Grid Down - What If?

Started by RadioRay, September 07, 2013, 01:18:38 PM

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RadioRay

Some 'experts' tell us that 'this could never happen'.  or 'the government would never let that happen' (I would add - "to themselves...")  yet SOME people think that a general loss of electrical infrastructure, caused by any number of events and activities is entirely possible.  It's food for thought.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/17/us/as-worries-over-the-power-grid-rise-a-drill-will-simulate-a-knockout-blow.html?pagewanted=all&_r=2&

But don't worry - when that happen we'll all just use our cell phones...  as one 'survival expert' tells his followers. 



de RadioRay ..._ ._
"When we cannot do the good we would, we must be ready to do the good we can."  ~ Matthew Henry

gil

I think it is not only possible but likely. The solar storm of 1859 if we had one today would send us back to that time.. Nuclear explosions would do the same, though we would have other problems than no electricity then. By the way has any of you guys seen the movie "The Road" (2009)? A sobering film, but the closest to what it would be like.. What is overdue is the hardening of the entire grid system, and education of the public on how to protect electronics, especially means of communications.

Gil.

KK0G

Actually if we had another solar storm like 1859, we'd be far worse off now than we were then. Back in 1859 we had very little technology for a storm to effect, today the world is completely reliant on modern technology and practically no one save a few rare individuals knows how to survive in an 1859 technology world.

This is why I'm so heavily biased towards extremely low current draw rigs. In a world where you must create every single electron by yourself they become a very precious commodity that you definitely don't want to waste.
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin

KK0G

RadioRay

Interestingly enough, as I sit here in a doctor's office, what infomercial is on their TV? It's about home generator systems. Naturally, they fail to mention what being the only house with lights might cause and how to deal with it. However, considering their accents, this is targeted for the post-Sandy crowd.

Kismet?

KK0G - you are so right about electrical use ASSUMES high power on demand. As soon as it is no longer available, minimal current consumption becomes very important for those who must supply their own power.

De RadioRay
"When we cannot do the good we would, we must be ready to do the good we can."  ~ Matthew Henry

Joe

Reading this it reminds me it is time for another pre winter no electricity drill. I kill the power to the house and we go at least 24 hours without it. Its a good basic test for water, food, comms and back up power without the use of a generator. It helps to show weak spots.


Geek

Quote from: RadioRay on September 07, 2013, 02:43:42 PM
Interestingly enough, as I sit here in a doctor's office, what infomercial is on their TV? It's about home generator systems. Naturally, they fail to mention what being the only house with lights might cause and how to deal with it. However, considering their accents, this is targeted for the post-Sandy crowd.

Kismet?

KK0G - you are so right about electrical use ASSUMES high power on demand. As soon as it is no longer available, minimal current consumption becomes very important for those who must supply their own power.

De RadioRay

I was the only house on my block with a generator during Sandy.  I think it would be a fine thing if people considered putting in generators as a result of Sandy.  Unfortunately, that does not appear to be happening.

I also happen to think that another hurricane is a lot more likely than an entire grid down scenario.


KK0G


Quote from: Joe on September 07, 2013, 04:07:42 PM
Reading this it reminds me it is time for another pre winter no electricity drill. I kill the power to the house and we go at least 24 hours without it. Its a good basic test for water, food, comms and back up power without the use of a generator. It helps to show weak spots.

That's a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety" - Benjamin Franklin

KK0G

Quietguy

Quote from: Geek on September 07, 2013, 04:59:54 PMI was the only house on my block with a generator during Sandy.
That reminds me of something an Internet friend who lives in Florida said a couple of years ago.  He was doing some work around his house and had his super quiet little Yamaha generator sitting in his driveway.  The little old lady next door saw it and asked what it was.  When he told her she said "oh good, my husband needs power for his breathing machine and now I know where to go if we lose electricity."  He just bit his tongue and let it go.  Her husband solved the problem by dieing before the next hurricane and my friend followed up by moving to a new house... where he is a lot more careful about what he leaves visible in his driveway.

Wally

RadioRay

#8
There are those people who only want a good life from the fruits of their own labor. There are others who only want a GREAT life from the fruits of your labor.

Yeah - oh, when 'it' happens we're all coming to YOUR house!  I have a better idea, your Ferrari, the red Corvette, and cable TV - put that into preps. By next year, you'll be so well prepared that you can return to your fantasy world, with all the fun toys ( I Like toys too)   AND be much more prepared, having something to offer to a group of preppers.

The trouble with socialism is that sooner or later, you run out of other people's money.

>de RadioRay ..._ ._

"When we cannot do the good we would, we must be ready to do the good we can."  ~ Matthew Henry

gil

Quotemy husband needs power for his breathing machine and now I know where to go if we lose electricity.

Geez! And I thought: "To the store to buy one?" But no, that's not what she meant  ::)

I am just going to get a bigger solar panel some time; mine is only 7W. Not that I would need much electricity anyway.. I am healthy enough to give up on AC and what's in the fridge would be eaten first. I certainly wouldn't burn electricity to run a bunch of lights! Now, a decent gel-cell battery and a small inverter would certainly be useful, if not just to use my laptop for sending emails.. I would mostly listen to short wave broadcasts and try to contact some of you guys and maybe locals on 2m/70cm...

Now, I open my mouth a bit too much sometimes with the regulars at the coffee shop, and once a guy told me: "Gil, if anything goes wrong around here we'll all come to your house!" I said: "That's great, just bring your own food..." I keep my mouth shut now.. It's better to have a group, say a dozen people, but better choose them carefully...

Gil.