Question Power Outages - in contract? - Virtual Assistant Forums

JoCarole · #1 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010

Just wondering if anyone has a clause in their contract concerning power outages? Sometimes power outages can go on for a long time (as seen recently on the news) with the Noreasters on the east coast. A few hours here or there may not be a big deal, but what happens if you have to close us shop for days or a few weeks? Which makes me think of something else. Do we need insurance for this type of disaster and would it even be covered by insurance carriers? Any thoughts on this?

Thanks

dognose · #2 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010

Excellent question, Jo-Carole! Responding so I can come back & read answers from those more knowledgeable than me.

PamH53 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010

Very good question. I, too, would like to know what everyone has to say about this. Living on a small island we have power outages all the time. The summer is the worst. I guess that is why we have laptops so we can pick up and go somewhere that has power when we need to get something done.

Balanced Business Service · #4 (**permalink**) 03-06-2010

Hmmmm. Never really thought about that one. Maybe something that addresses "acts of god" kind of clause would cover it? I'm not a legal professional so hopefully you'll one of legal VAs will give you a better answer.

leedrozak · #5 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010

Jo-Carole,

I have several backup systems in place in the event of such emergencies. I have an extended battery on my laptop for power outages. I also have an aircard for a backup on my DSL. I did this for travel reasons but it sure comes in hand for emergency situations too.

If we did experience a power outage that would last for an extended period of time I have made arrangements to stay with friends of relatives. Not because of my business but because in the area we are in, no power means to water or heat. I could take the no heat but not no water.

I have most of my bases covered but will be reviewing all that I have in place. There were 2 times Western PA was affected by State of Emergencies, the flooding from Ivan and this latest winter storm in February. Luckily I was not affected the way many friends and family were but it did make me rethink my overall plan of attack.

JoCarole · #6 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010

Hi Lee. I have given it some thought previously, even making up a file for Emergency Backup Office procedures.

I have a new laptop (don't have an extra battery) I did research the local places in my town that have Wifi so I would probably go there if necessary. I guess I could program my router for Wifi so I could just stay home and work. I don't have any long term plans mapped out yet. Probably go to a relative's house with my laptop. But I would need an 'air card' like you have. Have to think some more about this for sure.
Thanks for your post.

Caliber Virtual Services · #7 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010

I have a small clause in my contract as well as a battery back up in my laptop.

However, if the power outage lasts for an extended period of time, then I would call upon fellow virtual assistants, with the client's approval, to assist or take over the urgent task at hand.

I would think most clients understand acts of God and power outages beyond our control. But I can imagine if the task is time sensitive, it would be a concern.

JoCarole · #8 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010

Originally Posted by Caliber Virtual Services

I have a small clause in my contract as well as a battery back up in my laptop.

However, if the power outage lasts for an extended period of time, then I would call upon fellow virtual assistants, with the client's approval, to assist or take over the urgent task at hand.

I would think most clients understand acts of God and power outages beyond our control. But I can imagine if the task is time sensitive, it would be a concern.

Delilah, I was thinking the same thing about having a backup team available. Probably on the other coast (for me) would work. I am going to put a clause in my contract about this. We have been having such wacky weather lately. Thanks.

leedrozak · #9 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010

I think in situations such as these most clients would be understanding since we cannot control acts of God. I feel that is you have adequate "normal" procedures in place there is not much else you can do should you be affected.

I have a client in California who was affected by the latest rounds of rain and mud slides and everyone pitched in to help since she did not have phone or internet. Most of her clients were more than understanding and concerned for her well being before anything else.

JoCarole · #10 (**permalink**) 03-07-2010

Originally Posted by leedrozak

I think in situations such as these most clients would be understanding since we cannot control acts of God. I feel that is you have adequate "normal" procedures in place there is not much else you can do should you be affected.

I have a client in California who was affected by the latest rounds of rain and mud slides and everyone pitched in to help since she did not have phone or internet. Most of her clients were more than understanding and concerned for her well being before anything else.

You're right Lee, but there is always that 'one' person who doesn't care. Here's a sorrowful story.

I worked for an airline company before I became a VA. One day, one of our plane's crashed, everyone on board got killed. All the cargo (packages) were destroyed in the crash. We had to notify the shippers and the consignees. Everyone understand except for one 'woman'. She moaned and groaned about her package being lost. What can you say about someone like that?

intercovbc · #11 (**permalink**) 03-17-2010

Here is the clause from my contract.

Quote:

FORCE MAJEURE

Any failure or delay in the performance by Service Provider of its obligations hereunder shall not be a breach of this Agreement if such failure or delay arises out of or results primarily from fire, storm, flood, earthquake or other acts of God, explosions, wars, insurrections, strikes, work stoppages or slowdowns, epidemic or quarantine restrictions, or unforeseen equipment failure (the occurrence of any of the foregoing shall be an “Event of Force Majeure”)