Things That Require Electricity For Our Way Of Life
I know that you know this… Our world runs on electricity. Or more accurately said, our way of life depends on the flow of electricity. Electrical power generation. There are MANY things that require electricity to maintain our way of life!
When the electricity goes out – no electrical power – a power outage – blackout — well, our way of life comes to a temporary halt. At least we hope that it’s just temporary!
There’s a weird sort of eerie exhilaration the moment the power goes out. Suddenly, things get quiet! Real quiet… You had not realized how much ambient noise “things” make around you when electricity is flowing. Background noise. Suddenly silent. It’s a strange sensation.
When the power goes out at work, following the initial realization, your first thought might be “Yippee I might get to go home early if the power stays out!”. (Depends on your occupation of course).
When the power goes out at home, one of your first thoughts might be “I hope it doesn’t last long, I’ve got a chest freezer full of meat!”. And, “I hope the generator still works!”.
When the power goes out at stores or retail establishments, you will be herded to the exits and all transactions will immediately cease.
When the power goes out, your lifestyle is in essence, placed on hold. The real world still exists around you, however the virtual world goes from full screen – immediately decaying to ‘black’. In fact, some might become terrified at that point to actually see the real world around them! (sarc)
Think about the scenarios and imagine the “things” that require electricity. There are more of these “things” that will immediately, or eventually, impact your way of life – than you might think…
Things That Require Electricity That May Impact Today’s Modern Way Of Life When The Power Goes Out
In no particular order, this is a brainstorm list of things, systems, or anything that requires electricity to function. Things that may impact you one way or another if they’re not functioning. Some immediately. Others eventually.
- Lights
- Electric Stove/Oven, including many gas stoves which require electricity
- Microwave oven
- Coffee Maker
- Toaster
- Refrigerator
- Freezer
- Electric Hot Water Heater
- Gas Hot Water Heater requiring electric ignition, thermostat
- Dishwasher
- Clothes Washing Machine
- Clothes Dryer (gas models too)
- Air Conditioning
- Furnace systems, most all require electricity to function
- HVAC systems
- Elevators
- Running Water (eventually)
- Well Pump
- Sewage Treatment systems
- Television
- Cable Box
- Satellite Box
- Streaming Internet Entertainment
- Internet Router (all internet traffic)
- Computers
- Game Consoles
- Land Line Phones? (most these days rely on digital infrastructure)
- Cell Phone (when battery goes dead)
- Cell Towers (when generator fuel runs out, though they’re priority serviced)
- Gasoline Station Pumps
- Refineries
- Nuclear Power Plants (they need the grid, though they have backup generators)
- ATM cash machines
- Banks
- Cash Registers and checkout transactions at stores
- Stores cannot be open and functional without electricity (not like the old days…)
- Traffic Lights
- Hospitals (okay until generators run out of fuel)
- Doctors Office (health, dentist, vision, etc..)
- Irrigation Systems – mass agriculture
- Battery powered hand tools (when they can’t be recharged)
- Public Transportation Systems (subways, electric trains, etc.)
- Food Distribution Warehouses (generators?)
- Trucking (lack of fuel?)
- Ports
- Distribution Systems for food and most other supplies
- Vehicle Transportation (when your existing fuel runs out)
- Electric Cars (recharge)
- Airports
- CPAP Machines (lots of people need these)
- ? (Brainstorm your thoughts below)
Electricity Has Changed Everything
Think about it. Electricity has changed everything. Most all technological advancement since then, requires and relies upon electricity to function.
Nearly 100% of our way of life requires it. Fortunately most all power outages are very temporary.
Hey, I love my electricity! But it’s kinda crazy when you think about our dependence on it as modern humans!
I posted this because it might be helpful to look at specific items such as within the list above (add your own “things” too). Maybe you can mitigate some of it. Maybe alternatives or backups. It’s just more food for thought.
[ Read: Best Butane Stove For Indoor Use – Single Gas Burner ]