TEXAS-Just When We Think We've Seen Everything!

16 February 2021, Texas

A storm brought Texas to its knees with freezing temperatures and a winter storm to (yes, sunny HOT Texas) in less than 24 hours.  

BLUF:  We are encouraged to have a year supply of these goods where possible by our Prophet and Apostles (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints).  See this link for more information.

https://providentliving.churchofjesuschrist.org/food-storage/?lang=eng

What happened remains to be completely understood but roughly went something like this:

1. Texas on own power grid.  Isn't able to get electricity from other outside providers.

2. A similar storm came 10 years before (2011), changes were suggested and some implemented, but 10 years later Texas were impacted again.

3. Pipelines froze that carried natural gas and crude oil. Ice brought down power lines.

4. Because the winter storm effected the entire state, production couldn't be shifted from one portion of Texas to another. It is what is called a "Black Swan" event.  (A rare occurrence).

5. Equipment wasn't winterized like is done in colder states and countries, because it costs $ to winterize for a rare event.  (Why would you build a flood wall around your house if you live in the desert-the chances of a torrential down our is remote and you can spend the millions of dollars on other projects more needed now).

6. Storm was underestimated.  But, it's the weather!

7. Just when the grid was experiencing problems is when the residents were increasing their demand for heating their homes, more electricity, more natural gas.

8. Solar and wind did go off line, but since it isn't widely accepted as a huge source of power, it's impact was minimal.

9. When the grid essentially went down for long or short periods of time, people were left in the dark, in the cold-no, way to heat their homes, AND long lines formed at places that sold propane, AND grocery stores had ANOTHER run on their stores (also had to discard food when power was lost for safety reasons) -i.e. food shortages (people start to over buy) AND water coming into homes needed to be boiled or water supplies were cut off all together or pipes froze (can't buy water, can't wash clothes, can't take a shower).

10. Schools stopped teaching, no internet (no electricity). Delays in getting COVID-19 vaccine due to clinics and pharmacies closed.

11. This is not a political post, but hopefully politicians learn from this....probably not a good time to abandon ones elected office to bask in Mexico's warmth, hospitality and abundance while your constituents can't buy food, can't get warm, can't get water, can't wash their cloths or take a bath, can't work, clinics and hospitals can't provide healthcare and citizens can't get information.  "I regret this has become a distraction." Flight delays (except to Mexico). Perception is reality.

From this we should learn:

1. Nobody woke up and said, "I'm going to make life miserable for everyone."

2.  No reason to point fingers, everyone has done what they thought best, including you. Allocating resources will never be perfect, but we do the best we can with the information and experience we've had.

3.  Yes, maybe a politician or so may have made some perceived poor choices, but wouldn't you do the same if you could?

With all that said, what can we do going forward so we rely more on ourselves instead of others.  Because who knows, someday, when someone is struggling, maybe you can make a difference in their life.

1.  Prepare.  Store food and water and fuel where it's legal and permitted.  How much depends on how long you want to eat or drink or stay warm.

2. Share your blessings (when possible)  to bless the lives of others.

Sources:

https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/17/how-the-texas-power-grid-failed-and-what-could-stop-it-from-happening-again.html

https://news.trust.org/item/20210219135408-fv8ak

https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2021/02/18/dfw-area-store-shelves-empty-winter-storms/

https://www.texastribune.org/2021/02/16/natural-gas-power-storm/

https://www.texastribune.org/2021/02/16/natural-gas-power-storm/

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/list-majority-of-southeast-texas-under-boil-water-order-after-severe-winter-weather/ar-BB1dJZ5X 

https://www.npr.org/2021/02/18/969151143/under-boil-water-orders-texas-water-supply-is-strained

https://www.wfaa.com/article/weather/texas-winter-storm-weather-impacts-boil-order-outages-school-closures-forecast-february-18/287-5f5b7a8a-4544-4a78-bd98-760970723a21

https://sanantonioreport.org/cold-weather-gas-stations/

https://www.statesman.com/story/news/2021/02/20/austin-searches-bottled-water-distribution-as-recovery-begins/4522646001/

https://apnews.com/article/houston-football-storms-coronavirus-pandemic-hurricanes-5fd491ed5bfd9aa0ae08426c6078539e