Saturday, August 20, 2016

Facts About When The Grid Goes Down

By Cynthia Wilson


The grid system features the best human technologies. However, it can still fail because of manmade or natural factors. Some people usually think about when the grid goes down and they subsequently make the right preparations. Being prepared is the key to survival. Failing to plan is a recipe for disaster. When there is no planning, a family may have to endure cold nights when there is power outage. Electric transmission systems serve society well but one should know that they could fail one day.

The supply of electricity reaches millions of homes and businesses from the transmission centers through the grid. This infrastructure also supplies natural gas. In addition, the movement of water from the pumping stations to the faucets happens through this system. Thus, it is a piece of infrastructure that serves vital roles. Its failure portends doom necessitating the need to prepare.

Failure has occurred in the past. This is the main justification for stipulating future failure. What happened in the past can happen in the future especially if the hard lessons were not learned. Human beings are prone to repeating the same mistakes over and over. Some electric transmission lines are old and worn out. They need urgent repairs. The funding towards this infrastructure is insufficient.

An asteroid from space is enough to destroy part of the electric transmission system. Bodies of mass from outer space are a big threat. They can cause weeks of black outs. No one can prevent natural factors. Hurricanes and strong gale force winds usually cause power outages. Those who live in areas that are susceptible to natural catastrophes need to make the right arrangements.

Hacking is an imminent and persistent threat. It is not only affecting banks and corporate institutions. National intelligences have been stolen through hacking. This criminal activity can also cause the destruction of the grid. The computerization of everything puts crucial infrastructure at high risk. Citizens need to be aware of these unpreventable threats and carry out the necessary emergency preparedness measures.

Surviving will be very easy if there is enough heat and light in a house. Unfortunately, most families depend on electricity as their one and only source of energy. Electricity should be the primary source but there should also be a secondary source such as propane or kerosene. A heater that uses any of these fuels will come in handy.

With prolonged power outage comes the possibility of severe food crisis. Most economies are dependent on electricity for food production and distribution. Therefore, nationwide power failure will have severe consequences. Those who are not prepared may end up dying of hunger. It is always good to have sufficient stocks of emergency foods. One should stock away dry and canned foods that will be used during emergencies.

The unexpected at times happen. Life is not always predictable. Blackouts usually happen without any warning. Grid failure is more serious than a simple blackout. It will greatly paralyze a nation and affect the daily conduct of life. The ensuing disaster will require survival skills. Those who will manage to survive are those individuals who will have the right supplies.




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