What caused the massive power outage, the largest in California history?
ABC News is reporting that the grid was brought down by a lone repair technician removing a faulty piece of equipment.
How much damage did one person do?
- 5 million people in the dark;
- 2 million gallons of sewage pumped into the ocean;
- grocery stores closed;
- and the estimated cost to the economy, 118 million.
It’s sobering to think that our power system is so vulnerable, one mistake by a trained person could cause this much damage.
Who wants to trade places with that guy?
Filed under Emergency Preparedness by Terry Leverett. 
Nearly 5 million in California were affected by the recent power outage.
If you’re impacted by a blackout, there are three things to keep in mind:
(1) First, food.
Transfer any food you want to preserve to a cooler with ice or dry ice.
It’s important to do this as quickly as possible. Your refrigerator will only keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if unopened. A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours.
Throw away refrigerated food stored in temperatures above 40F for more than two hours.
A 3-day food supply is an essential basic to have on-hand during an emergency.
(2) Second, water.
Safe drinking water is essential.
Some water purification systems may not function when the power is out.
Your best option for drinking and cooking is bottled, boiled or treated water.
A great option is storing water in an IBC container in your garage. With a hose adapter, you’ve got water to drinking, cooking and bathing available.
(3) Third, electrical equipment.
Shut off and unplug any unnecessary electrical equipment.
This includes any appliances or electronics you were using when the power went out. When the power comes back on, surges or spikes can damage the equipment.
Leave at least one light on so you will know when the power comes back on.
If you use an alternative source of power, be careful.
Gasoline, propane, natural gas and charcoal-burning devices can produce deadly carbon monoxide.
Filed under Emergency Preparedness by Terry Leverett.
Are you prepared to leave your home in the next 30 minutes?
What if you were without power or water for 3 days?
Crazy questions?
Not if you lived in New Orleans, LA on August 28, 2005, or in Joplin, MO on May 22, 2011.
Being prepared in an emergency situation is not just about surviving whatever happens, it’s about living confidently today.
September is National Preparedness Month.
The purpose is to call attention to the need for emergency preparedness.
Here are three basic things we suggest you do:
(1) Meet with your family, or trusted friends in your community.
If there is an emergency, what’s your plan? What’s needed?
If you’re not at home, where will you meet?
Read and discuss a book like Dare To Prepare.
(2) Begin with the basics.
Order a 3-day food supply, enough for your immediately family.
If you have specific needs or questions, please contact customer support for personal help with your order.
(3) Find out what’s going on in your community.
Does your city or town have an emergency preparedness plan? If so, what is it?
Investing a little time now to plan and prepare can make all the difference in an emergency.
Filed under Emergency Preparedness by Terry Leverett.
