Power outages have surpassed the 2013 U.S. average by 30% in the last two years, according to the Department of Energy Information Administration (EIA). Severe weather storms have caused approximately 100 grid challenges annually, particularly in the Southeast, Midwest and Northeast regions over the past 6 years. According to Climate Central, the U.S. has sustained numerous weather-related disasters that resulted in: 

• 83% increase in power outages related to weather from 2000-2021
• 64% increase in power outages from 2011-2021 

All of this data points towards the importance of creating a warehouse that implements the best wayfinding practices that ensure the safety of all of the workers moving around in the dark. One way facilities can have an improved power outage evacuation plan for workers is with the use of floor marking.

Natural Disasters Uncovered Broken Grid System

The frequency in which these outages have occurred is alarming, according to Reuters. "In the past two years, power systems have collapsed in Gulf Coast hurricanes, West Coast wildfires, Midwest heat waves, and a Texas deep freeze, causing long and sometimes deadly outages."   

Most of the power grid system was built in the 1960s-70s and is at least 25 years old. Due to the interconnected nature of the grid, it can affect a large number of people simultaneously.  It has become apparent that this old grid cannot sustain the current frequency of severe weather storms. The cost of repairs has increased from 2012: 

• $160 billion a year in 2022
• 11.5% increase from 2012 
• 9.1% increase from 2021

Since most of these grids are over 30 years old, power outages can be expected. But are these power grids up to date on the latest floor marking requirements? When an outage occurs, will workers be able to follow high-visibility tape and workplace safety signs to guarantee a safe evacuation?

Be Prepared for Potential Outages with a Wayfinding Plan

An emergency evacuation can be a chaotic situation.  A documented Emergency Action Plan (EAP) will result in fewer employee injuries and less damage to the facility during emergencies. Proper floor marking can ease that disorder as well.

Consider these four tips when developing an Emergency Action Plan: 

• Conditions for evacuation: Identify when and how employees are to respond to different types of emergencies.
• Clear chain of command: Employers should designate individuals to an "evacuation team". One member per 20 employees will suffice. 
• Routes and exits: Create wayfinding maps from floor diagrams. These maps should also include exits, assembly points, and equipment needed in an emergency.
• Means for accounting for employees after evacuation: Ensure the fastest and most accurate accounting of your employees and include this with the EAP. 

While the Department of Energy works to beef up power grids, safety professionals can shore up emergency evacuation areas with glow-in-the-dark tape and signs so workers can get to safety more efficiently. Organized, clear visual communication is vital in emergency evacuations.

Light the Way with Wayfinding Resources

DuraLabel PathFinder floor marking products make it easy for workers to navigate their environment safely. Floor marking communicates essential wayfinding information to people where they need it. Deploy or upgrade your emergency evacuation signage today. Give us a call at 1-888-789-9790 and one of our safety professionals will guide you through the process.

DuraLabel offers a free Floor Marking Instant Action Guide that assists in setting up and maintaining an effective floor marking system. The guide helps employers minimize slip-and-fall injuries, keep workers safe with glowing pathways in power outages, and choose the best wayfinding method for their facility.

Need more information on how and where to apply high visibility tape and workplace safety signs? DuraLabel can help improve safety and increase efficiency in warehouses and workspaces of all sizes. Numerous colors and materials are available to meet a facility's unique needs. Get started with floor marking today using our free Floor Marking Color Chart.

Read Next:

Plan Ahead: Enhance Emergency Safety

Shine a Light on Safety: LED Floor Marking Improves Wayfinding