On September 8th, 2011, a large scale power outage cascaded from Arizona into much of Southern California, and even into parts of Mexico, and New Mexico.
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| Safety Kit for Emergencies |
Warnings of contaminated water in some parts. Warning of power surges when everything comes back on line. Warnings of food poisoning. In the end, for most it was an inconvenience and an even slower commute on the way home.
Judging by the long line outside the supermarket down the street from my house, I'm guess most weren't prepared though, or at least they assumed much worse.
The "officials" got the power on in many regions as the night went on, and I'm sure life resumed within minutes of each flip of the switch. I know I had the TV on quickly to see if the cable was affected.
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| Map of the United States at night showing the area effected by the massive Southern California black out, Sept. 2011. |
But, before we forget what exactly happened, ask yourself how could it have been better. Next time it could be an earthquake that disrupts life for 3 days to a few weeks after.
Here's what a learned, or in some cases, re-learned from personal experiences and from the stories of others:
* Keep some gas in the gas tank. Electric gas pumps are useless in a power outage. Never follow below a certain notch on the gauge. You don't have to buy or use extra gas, just buy it earlier that "E". What notch? However many gallons you need to at least get home from work, or to your "back-up family emergency meeting place". Luckily, I re-filled hours earlier or I would have been very nervous on the freeway traveling 15 miles and hour.
* Cash is King. Hide some cash somewhere you won't spend it. Debit cards aren't worth their plastic in a power outage.
* I should have bought a car charger for my cell phone. Luckily, it was "half" charged this time. Just bought one on Ebay for $4. Been meaning to for 2 years.
* Quit raiding the earthquake supplies. I was down to 7 small bottles of water in that big plastic stacking box I bought to store my supplies. Enough water this time. Miht not be enough next time.
* I need to teach my parents to text...or at least try. Cell phones were working, but over-loaded systems kept calls from going through, but text messages could. Besides, First Responders need the communications lines. I had to text my sister who would then hopefully get in touch with my parents, both outside the affected areas. Better to have texted them directly that we were "all fine."
* I started my B.O.B. - Bug-Out Bag. Have some of the pieces, now I need to put it all together. Didn't need it with the power outage. But with a fire evacuation or earthquake where you can't go back indoors, it's good to have a back pack with stuff I might need in a rushed retreat. Jeans (hate those midnight quakes), shoes (glass damage), water, power bars, glow sticks, cash, etc. What am I missing?
* Start a second B.O.B. for the car.
* More tasty non-perishable food. Lot of the stuff in my cabinet didn't look very attractive if it couldn't be re-heated.
Here are some of our past disaster preparedness and safety blogs. Please take time to read them and make some preparation. Your health and safety are our primary concern.
Maintain a defensible zone around your home
Pet micro-chipping before disasters occur
Insurance Company Emergency Response Vehicles
Should I get Earthquake Insurance?
A look back at the Wildfires of 2007
The Tornadoes of 2011
The March of Dimes & Farmers Insurance unite in wake of the Alabama Tornadoes
Getting Ready for claims after accidents and disasters
Disaster Preparedness: Resources and Websites
Preparing for disasters when space and money is limited (includes Red Cross info)
Lessons from Hurricane Irene.
Always make sure your auto, fire (home, condo, & renters), earthquake, flood, umbrella, and life insurances all properly work together to protect your home, your business, your family, your future.
The Platinum Elite Team:
Susanne Romo - Chula Vista & Kearny Mesa (license #: 0720743) - (858) 751-0956
Kevin Tuckey - Mission Valley (license #: 0B72553) - (858) 751-1357
We use an investigative and educational process to ascertain your current risk exposure and deliver to you through our 'Value Insurance Proposal' (VIP) the correct levels of coverage at the right price without compromising vital coverages. You need to protect your family and the assets you have spent a lifetime acquiring.
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