2003 Blackout Revisited - Are we ready for the next blackout?

The Blackout of NYC, much of the United States, and parts of Canada took place on August 14, 2003. I was working at a downtown Manhattan law firm at the time and thankfully lived near the office. Given that I worked in IT, I stayed late to try to see what contingencies we could undertake. I went home to try to take a brief shower and then back in early the next day.



Unfortunately, the power grid still needs to be upgraded and more secure, particularly if an EMP - Electormagnetic Pulse attack from a rogue state or non-state actors. A US government commission was convened.

There is also the risk of a natural solar flare. "On July 23, 2012, a massive, and potentially damaging, solar superstorm (solar flare, coronal mass ejection, solar EMP) barely missed Earth, according to NASA.[4][5] There is an estimated 12% chance of a similar event occurring between 2012 and 2022.[4]" (I'll post that link in the comments.)



Dr. Gary Null discusses solar flares with expert Matthew Stein. 

To get prepared for a future blackout, please visit Mr. Stein's website. The government still lags far behind Mr. Stein's efforts.

Sources

http://nypost.com/2003/08/?post_type=cover


http://www.empcommission.org/

 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_flare

http://thegarynullshow.podbean.com/e/the-gary-null-show-preparedness-for-solar-storm-with-matthew-stein-071514/

http://whentechfails.com/