Our utility company has indicated that the recent ice storm was the most devastating in its 126-year history. Judging by the number of people and businesses reportedly affected across the nation, there appears to be no argument. Heck, who has time to debate; we are still without power from the grid a full week later.
That’s enough time to analyze our level of dependence on “big power” and to develop plans to deal with the next outage. Warming centers may be a solution for some folks, but for those of us who are not afforded paid time off for anything, we must keep working in spite of the elements.
No work means no money means no nothing.
Before getting into more proactive preparations – prepping, if you will – some changes in the manner in which electrical power is supplied is worthy of discussion.
Overhead power lines should be phased out, whenever possible. Certainly, in the short term, burying supply lines is a more expensive option than to run them above civilization. But, even those that are being repaired or replaced today, run the risk of failure in a similar weather event in the future. The system may have worked 126 years ago, but it has failed us today.
Trees will continue to grow and will continue to be a maintenance issue, as long as there are wires in and around them. While the present system provides secure jobs to tree trimmers and lots of overtime for restoration workers (bless them all), I’d like to see them find other work.
No, not today. In the future.
As destructive as this ice storm has been, there is a silver lining for those that use wood for fuel. I’ll not debate the merits of cleaner-burning alternatives or solar power; there’s a price to pay and trade-offs for all of them. But, wood is all around us and provides independence from “big oil” or “big power.” And, I must point out that through it all, I’ve kept a fire burning.
I’ve also learned that camping gear is not just for camping anymore. I’m not sure how Coleman fuel doesn’t go bad over the years, but my garage lanterns are burning on fuel with price stickers of less than a dollar. And, those old Coleman cook stoves can serve well in a pinch.
Generators can also mean the difference between hunkering down in relative comfort and running away. When household pets are involved, the issue is more complicated than deserting the homestead.
The incessant drone of the generator’s engine is comforting. But, I also understand the portable power is prone to failure. For that reason, I’m adding a backup generator for the backup generator.
So, take stock of your level of independence, because when disaster strikes, one lesson becomes clear: it’s too late to prepare.
Note: On the eighth day after the ice storm, power was restored.
