[KYHAM] Re: BPL, Ham radio and the EOC

[N4AOF]

> I'm not a fan of BPL by any means, but must point out
> that the EOC you mention has serious issues if they
> don't have a plan in place to address alternate power
> sources when the propane runs low.

> For public safety
> and health service standby, diesel sets are the way to
> go, since a two people with a 4 wheel drive truck or
> even on foot can procure and transport diesel fuel
> with ease compared to the specialized methods needed
> with propane.

On the other hand, diesel generally requires power to pump the fuel out of 
an underground storage tank, unless you have arrangements to get your diesel 
directly from a wholesale distributor who has above ground tanks with a 
gravity feed capability or who keeps his delivery trucks filled.  Ordinary 
service stations very rarely have any sort of backup power (beyond at most a 
UPS to save their computer system for a short while.)  Even bringing a 
portable generator to the service station generally doesn't help because 
there won't be anywhere to hook it up -- and there won't be anyone at the 
service station during a prolonged power outage because there isn't anything 
for them to do.

Getting fuel during a power outage often means having a self-powered pump 
capable of handling fuel (not a water pump for a well) and capable of 
sufficient vertical lift to suck fuel out of an underground storage tank; 
then making arrangements with a service station owner to have someone 
present to give you access and handle the transaction.  Of course, if you 
are the government and have the pump you could just go take the fuel from a 
service station that was closed due to the power outage and worry about the 
details later.