[bennelson]

Just a reminder that this thread is about "preparing for temporary lapses of the infrastructure".

Discussing Coal vs. Nuclear vs. Renewables, etc. and their long-term effects, and the end of the world as we know it is a GREAT topic, important to our times, and well worth debating…. in a different thread.


As an exercise, thinking about how to deal well with a temporary lapse of infrastructure has lots of benefits. BESIDES making sure you are ready for the next short blackout, it does help a person think about where their energy comes from and conserving energy in general.

For example, many people who are interested in a whole house solar system first do an energy audit, and realize how much heat and electricity can be saved simply by changing light bulbs and adding some weather-stripping. In an emergency, their now-more-efficient-than-before house will be easier to run from a smaller generator or solar setup, or have a longer use on the same amount of fuel.

It also does get people to "think outside the box". There's lots of people who aren't doomsday-preppers, but would like to be prepared for the basics when there is limited infrastructure. Events like a small blackout get lots of people interested in renewable energy, DIY electronics, and general self-sufficiency.