As someone who has spent over a decade working in Continuity of Operations (COOP) and business resilience, people often assume my focus ends at the workplace. The reality is quite the opposite (as my wife is too aware!).
The same principles that keep organizations operating during a crisis should also be applied at home.
Recently, my wife purchased a solar-powered generator. At first glance, it may seem like just another household purchase. But from a continuity professional's perspective, it was much more than that, it was an investment in resilience. We have a sump pump, so it would seem our home was prepared... but without power the sump pump wouldn't protect the basement from water damage after all.
Power outages don't wait for a convenient time. Whether caused by severe storms, aging infrastructure, cyber incidents, or other emergencies, losing electricity can quickly disrupt daily life. A solar-powered generator provides an additional layer of preparedness, helping to keep essential devices running, maintain communications, and reduce stress during an unexpected outage.
In my profession, we talk about identifying critical functions and ensuring they continue during a disruption. Businesses protect data, establish backup communications, and develop recovery plans. Families should think the same way.
Ask yourself:
- How would your family communicate if the power went out?
- Do you have backup power for essential devices?
- Do you have food, water, medications, and emergency supplies?
- Does everyone know what to do during an emergency?
Preparedness isn't about living in fear. It's about reducing uncertainty.
Whether you're protecting a business or protecting your family, resilience begins long before an emergency occurs. The organizations that recover the fastest are those that planned ahead. The same is true for households.
I'm grateful my wife recognized the importance of being prepared. Her decision to purchase a solar-powered generator serves as a reminder that emergency preparedness isn't just a professional responsibility, it's also personal one. Solar-powered generators are new to both of us, so after we get it set up and operational I will be able to tell you more.
Continuity of operations isn't simply about keeping businesses running. It's about ensuring that the people behind those businesses: the employees, families, and communities are prepared to weather whatever challenges come their way.
Because when the unexpected happens, preparation isn't just helpful. It's invaluable.
Read more: 📘 Fast-Track COOP & Business Resilience: Build a Continuity Plan to Stay Prepared, Operational, and Crisis-Proof in Just 100 Days
- Paperback available on Amazon
- Available direct from Ingram
- 30% discount for bulk purchases (10+) please contact the publisher directly: contact@bengpublishing.com
- Jackery solar generator 1000 v2 with 200W solar panel (our choice because it has over 1,000 five star reviews... we're looking forward to getting it set up!) Affiliate link.
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