[TorrKing]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Shannymara', '')$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Torjus', 'U')p? Isn't the cliff supposed to start in 2012?

[Newsseeker]

From Duncan:The following study indicates that the 'cliff event' will occur about 5 years earlier than 2012 due an epidemic of 'rolling blackouts' that have already begun in the US. This 'electrical epidemic' spreads nationwide, then worldwide, and by ca. 2007 most of the blackouts are permanent.

In other words, by now we should be witnessing these blackouts which will become permanent next year. Not likely in my opinion.

[Novus]

The natural gas problem has me deeply worried about the immediate future. We are lulled into a false sense of security by the Natural Gas stockpiles across North America. Under nominal conditions demand has already outstriped supply. We have only been lucky because of the extreamly mild weather in the last year. Last winter was warm and the summer was cool which resulted in low demand for natural gas and the subsequent stockpiles. Though stockpiles have grown actual production has continued to decline. When nominal weather conditions return the stockpiles will quickly be consumed after which a perminent state of blackout will occure accross much of North America.

I think we may be spared for another year or two from such a fate because natural gas power plants can also burn kerosene (jet fuel) without a retro-fit. So if we sacrifice the airlines we might be able to put off teotwawki for another day.

[oddone]

While cruising the river Ems in Germany the cruise ship "Norwegian Pearl" broke a high power transmission line, causing a domino effect of overloaded power lines throughout Europe.
The resulting blackouts was not a power shortage problem, but reduced network capacity.
These things happens.

[Anthrobus]

to be precise, this high-voltage-powerline was shut down on purpose and in the wake of it the domino-effect set in. The new-built cruise-ship had to pass under it very closely on its way from the Yard to open sea. Another try will be undertaken this evening to shut down the same power-line and let the ship pass.

[jupiters_release]

Someone posted a .pdf file of a story on a nationwide blackout caused by solar activity of sorts that also prevented cars from starting. Can't remember the characters' names but one had a black belt grade in karate. Doomer fiction I read about 30 pages at the time, but can't find the link now. If anyone knows please repost here thanks!

[snowshoegal]

Currently found at link
Scroll down to Survivalist Fiction
Lights Out by Halffast
Chapters 1-10 pdf file
Chapters 11-20 pdf file

[Hiderow]

A short story eh, it's 600 pages long You must be a fast reader.
Anyway, here's what I think your looking for: link

[jupiters_release]

Yep a little longer than I remembered, excellent,
thanks guys!

[Ludi]

Our recent ice storm was a nice exercise in seeing how well my household did without electricity (only for about 18 hours). We did quite comfortably for this short period.

[seahorse2]

Ludi, This couple didn't fair so well during the latest power outage here (due to ice). The turned on a generator in their basement for heat, carbon monoxide fumes rose into house, and they died.
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'T')he couple died Tuesday night after carbon monoxide from a generator leached from a crawlspace into their Bella Vista home, said Tim Cook, an investigator with the Bella Vista Police Department.

[Dreamtwister]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('seahorse2', 'L')udi, This couple didn't fair so well during the latest power outage here (due to ice). The turned on a generator in their basement for heat, carbon monoxide fumes rose into house, and they died.
$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('', 'T')he couple died Tuesday night after carbon monoxide from a generator leached from a crawlspace into their Bella Vista home, said Tim Cook, an investigator with the Bella Vista Police Department.

[EnergyUnlimited]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Dreamtwister', '
')I'm going to assume that Ludi isn't stupid enough to run a gas-powered generator indoors.



Of course, I rank the necessity of this warning right next to the one on electric hair driers that say "Do not use in shower". They are ultimately damaging to the quality of the human genome.

In fact, I think I'm going to nominate these people for a 2007 Darwin Award.

[Ludi]

It might be relevant talking about the end of our way of life to mention the dangers people will face dealing with power outages. Every time there is a severe power outage of this kind, a number of people end up accidentally killing themselves with carbon monoxide, because they are not prepared for a power outage and don't take the proper steps.

But this may be off-topic, I'm not sure.

[Dreamtwister]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Gideon', 'I')'d give any major city about 24 hours without power before total chaos was achieved. It would really be a nightmare.

[PrairieMule]

In Texas, we are more likely to suffer without a/c in August than freeze in January.

One of the best discoveries I have made, is how comfortable sleeping in a Hammock is in unbearable heat. A durable $20 nylon hammock will dissapate all heat underneath. I have stayed fairly comfortable in 80-85 degree August nights at lake Texoma. Currently I have 3 large hammocks with a homemade rack that supports 500lbs to hang them from in my living room.

[Dreamtwister]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Shannymara', 'W')hat am I missing here? I'm sure there are some big, obvious things.

[DarkDawg]

We've had more and more blackouts recently. The ice storm that came through here early last week caught a lot of people by surprise. It has been a weird winter to say the least.

Question for Shannymara: Does the SunDanzer have a built-in battery or do you need to buy deep-cycle batteries separately?

During winter up here, when the lights go out for more than a few hours, we just empty the fridge into coolers and put them out on the porch until (hopefully) the power comes back on. We can also make block ice very easily in containers left outside. It would be nice to have one of those freezers available during the months when temps are above freezing.

[Dreamtwister]

I don't reccomend using aluminum to black out your windows in this scenario, and I'll explain why. Aluminum foil, even the "dull side" is reflective. Sun reflecting off of aluminum-covered windows is almost as noticeable during the day as those flashlights at night. Granted, it won't be moving and therefore won't give away your position overtly, but it may still draw in unwanted attention.

The best method is probably a combination of blackout curtains and (if possible) exterior overgrowth. This allows you to still look out when necessary without using any eye-catching foil or blatantly obvious wood panels or spraypaint, while still concealing your movements inside. Plus, you'll still be able to crack the window open a little when needed.

[Dreamtwister]

$this->bbcode_second_pass_quote('Shannymara', 'A')s we say in my gaming circles, "the nail that sticks up gets hammered down."