like a leash, collar or harness, and waste bags or litter box.

If you will be riding out the storm out at home, keep in mind that severe weather can lead to power outages that can last for days or even weeks at a time. You may want to consider installing a standby generator – a backup power supply that can help provide comfort and safety inside your home even if the power goes out.

Additionally, it’s a good idea to research local shelters that allow pets, and even contact them in advance about pre-registration or any special requirements for pets so you’re not left scrambling at the last minute.

During the Storm:

Keep pets away from floodwaters – do not let them play, swim or drink, as there can be harmful bacteria and toxins.
In fact, be sure to bring your pets inside before the storm begins and keep them there as long as possible.
Make sure your pets are wearing a securely-fastened collar with their most current identification information. If you need to evacuate, it’s a good idea to also include the phone number and address of your temporary shelter.
Just as you would with small children, try to remain calm, as pets can be very intuitive and sense your fear. Keeping calm will help your pets stay calm as well.

After the Storm:

Even after the storm has passed, do not let pets roam freely. Continue to keep them away from lingering floodwaters, as well as any other hazardous debris on the ground.
If your pet was lost or alone at any point during the storm, check them thoroughly for injuries, and treat any minor wounds immediately. If you are unsure, take them to a veterinarian for evaluation.
If you sustained damage to your home or the surrounding areas, your pet may be disoriented. Keep them on a leash until they are able to reorient themselves.
However, the best way to help your pet recover is to resume your normal routine as quickly as possible!

Everyone, including your pet, wants to feel as comfortable and safe as possible during the uncertain times of severe weather. Always be prepared and have peace of mind for yourself, your family, and your pets.

Source: Cummins Newsroom, June 20, 2018

Never lose power.

December 21, 2017

A power outage can cause huge financial losses for your business and major inconveniences at home… unless you’re prepared. A standby generator ensures that your power will stay on constantly — no matter what.

Business Continuity – A power blackout doesn’t have to put you in the red. Your business can go uninterrupted during inclement weather, power outages and just about anything else. Imagine what that can mean for your company. No need to worry about losing server access, halting projects, or missing out on new business. A standby generator provides redundant power that benefits both you and your clients.

Residential Peace of Mind – Even when the power goes out, life can still go on. A power outage at home could mean major financial loss. It can take away your comfort, create unsafe situations and even impact a medical situation. Protect your family and household with the reliable, continuous power of a standby generator.

Gage is an Authorized Dealer of Cummins commercial and residential standby generators, providing a permanent power solution for your home or business. Schedule an appointment with a Gage representative today to develop a custom solution tailored for you.

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