What is the typical sequence for an emergency power outage plan for a building with life-safety systems?

• A. Maintain backup power for life-safety systems and then immediately power down the building.
• B. Only document outages as events; no action is required during outages.
• C. Maintain backup power for life-safety systems; test generators; implement manual operation procedures; notify tenants; switch to generator power; restore.
• D. Wait for utility power to return before taking any action.

Answer: (C)

The main idea is to keep life-safety systems powered and ensure a controlled, reliable transition to generator power during an outage. The sequence starts by maintaining backup power for life-safety loads, then testing the generators to confirm they start reliably and can carry the required load. After that, implement manual operation procedures so staff can run critical equipment if automatic controls aren’t functioning. Next, notify tenants so occupants are aware of the outage and safety procedures. Then switch the building to generator power to maintain essential services, and finally restore normal power when utility service returns and conditions are safe. This order protects safety, ensures a predictable response, and avoids leaving life-safety systems unpowered or unserved.