“That small switch began a series of events that cascaded throughout the power grid.” Just as true in life. Small things, whether good or bad, can have a cascading effect on our lives. Just as some people became desperate, and others took adversity by the horns, how we handle life’s disruptions can make all the difference. Thank you Tara, for a lesson on life
Tara, I honestly do not remember this blackout, mostly I guess because I didn't experience it first hand. However, by your description of it, I certainly would remember it, had I been there.
America's power grid is still as vulnerable as it was in the Northeast in 1965. It is antiquated and as you said, one event could cascade into a huge blackout. Thank you Tara for this scary reminder of how dependent we are on the systems.
I agree about the grid still being vulnerable, but It is probably more so now than then. The switches are older unless there is some replacement schedule, and the transformers are older and there is no replacement schedule for those. Replace them when they fail. With no spares because of the wide variety used and long lead times for building custom transformers there will be many long dark nights.
Todays grid is more vulnerable than ever. Attempts by our government to take control of the grid by taking on unreliable and expensive sources of energy is the equivalent of shooting ourselves in the foot. Rolling blackouts are common features of what is supposed to be a technically advanced society. Mandates to electrify everything is putting a strain on the grid that will produce more blackouts and harm National Security. We our not only vulnerable to our enemies but to our own govt and their energy policies as well.
The event should be remembered! Our utter dependence upon machinery is a concern that we need to realize. It causes a great dependency on the government which in turn uses it to control us.
Thank you for this reminder. I was a young girl in PA. I forgot my mom and dad were concerned, making sure we had home canned food, and alternate lighting.
So so true, we are especially more dependent on our power grid today than 57 years ago, as an alternative citizens have access to backup generators to insure a level of comfort during outages. This too is bing threatened due to micro-minority groups who are willing to take this redundant power source in times of emergency.
When one thinks how reliant we all have become, remove this luxury and wide spread disaster is sure to occur.
Great article, Tara. Not only about how much of our lives are dependent upon machinery, but also, and more importantly to me, the innate human trait(for the vast majority of us)to unite as one group dedicated to ecking out the best we have to offer for the benefit of others. I saw this among my peers in my tank unit I served with when times became tense. And a classic example was portrayed in the movie “Das Boot.” Where a u-boat crew united to do what they could to survive. I dearly love this in we humans. Great article, Tara.
What would it be like today if such a thing happened--to return us to 1910 America? People would have to close down their day early, go to bed since they couldn't see to do otherwise. How long would the sewers work with the pump systems down?!? Hmmm...
This is a precursor to what is about to happen nationwide. I fully expect that the Chinese and middle eastern military aged, physically fit males, who crossed our southern borders this year will attack our power plants and water supplies. Estimates of the number range from 7000 to 10000 of them. They are likely planning to strike during the dead of winter. Only this time there won't be the kind of spirit among our dumbed down population to rise to the occasion. Millions will die in the ensuing riots and starvation. My God grant that I am wrong.
Cannot imagine what that power grid failure would be like today. Lots of emergency generators exist but still most of us would be in the dark come sundown. Thanks Tara for this lesson. It was uplifting overall.
I was only 14 years old living in California. I remember the story but it had no affect on my life that I can remember. Age and location can have remarkable impacts on one’s life. On 9/11/2001 I was 50 years old, still living in California but this event had a great impact on my life that I will never forget.
Definitely should be a reminder of what can happen when we loose power....not long ago the Texas power grid went down at the worst time dead of winter! Thank you Tara 😊
“That small switch began a series of events that cascaded throughout the power grid.” Just as true in life. Small things, whether good or bad, can have a cascading effect on our lives. Just as some people became desperate, and others took adversity by the horns, how we handle life’s disruptions can make all the difference. Thank you Tara, for a lesson on life
Excellent comment, Jim.
Tara, I honestly do not remember this blackout, mostly I guess because I didn't experience it first hand. However, by your description of it, I certainly would remember it, had I been there.
America's power grid is still as vulnerable as it was in the Northeast in 1965. It is antiquated and as you said, one event could cascade into a huge blackout. Thank you Tara for this scary reminder of how dependent we are on the systems.
I agree about the grid still being vulnerable, but It is probably more so now than then. The switches are older unless there is some replacement schedule, and the transformers are older and there is no replacement schedule for those. Replace them when they fail. With no spares because of the wide variety used and long lead times for building custom transformers there will be many long dark nights.
My sentiments exactly!
Todays grid is more vulnerable than ever. Attempts by our government to take control of the grid by taking on unreliable and expensive sources of energy is the equivalent of shooting ourselves in the foot. Rolling blackouts are common features of what is supposed to be a technically advanced society. Mandates to electrify everything is putting a strain on the grid that will produce more blackouts and harm National Security. We our not only vulnerable to our enemies but to our own govt and their energy policies as well.
Sadly this is all true. 😔
The event should be remembered! Our utter dependence upon machinery is a concern that we need to realize. It causes a great dependency on the government which in turn uses it to control us.
Thank you for this reminder. I was a young girl in PA. I forgot my mom and dad were concerned, making sure we had home canned food, and alternate lighting.
So so true, we are especially more dependent on our power grid today than 57 years ago, as an alternative citizens have access to backup generators to insure a level of comfort during outages. This too is bing threatened due to micro-minority groups who are willing to take this redundant power source in times of emergency.
When one thinks how reliant we all have become, remove this luxury and wide spread disaster is sure to occur.
I will not mention transportation but I did.
Thank you Tara
I lived that little piece of history. Now I feel old!
I barely remember this occorance. Thank you for the remainder, and of the resilience and willingness of complete strangers to help each other.
Great article, Tara. Not only about how much of our lives are dependent upon machinery, but also, and more importantly to me, the innate human trait(for the vast majority of us)to unite as one group dedicated to ecking out the best we have to offer for the benefit of others. I saw this among my peers in my tank unit I served with when times became tense. And a classic example was portrayed in the movie “Das Boot.” Where a u-boat crew united to do what they could to survive. I dearly love this in we humans. Great article, Tara.
What would it be like today if such a thing happened--to return us to 1910 America? People would have to close down their day early, go to bed since they couldn't see to do otherwise. How long would the sewers work with the pump systems down?!? Hmmm...
This is a precursor to what is about to happen nationwide. I fully expect that the Chinese and middle eastern military aged, physically fit males, who crossed our southern borders this year will attack our power plants and water supplies. Estimates of the number range from 7000 to 10000 of them. They are likely planning to strike during the dead of winter. Only this time there won't be the kind of spirit among our dumbed down population to rise to the occasion. Millions will die in the ensuing riots and starvation. My God grant that I am wrong.
Thank you, Tara.
Cannot imagine what that power grid failure would be like today. Lots of emergency generators exist but still most of us would be in the dark come sundown. Thanks Tara for this lesson. It was uplifting overall.
I was only 14 years old living in California. I remember the story but it had no affect on my life that I can remember. Age and location can have remarkable impacts on one’s life. On 9/11/2001 I was 50 years old, still living in California but this event had a great impact on my life that I will never forget.
God Bless America.
❤️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Definitely should be a reminder of what can happen when we loose power....not long ago the Texas power grid went down at the worst time dead of winter! Thank you Tara 😊
Never knew about the black out! Thanks for the information.