Editor’s Note: Powering Communities for Future Disasters

Emergency response in modern society is not the same as it was in past generations. There is considerable discussion about natural hazards increasing in frequency and severity, and technology advancing at a pace that can be difficult to keep up with. Combining these factors, new challenges arise that require communities to be flexible and adopt new solutions for evolving scenarios and future threats. Communities must be aware of the many risks and vulnerabilities they may face, as well as the necessary tools and people to keep them powered and connected during a crisis.

For example, electric grid vulnerabilities to factors such as extreme weather and cyberthreats raise concern about possible power outages and grid failures, which can have cascading effects across jurisdictions. Coupled with new technologies and growing demand for electricity, grid outages can lead to disruptions in connectivity, communications, and critical services that support community needs during emergencies. Microgrids, alternative energy sources, and robust energy storage are just a few options that communities are exploring to ensure continuity of operations.

In this November edition of the Domestic Preparedness Journal, subject matter experts share ways in which communities can address critical infrastructure gaps and ensure connectivity during crises. Through a combination of traditional critical infrastructure, new energy sources, microgrids, batteries, etc., communities can remain powered and connected for generations to come.