Service Interruptions

We are not counting here but in the last 2-3 years there seems to have been an uptick in the number and severity of gas line explosions involving large natural gas feeder lines. The latest was a 36 inch main in Ohio.

While there are a number of safety features built-in to these marvelous systems to shut off the gas supply in an emergency but it doesn’t take a genius to imagine this having some terrorist target potential here. These deliver systems are usually situated in remote areas and have minimal security – but not all can be of course.  Some large pipelines are located adjacent nuclear power facilities and other metropolitan areas….and need to be.  Certain ratios of air to fuel must be met in order for any ignition to occur. 

The USA has been blessed with exceptionally massive reserves of natural gas (and coal) but our own government continues to inhibit us from accessing it.  This not only places us at a competitive disadvantage worldwide forcing us to rely on more expensive energy from foreign sources but it is also makes it an acute national security issue. Solar and wind power are just not going to take up the slack anytime in the near future.  So we remain dependent.

The country’s infrastructure has been in decline for years and getting worse in many areas making it more likely that we will experience more of these service disruptions for gas, electric, water supply or sewer.  These should be factored as well in your preparedness back up plans.  

Persons residing in some of the colder regions of the country would have to consider what they might do if such an event shut off the supply of heating fuel to their homes…..30-40 degrees below zero temperatures do not allow much time to act without a reasonable and safe backup heating plan – relocation would be required.  Most of the folks in the more remote persistent snow belts areas rely on delivered propane fuel and firewood to get them through the deluges of cold and snow.  Pretty safe bets if the equipment is maintained.  It is incumbent on anyone having these systems to be aware of how they work and the safety features involved.

Emergency alternatives sources of heat would be kerosene heaters, electric heaters, propane backup supply for your forced air furnace (available on modern furnaces) and water heaters as well as wood boilers and stoves for room heating. There are multifuel furnaces out there but not widespread use due to cost considerations. 

There may be local /state ordinances against the installation and use of some non-traditional heating equipment on a regular basis and absolute care should be observed when using any of these short term devices.  Wood stoves have been around for a very long time and it requires safe and sound installation.  All heating devices are dangerous if not used safely.  

If you are fortunate enough to own a camp or camper with propane heat and it is readily available you may find yourself relocated to your driveway for a while until the lines are repaired and service restored. That could be overnight or a few days….or longer depending on how remote the lines are, weather and if terrorists made it difficult to repair. 

The past several years has seen a considerable number of natural gas back up generator installations that are one-fuel only dependent. If you are considering a back up genset you should consider a multi-fuel model (gasoline, natural gas, propane). You can use kits to convert some of the existing higher quality models out there like Yamaha, Honda or Onan. We’ve done it and they work. You will never be able to do this in an emergency so it is something you need to consider (now) and plan for any future events.

Previous posts suggested families and business conduct “emergency drills” so you could experience what it might be like without heating fuel, power, water, sewer and other amenities most of us are accustomed to in our daily lives.

Most of us are soft and would balk at the lack of service and added hardship on our rushed overly reliant modern lifestyles.  This hopefully will spark some thought about the topic and generate some reasonable and safe alternatives for you going forward.