The Double Disaster We Must Avoid — Blackouts During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Social isolation is one thing. We have electricity, water, and access to stores to get food and other items.

If there is a blackout, especially if it lasts a while, those things will not be available.

All sorts of bad things may happen in that case.

When the electric grid goes down and folks are stressed, all hell is unleashed.

In 1977, the people of New York City were experiencing economic stress — including from the city’s near bankruptcy — and social stress, particularly from high crime including the then-unsolved “Son of Sam” murders.


When the city had a 24-hour blackout, more than 1,600 stores were looted and damaged, more than 1,000 fires ignited and dozens of city blocks destroyed. More than 500 police officers were injured.


Today, tensions are running high due to COVID-19 (coronavirus) and related income and health concerns. Some people are ready to assault anyone who jumps in front of them to get a package of toilet paper. Many parts of America are as combustible today as New York City in 1977.


The electric grid is essential for all aspects of modern life — including hospital care, food preservation, computer operations (i.e., many people’s ability to work), and at-home medical devices for the sick, elderly and disabled.
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