School Power & Lighting Checklist: Prep Your Facility For the Coming Year
- by Bryan Veldboom - updated on 8/10/2020
School administrators face a host of new challenges as they work to protect the health and safety of both their students and staff. With so much going on, it's easy to get overwhelmed, but the good news is, you don't have to go it alone. As you prepare for the new year, Batteries Plus Bulbs can help provide you with solutions to many of the issues your school is facing, both old and new.
Battery Basics & Device Maintenance
Let's start with your restrooms and kitchens. In light of COVID-19, handwashing is more important than it's ever been before. Be sure that you have an adequate supply of backup batteries for your automatic soap and paper towel dispensers, plus the sensors in your touchless faucets and toilets. You'll also want to make sure to have batteries available for any hand sanitizer stations you may setup.
Of course, cleanliness doesn't just extend to your staff and students. Make sure that you have batteries for the scrubbers or sweepers you facility uses and that they are charged up and ready to go. Will you be performing staff and student temperature checks? Remember to stock up on alkaline or coin cell batteries for your thermometers.
Speaking of devices, does your school use tablets or Chromebooks as part of your curriculum? If you have any damaged devices, we can repair them for you. Are you looking for a way of minimizing germs? Check out our assortment of WHOOSH! Screen wipes and screen cleaner.
Okay, let's talk backup power. With everything going on, it's easy to forget about your UPS units. Be sure to check that they are functioning properly and that the SLA batteries powering them are still active. Be sure to test the batteries in any generators or other backup systems you might have too. What about carbon monoxide and smoke detectors? Be sure to test them regularly and make sure you have plenty of batteries on hand for the rest of the year.
Take a Look at Your Lighting
Next, let's tackle lighting. As part of your pre-opening prep, it's a good idea to take a walk through all of the classrooms, walkways, gymnasiums and offices to make sure that all lights are working. Pay special care to the purpose each room serves. Does it have the proper lighting levels for that use? If not, we can help you with that. Also, be sure to pay special attention to any exit or emergency lighting. If you have malfunctioning lighting, we can provide you with any necessary replacement fixtures.
Now check outside. Outdoor lighting is especially important in creating a safe, secure environment for your students and staff. Make sure that you have enough exterior fixtures to light your parking lot adequately and that all lighting is bright and clear.
Many schools are looking to implement a virtual component to learning. Even if you're not planning on doing this immediately, be sure that your staff has the laptop batteries and chargers they need to teach from home if the need arises.
Consultation Options
Don't forget that we offer valuable consulting services too. Do you need someone to train your team on the proper care and maintenance of your battery systems? We can handle that. Do you need help transitioning your facility to more energy-efficient lighting, or need advice on how to set up touchless temperature check stations? No matter what your needs, our industry experts are available to help you solve them.
If you'd like an easy checklist to help walk you through what we've discussed, you can print one right here . Or, check out our touchless device page for tips on creating a hands-free environment in your school. If you need any additional assistance preparing your school for the upcoming year, remember, we're just a phone call away.