Ongoing Motivation – The Emerging Threat of EMP’s

We have mentioned here before the threat of EMP devices, electromagnetic pulse devices, to the power grid, and really to most things electronic.  We have heard various scenarios of how it would immediately place us back in the “dark ages” before electricity and ones of where we would just lose a good majority of the powered devices we rely on, with possibly a few older vehicles and the sort surviving.  It seems someone in Washington is now interested in the matter…

The Reality of the Threats We Face

I just came across this scary little piece linked below this morning.  It is extremely good motivation for being prepared and self-reliant.  I imagine the scenario will affect people in different manners depending on the densityof their location and their proximity to “nerve centers” in the country but secondary and tertiary effects would spread rapidly to the remaining populace.  It is what the Military Times is calling 5GW, or fifth generation warfare, and it’s coming to a metropolis near you…

More Motivation – Electricity Grid in U.S. Penetrated By Spies

I had to put this front and center as more motivation for going off grid.  Chinese and Russians have and are attempting to map our electrical  infrastructure.  That should be enough to throw up a flag for you…

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123914805204099085.html

Electrical ‘Smart Grid’ Not Yet Smart Enough to Block Hackers

President Obama’s plans to accelerate the development of an electrical “smart grid” could leave the nation’s power supply dangerously vulnerable to attacks by computer hackers, security analysts are warning.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,511648,00.html

Hmmm, sounds like the same “smart grid” I was complaining about with a twist.  I have worked for 6+ years in Internet and Computer Security and if you think this is far fetched, think again…

No Power Until Mid-February

The Kentucky and Arkansas area were nailed again with ice storms.  A friend of mine is a lineman and went up there last time they were hit with icestorms and helped to restore power.  Estimates are that many people may be without power until possibly mid-February.  Be very, very clear on this, this has nothing to do with the power company and just about everything to do with the nature of providing people power.

Orlando Rate Increases and One Reduction

The newspaper brought bad tidings again, although all thanks to God it doesn’t affect us this time.  We rely on SECO, Sumter Electric Coop.  OUC, Orlando Utilities Commission, just approved a 13.7 percent rate hike on their customers.  Reportedly it didn’t go quietly into the night…