This taxpayer-funded document—developed after Hurricane Sandy—consolidates best practices from FEMA and industry standards like NFPA 1600 into one streamlined guide. At 170 pages, it includes:
• Planning guidance for restoring power during disasters
• Design considerations for new and existing facilities
• Operational checklists based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act model
• Lessons learned from real-world events
Professionals across healthcare, communications, and municipal infrastructure use these checklists to improve reliability and reduce risk. They’re simple, actionable, and proven to work.
The Checklists
Tables D1, D2, and D3 in FEMA P-1019 are part of Appendix D: Emergency Power System Operational Checklist and they provide structured, actionable guidance for different phases of emergency power management.
Table D-1: Pre-Emergency Planning Checklist
Focuses on what to do before a disaster or emergency occurs, including:
• Verifying generator systems (fuel quality, battery condition, exhaust systems)
• Ensuring spare parts and consumables (filters, oil, coolant) are stocked
• Confirming communication systems and emergency access plans
• Coordinating with local authorities for road access and fuel delivery during emergencies
Table D-2: Actions During the Emergency
Outlines steps to maintain operations while the event is happening, such as:
• Monitoring generator performance and fuel levels
• Managing load priorities to keep critical systems online
• Maintaining communication with emergency personnel and suppliers
• Documenting operational issues for post-event review
Table D-3: Post-Emergency Recovery Checklist
Covers what to do after the emergency to restore normal operations and prepare for the next event, including:
• Inspecting and servicing generators and electrical systems
• Replenishing fuel and consumables
• Reviewing lessons learned and updating emergency plans
• Scheduling preventive maintenance based on observed issues
These tables are widely regarded as one of the most practical and high-value resources in the document because they turn a 170-page guide into clear, actionable steps for facility managers, contractors, and emergency planners.
Why It Matters
Power outages aren’t just inconvenient—they can shut down life-saving equipment, disrupt communications, and cripple essential services. P-1019 helps you identify critical loads, avoid unnecessary connections, and plan for hazards like flooding, high winds, and fuel shortages. It’s not just theory—it’s practical guidance backed by published standards.
Get the Document
You’ve already paid for this resource through tax money—now put it to work.
• Direct Link: https://www.wbdg.org/FFC/DHS/femap1019.pdf
• FEMA.gov: Search “FEMA P-1019” (may require extra navigation)
• Google: Look for “FEMA P-1019 PDF”
Download it, review the checklists, and tailor them to your clients’ needs. This single step can elevate your role as a trusted advisor and help protect critical facilities when it matters most.
Information for this post was gathered from the presentation, “Emergency Power Systems for Critical Facilities: A Best Practices Approach to Improving Reliability (FEMA P-1019 / September 2014),” Presented by Steve Sappington at the EGSA Fall Conference, October 2025.
