Changes

Blackouts are a loss of functionality of the [[Power grid|electrical distribution grid]], they can be very wide spread or very local.  A ''Rolling blackout'' is an intentional shedding of load by a power utility due to insufficient power generation or inadequate power transmission capability.  Regardless of the cause, a blackout can affect the population adversely.

Blackouts are a loss of functionality of the [[Power grid|electrical distribution grid]], they can be very wide spread or very local.  A ''Rolling blackout'' is an intentional shedding of load by a power utility due to insufficient power generation or inadequate power transmission capability.  Regardless of the cause, a blackout can affect the population adversely.

If a blackout lasts for more than a day or two there can be [[looter|looting]], and after a longer period of time, perhaps even[[riot|rioting]] in the [[urban decay|urban]] areas.

If a blackout lasts for more than a day or two there can be [[looter|looting]], and after a longer period of time, perhaps even[[riot]]ing in the [[urban decay|urban]] areas.

==Effects==

==Effects==

==Examples==

==Examples==

The most famous case of a blackout turning into civil unrest is the [[New York City]] Blackout of July 13-14, 1977.  Combined with widespread [[hysteria]] regarding the [[serial killer|"Son of Sam"]] serial murders and a brutal [[heat wave]], the city suffered widespread [[looting]], property [[crimes]] and [[arson]].  [[Riots|Rioting]] continued during daylight hours despite [[police]] presence, and there were 31 neighborhoods that suffered [[looting]] and [[vandalism]]. There were over 4,500 [[looter]]s arrested during the two days and 3,776 people were arrested for other charges while the NYPD suffered 550 casualties.  A total of 1,616 stores were damaged and 1,037 [[fire]]s were set for an estimated total damages of over $300 million.

The most famous case of a blackout turning into civil unrest is the [[New York City]] Blackout of July 13–14, 1977.  Combined with widespread [[hysteria]] regarding the [[serial killer|"Son of Sam"]] serial murders and a brutal [[heat wave]], the city suffered widespread [[looting]], property [[crimes]] and [[arson]].  [[Riots|Rioting]] continued during daylight hours despite [[police]] presence, and there were 31 neighborhoods that suffered [[looting]] and [[vandalism]]. There were over 4,500 [[looter]]s arrested during the two days and 3,776 people were arrested for other charges while the NYPD suffered 550 casualties.  A total of 1,616 stores were damaged and 1,037 [[fire]]s were set for an estimated total damages of over $300 million.

==Preparation & Mitigation==

==Preparation & Mitigation==

* Have a [[telephone]] line (land line via "copper wire" or [[DSL]], not [[voice over IP]]) that can be used without power, for example, a corded phone without an answering machine.

* Have a [[telephone]] line (land line via "copper wire" or [[DSL]], not [[voice over IP]]) that can be used without power, for example, a corded phone without an answering machine.

* Have enough [[flashlight]]s, [[candle]]s, [[radio]]s, [[amateur radio]], and [[battery|batteries]] for the entire family.

* Have enough [[flashlight]]s, [[candle]]s, [[radio]]s, [[amateur radio]], and [[battery|batteries]] for the entire family.

* Adding an emergency [[Generator|generators]] with [[fuel storage]].

* Adding an emergency [[generator]]s with [[fuel storage]].

* Going completely "[[off grid]]" and becoming [[self-sufficient]] through an [[Alternative energy| alternative power system]].

* Going completely "[[off grid]]" and becoming [[self-sufficient]] through an [[Alternative energy|alternative power system]].

== Historic Blackouts ==

== Historic Blackouts ==

* 1977 New York City Blackout of July 13-14, 1977

* 1977 New York City Blackout of July 13–14, 1977

==See Also==

==See also==

* [[Alternative energy]]

* [[Alternative energy]]

* [[:Category:Survivalism|Preparedness]]

* [[:Category:Survivalism|Preparedness]]

* [[Battery]]

* [[Battery]]

==External Links==

==External links==

* [http://www.deq.virginia.gov/export/sites/default/info/documents/climate/wagner_BlackOutWarning100808.pdf "The U.S. Faces Serious Risks of Brownouts or Blackouts in 2009, Study Warns"]

* [http://www.deq.virginia.gov/export/sites/default/info/documents/climate/wagner_BlackOutWarning100808.pdf "The U.S. Faces Serious Risks of Brownouts or Blackouts in 2009, Study Warns"]