Ensure Resilience and Swift Recovery During and After Severe Weather
With Florida’s hurricane season expected to peak in the coming weeks, businesses with electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure must prioritize safety and functionality during and after severe weather events.
These essential recommendations from our Miller EV Solutions team can help businesses prepare their EV stations and facilities to improve safety conditions and lay the groundwork for a smooth recovery process.
Develop an Emergency Response Plan
A well-structured emergency response plan is indispensable for managing EV infrastructure during a hurricane. But, mapping out your plan should start with a thorough vulnerability assessment of the existing EV infrastructure.
If you’re a Miller EV Solutions Service customer, you can be assured that our expert team is already committed to a smooth recovery plan, with dedicated support on standby.
However, if you don’t currently maintain an active service plan, it is important to identify potential weaknesses and risks in your equipment well in advance of a storm. Understanding your vulnerabilities before the severe weather strikes will guide your business in allocating energy and resources effectively.
Some considerations for your Emergency Response Plan are detailed below:
Secure your Charging Stations
If the charging stations are portable or have any loose components, ensure they are properly secured to prevent damage from high winds or flooding. Use appropriate anchoring mechanisms to keep them in place.
Backup Power
Install a backup power source, such as a generator or battery backup system, for the charging stations. This will allow them to continue operating even if the main power grid goes down during the hurricane.
Inspect and Maintain Equipment
Regularly inspect and maintain the charging stations to identify and fix any existing issues. Ensure that all electrical connections are secure and protected against moisture.
Waterproofing
Protect the charging stations from potential flooding by elevating them on platforms or using flood barriers. Additionally, apply waterproof seals and covers to all electrical components.
Communication Systems
Establish communication protocols to stay in touch with your equipment before, during and after the hurricane. Remote monitoring via your OEM or OCPP dashboard eliminates the need for on-site personnel, enhancing security and ensuring staff safety.
Your dashboard provides real-time information about the operational status of EV charging stations, allowing your business to know if they are functioning, offline, or experiencing issues during the storm.
Utilizing these systems, you can configure automated alerts and notifications via email, text message or even mobile apps to stay abreast of any equipment malfunctions. Some advanced monitoring tools even allow your business or service team to perform remote diagnostics like troubleshooting or initiating a system reset.
Evacuation Plan
Develop an evacuation plan for the charging station personnel, especially if the station is located in an area prone to severe hurricanes. Make sure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities during an evacuation.
Public Awareness
Inform EV users about the hurricane preparedness plan for the charging stations. Provide clear instructions on how they should use the stations safely during the storm and any potential shutdown procedures.
Shut Down Stations Safely
If an evacuation order is issued, shut down the charging stations in an orderly and safe manner if needed. This will prevent any potential hazards and protect the equipment.
Post-Hurricane Inspections
After the hurricane passes, reach out to our expert team so we can conduct a thorough inspection of your charging infrastructure to identify any damage or malfunctions before they become costly.
No two EV infrastructures are the same and it can be complicated to know how to keep your stations properly maintained. However, by promptly assessing the damage, your business can prioritize repairs and maintenance, facilitating a faster restoration of charging services to support your EV fleet in the post-storm period. Identifying and addressing any issues early on can prevent secondary damage that may occur if problems are left unattended and worsen over time.
Coordinate with Local Authorities
Collaborate with local emergency management authorities to ensure that the charging station preparedness plans align with the broader hurricane preparedness efforts in the area.
Our dedicated Dedicated Client Service Center is here for you.
Incorporating hurricane preparedness measures into electric vehicle infrastructure planning is paramount for businesses committed to sustainability and the promotion of clean transportation. By conducting vulnerability assessments, providing real-time status updates, enabling proactive maintenance, and establishing clear emergency response plans, businesses can mitigate damage and ensure resilience and preparedness during and after a hurricane.
Get started with Miller EV Solutions by filling out our contact form today: https://millerev.com/get-started/
