San Diego Black Out – Always have gas in your tank

So, it’s a Thursday afternoon, like any other Thursday afternoon. Working on my website…a family emergency preparedness website. Yup, so I know this stuff. Next thing I know, the lights go out; computer screens go black. And I just sit there for a minute, mildly annoyed, thinking it will just be a minute and all will be up and running again. Not today.

It only took a short 15 minutes of collaborating with coworkers before everyone in our business park decided they were done for the day. Granted it was about 3:30. The streets are almost instantaneously flooded with traffic and I start to realize this is going to be a bit messy. I have a few errands to run; so I better get out of here before it gets worse. I know for sure I need to get cat food; I have two cats and have not taken the time to stop and pick up food for them. Now we are down to our last kibble. So, I must go today. Upon getting into my car I realize I have about 2 teaspoons of gas in my tank; my little red gas pump is glaring at me from the dash board. No problem. I'll swing by and get some gas after I stop at Pet People. No big deal, right?

Well, it is a big deal. Did you know gas pumps simply do not function without electricity? I had a sneaky suspicion all the way to the gas station that was the case. Now I have no option but to drive straight home or I will be stranded on the side of the road. Still caught in very slow moving traffic, it takes me almost 45 minutes to go the 10 miles back to my house. This is really a creepy feeling. It's fire season here in San Diego and they had even closed a major freeway earlier today because of a fire. So I am feeling pretty vulnerable. I need to heed the advice of preparedness experts, which I have published on my website. Always keep your gas tank at least ½ full. At least! I feel like an idiot!!!

It gets even better. It’s now Friday morning. Our power had come on at some point during the night. My husband offered to take my car to get gas. He barely made it! He was the last person able to buy gas that morning. The whole station, along with seven others in the area had to be closed. Apparently, the system was not functioning properly and had to be somewhat “re-booted” if you will. Had he not been able to get gas, our car would have been stranded until such time as they re-opened.

We take so much for granted. This was a good lesson for me. I am committed to put first things first. My family’s safety – as well as my own – deserve the time it takes to put certain emergency measures in place. Even if it means stopping for gasoline when I think I don’t have time.

Click the links below to find out what else we put on our top 10 list of things we need to do first. Visit our site for more information on how to create your own Family Emergency Plan.

1. Communication is key
2. Always have gas in your tank
3. Solar lights are awesome
4. I need a battery operated phone charger!
5. Have cash on hand
6. If you have no other food storage; have some water!
7. Don't open that refrigerator door"!
8. Have extra food for your pets!
9. Fill up those propane tanks.
10. Don’t put off ‘til tomorrow…