Preparing for Sandy

[Carl_NH]

Reading this reminds me at how unprepared people are. Imagine how things would be if people didnt have several days notice prior to a disaster.


Going to buy gas tomorrow? Hope your plan works out......

Bee, sorry dont know who this was pointed at but we all prepare based on experience and ability. I think we all have different methods.

I for one am getting gas tomorrow AM when I head out for a Dr appt. I ran the genny this PM and all is good, just topping off.

Most of us on TBN have a good grasp on these matters and assist others not so fortunate in our areas when this happens.

I like the idea of a TBN "support team" just showing up with a chain saw and my truck to help - just need to figure out who needs what and where to go -do we need a regional bulletin board here on TBN for this?

Carl

 

[riptides]

Bee, sorry dont know who this was pointed at but we all prepare based on experience and ability. I think we all have different methods.

I for one am getting gas tomorrow AM when I head out for a Dr appt. I ran the genny this PM and all is good, just topping off.

Most of us on TBN have a good grasp on these matters and assist others not so fortunate in our areas when this happens.

I like the idea of a TBN "support team" just showing up with a chain saw and my truck to help - just need to figure out who needs what and where to go -do we need a regional bulletin board here on TBN for this?

Carl

Since TBN is internet based, well, I'd say getting the internet working at a great percentage of TBN users is not a high priority after an event like Sandy.

A lot of cable and fiber run above ground.

Communications will be a problem for us.

 

[tmajor]

I haven't heard any hurricane Hazel references yet, but the scenario sounds familiar. Hazel reshaped the islands around here and changed the rules on what we can do with our land.

Yeah, Hazel is the storm, that I recall (1954). I was just relating it to a young friend last night. I can remember my father trying to secure the big sliding barn doors (25' x 15' or so). They were blowing straight out, like a pillow case on the line. That probably wasn't the best idea. Also, Hazel took down the big maple in the front yard, under which, I had spent countless hours, playing "farmer". I looked up the information on Hazel, she was a cat 4 storm.

 

[Dutch445]

best wishes for all in the path of this storm! i have all of my winterization stuff done,
but only due to me having bilateral hip replacement surgery last monday. i had to get
everything done that would need to be done in the next 6-8 weeks. my tractor has
been converted to blower/cab, all patio stuff put away, all other engines ran with treatment
for storage and put away.
but, there is nothing i can do for this storm, it came on after i went into the hospital and
i just got home yesterday. we are in a new home for us that does not have a generator
transfer switch like my prior home, and that house was tucked down low out of most of harm's
way in this kind of weather, so it could be interesting! i'm going to have to rely on outside help
if the power goes out, or if any damage occurs. i may even have to pack up and relocate in worst
case scenario, but we are predicted to have a couple inches of rain, and some wind, with gusts
new 50-60mph, and i'm sure there will be some local damage, but it shouldn't be crippling for us.
my thoughts are with all of you near the coast.

 

[aczlan]

Now I'm hoping to get a 10KW plus diesel generator after the event winds down and somebody realizes they don't want it. Like how I picked up my 12 K Winco PTO generator for about 1/3 price.

^This. Looking at getting a pair of 5-7 KW diesel units once things quiet back down.

Aaron Z

 

[riptides]

The winds are picking up in my area. Most of the leaves on the silver maples are down. This will be a problem for the gutters. My concern is the wind gusts and the DIRECTION of the wind. If some trees do go, I hope they go AWAY from the house.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I have two systems, your neighbor has what's called an interite. When the grid goes down so does his tie, it has to or people on poles would be getting electrocuted. Power companies do testing after systems are in to make sure they power down on grid falures. I have an intertie but I also have an off grid system that is independent of the grid so it will power my house when the grid is down. I just finished adding 12 more panels last week and this morning I put some straps on the panels just in case we get high winds.

Rob

Why cant the intertie be auto switched off line -- just by a solenoid de energizing, and leave panel output to be used on site??

 

[tmajor]

Here's a little note, which some might benefit from: Fill your bath tub with water. In case the power goes off, It will allow you to flush the toilets ... a few times.

 

[Rob-D]

He would still need batteries wouldnt he? for an off grid system.
I think if anyone needs help should post in the regional sections with the heading
"Sandy-Help needed" that way people in the area if available can help. I would also list the damage and any tools that would be helpful.

Yes, batteries are the storage energy for the system, think of it as the grid.
Rob

 

[Rob-D]

Why cant the intertie be auto switched off line -- just by a solenoid de energizing, and leave panel output to be used on site??

You could but the problem is load management. Let's say you're running just on panels into the inverter and you turn on a washing machine that draws more than the panels put out. The system would drop below the required power needed. Batteries are buffers, they can supply large amounts of power and by charging the batteries with the panels you create a reserve.
Rob