|
California's
Trial by Fire and Blackouts
I have been checking out many of the "experts" who try and predict what the future holds for us. Most tend to agree with the following, none of which are good for us, our property, or our computers.
1) It will be warm and dry this summer. While water rationing will not be needed by most communities, fire season may start before summer and last well into fall. We will be using fans and/or air conditioning many nights as well as all day for weeks at a time.
Remember . . .
a) To help defend your home against fire, make sure that all brush is cleared for 30' around the perimeter
b) Even if the fire does not endanger your house, all it takes is one power pole to come down and so does your system. Keep your system backed up.
c) Keep a thermometer close to any system that operates in a room without air conditioning. If the room gets above 100 (F) you might want to shut your system down and do your work later.
d) Remember, the more devices running, the more heat. Turn off any peripherals that are not needed (including the monitor when you leave the room).
2) Power will be in short supply. Springtime brought rolling blackouts and higher rates. Neither Washington nor Sacramento seem to be able to solve these problems this summer.
Remember . . .
a) Try to do your on line and recreational computer use during times when blackouts are less likely. Late nights and early mornings better then when factories and offices are competing for available power
b) Know your power block (it is on your PG&E bill) and keep track of what blocks are the next to be taken off the power grid.
c) Purchase a battery backup so that you have a few minutes to save your work and shut down your system
d) Consider solar or wind power to help keep your home (and system) running even when everyone else is shut down
3) The only thing more expensive then electricity will be gas. While the rate increases that have been approved on electrical use will hurt our budgets, nothing will hit our pocketbooks more then $3.00/gal for gas.
Remember . . .
a) If your job allows for it, try telecommuting
b) Join a car pool or take mass transit
c) Plan your trips to the store. Try to get more done with less travel.
d) Use a bike for short trips.
|
|
