From: William Gerhard
Scipio
I often read about the vulnerability of our power grid. Assaults from clandestine countries and criminal elements threaten the system. Then there are the threats from natural sources such as storms, earthquakes, or tornadoes. As a country, we are more and more dependent on a consistent and steady supply of electricity. As our society ages, we rely on the availability of electricity to operate and recharge the medical devices necessary to maintain an independent lifestyle. When natural or unplanned disasters interrupt the flow of electricity to our home it could be and matter of life or death to some people whose lives depend on these electric devices to survive.
Now I must brag about our electric utilities here in southern Indiana. They work tirelessly to ensure safe consistent electricity throughout the area. Rarely is a disruption any more than an hour or two of inconvenience. For most households, this is not an issue.
In the event of a local or major disaster, accurate information and communication are essential. A typical household has numerous ways to communicate. We have our cellphones, radio, television and personal computers, which might be unavailable in the event of a major power outage.
Because of national standards our homes are truly safe and sound as reasonably practical. We have reasonable engineering designs for our home along with standardized regulations for wiring and plumbing. Many even have storm shelters and safe areas.
A gasoline or LP gas standby generator are what many seniors turn to for security. This is an expensive investment for this feeling of security. What I would think might be beneficial would be a small battery bank built into or added to the existing home that would stay charged by the energy flowing into the home. It should be large enough to power accessories such as lights, PCs and kitchen appliances for a day or two. This system could be supplemented with a small solar panel. Units such as this could be added to existing homes very easily and built into newer homes for just a few hundred dollars.
If a system such as this were to be added to building standards, we could save the lives of many seniors of others with medical devices. If nothing else, it gives one less thing to worry about at the time of a natural disaster.
