Archive For The “Electric Power Disruptions” Category

Power Generator Basics

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Power Generator Basics

Important Note:  Many portable power generators pose a serious health hazard because they emit carbon monoxide which is a odorless, tasteless gas that kills hundreds of people each year.  Never operate a generator indoors, in a garage, basement, or within 15 feet of your home.  From the Consumer Products Safety Commission:   Portable Generators Never…

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9 Steps To Be Space Weather Prepared

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9 Steps To Be Space Weather Prepared

        Before Space Weather Occurs Space weather can have an impact on our advanced technologies which has a direct impact on our daily lives. The main area of concern will most likely be our nation’s electric power grid. Northern territories are more vulnerable to these effects than areas farther south.  Generally, power…

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What is Space Weather?

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What is Space Weather?

  Space Weather The term “space weather” refers to the variable conditions on the sun and in space that can influence the performance of technology we use on Earth. Extreme space weather could potentially cause damage to critical infrastructure – especially the electric grid – highlighting the importance of being prepared.   Learn About Space…

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U.S. Power Grid Map

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U.S. Power Grid Map

  The U.S. power grid is divided into three parts: 1) Most of Texas, 2) Eastern Interconnect which is everything east, and including, Kansas, Nebraska, Oklahoma, the Dakotas and northern Texas; 3) West Interconnect which is everything west of, and including, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana.   Power is transferred from low demand regions to…

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Danger: Carbon Monoxide

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Danger: Carbon Monoxide

    Carbon Monoxide   Caution: Each year, an average of 430 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, and there are more than 20,000 visits to the emergency room with more than 4,000 hospitalizations. Carbon monoxide-related deaths are highest during colder months. These deaths are likely due to increased use of gas-powered furnaces and…

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Lights Out – Book Review

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Lights Out – Book Review

    PrepAndBeReady Book Review     Lights Out — A Cyberattack — A Nation Unprepared — Surviving the Aftermath by Ted Koppel   Veteran journalist and respected news anchor, Ted Koppel, leverages his extensive access to powerful people to interview current and former top government officials and electric industry executives to ask each of…

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What’s an EMP?

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What’s an EMP?

What’s an EMP?     EMP stands for ElectroMagnetic Pulse. EMPs are created by detonating a nuclear weapon high above the earth (200-300 miles), sending huge charges of electricity so strong that they destroy or disable most electronics devices, electrical components, power lines, and power plants, bringing a large area below the explosion to darkness…

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Power Outages

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Power Outages

Power outages (blackouts or failures) can occur for a number of reasons including severe weather and equipment malfunction or failure.  Disruption is electrical services for an extended length can not only be inconvenient but could pose dangers to life and health.  Fortunately, some infrastructure have backup power sources such as generators to keep essential services operational.  Hospitals, sewage…

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