How Much Are We Trusting in ModernTechnology?

What might happen in an electrical power failure? Could it happen?

It did happen in August 2003!

The blackout of August 2003 that affected parts of the northeast , midwest and Canada gave a look into how much we depend on modern conveniences, like electrical power, cellphones, gas stations, ATM cards, and more.

Call home?

Cell phones malfunctioned. Circuits were overloaded with sudden increased calls. People lined up, ten deep, at pay phones as ordinary phone service was mostly unaffected. Some emergency generators failed leaving 9-1-1 calls out of service for several periods of time. Some amateur radio operators passed emergency information as long as the batteries worked. Some television and radio stations remained mostly on air with backup generators, while some were off for hours.

Trapped?

Stalled elevators left people trapped in Manhattan high-rise offices and apartments. In a different area, 140 miners spent hours underground. A 200 foot rollercoaster stopped while loaded with guests. Wider power outages were triggered by people, that still had electric power, turning on fans and air conditioners, in the sweltering August heat. Even so, some were treated with the symptoms of heat stroke.

Transportation?

Some gas stations were unable to pump gas without electric power. Transport trucks were held up. Some gas stations, that still had power, raised prices. Roads were jammed with traffic and pedestrians. Many traffic lights were out. Some people, confused and in a panic, drove on until their cars ran out of gas on the road. Many of those stranded slept in parks and on steps of buildings. Trains shut down. Regional airports closed because of problems in screening "electronic ticket"" information. Many oil refineries shut down and were slow to restart. Subway and commuter rail cars became trapped between stations. People walked, on foot, for hours into the evening and night streets, highways, bridges and tunnels. News helicopters avoided unlit downtown areas.

A drink of water?

Water supplies were disrupted with no electric power. Other areas, that still had water, were advised to boil water for safe drinking! Some cities had sewage spills into rivers. Basements were flooded with sewage water. Electric pumps were unable to pump.

Television news stations, that were still operating, gave viewers a new look at some modern technology.

Sources:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_Blackout_of_2003
www.themorningnews.org/.../of.../when_the_lights_went_out.php (narratives)