When the grid goes out: Backup power in disaster areas

When grid power is interrupted, communications become all the more important. Whether the need is for the power company to be able to give and receive instructions, the person on the side of the road to be able to call emergency services, or the child at home to be able to check in with the parent at work, none of this can happen via a communications network without power. When a true disaster hits - a hurricane, tsunami, earthquake, etc. - the picture gets much more complicated. The hurricanes in the gulf region of the United States over the last few years have provided valuable real-world lessons in disaster preparedness, response and recovery. This paper will explore the differences in backup power options during short term interruptions and true disasters, looking at the strengths and challenges of each solution.