Lights Out

Alexandria Tyson

June 18, 2014

Lights Out

From 1991 to 2005 the rate of power outages has increased 124% and is still rising. Thou

San Jose doesn't experience black outs as often as East Coast or foreign countries we are still

susceptible to them because of the high possibility of earthquakes and other natural disasters. For

us living in the Silicon Valley, where we revolve around technology, it would be critical to

stores, businesses and people if we lost power.

For instance, businesses such as Safeway or Target have many items people need so, they

would be flooded with people to get essential things like water, ice, toiletries, and etc. Depending

on the readiness of the business it may not even be open due to shortages and other catastrophes.

Hospitals and other public services would likely be equipped with generators but those could

only last so long causing panic and a rush. Many small businesses would loose a lot of money

due to low demand for there products. Crime rate will likely increase due to the chaos of

the situation. Computer, radios, television, and phones will stop functioning, and modern

communication ceases for the most part. Which would make it complicated to communicate

public services and loved ones if needed. Overall this would push back the San Jose economy

and would likely call the need for assistance to make a economic recovery.

In conclusion, the city of San Jose needs to better ready itself if a long term black out

were to occur . Stores, business, and people need to be aware of the long lasting effects of a

power outage and get prepared. To do so the city must inform their citizens and have plans

in

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