Washington,
D.C. - As large parts of the nation battle storms of epic proportions, local,
state and federal governments, emergency responders and businesses are moving
into emergency response mode relying on some of the most powerful and reliable
and proven technology available today.
According
to meteorologists at Weather.com, more than 100 million people could be
impacted by the current winter storm which is expected to stretch 2,100 miles
across the United States.
Allen Schaeffer, the Executive Director of the Diesel Technology Forum, issued
the following statement on diesel’s vital role in the United States’ emergency
preparedness for this storm system.
Diesel Engines Will Be Plowing, Clearing and Treating
Roads
Several
hundred people were trapped when a subway train on the A line, which goes to
JFK airport, stalled just before 1 a.m. after leaving the above-ground Aqueduct
station. With snow blocking the rail that provides power to the train, the
heating failed. It was nearly 8 a.m. by the time a diesel-powered locomotive
was able to reach the train and tow it to safety. (“Blizzard
stops East Coast in its tracks” - The Los Angeles
Times, 12/28/10)
“Diesel
power plays a critical role in protecting public health and safety during these
critical weather events,” Schaeffer said. “Because of its unique combination
of power, performance, reliability and availability, no other technology or
fuel can meet the full range of needs in responding to national weather
emergencies.
“The
Illinois and Great Lakes region is expected to get 18-24 inches of snow, and
diesel-powered salt spreaders, road graders, wheel loaders and snow plows are
working overtime to clear roadways and put down chemical treatments to keep
roads safe and from freezing.
“In
parts of the Midwest, with snow expected to accumulate 18 to 24 inches with
blowing snow and drifting possible, massive diesel snow plows will extract the
snow from roadways and the tallest drifts.
“In
the cities, mobile diesel-powered snow melting units are increasingly becoming
the technology of choice to help cities deal with a high volume of snow and
limited space. “
Diesel Generators Will Work To Keep Communications
Online
75
percent of U.S. small business owners rate a power outage as a top threat to
their business, which reinforces the crucial role of diesel as a back-up power
source.
(Backup Electrical Power
with Diesel Generators - Diesel Technology Forum)
“Communications
plays a vital role in our world today, especially with the reliance on cellular
and Smartphone technology,” Schaeffer said. “Our text messages, tweets,
emails and calls still flow through a system that requires reliable and
uninterrupted electrical power. Diesel-powered generators play an
essential role in the internet and this increasingly connected world.
Computer ‘server farms’ handle huge volumes of data for essential financial
services, ATM networks and national commerce and trading centers.
“Even
momentary losses of grid power can result not only in inconveniences, but
damaging losses of business revenue, the inability to access bank funds, and
lost worker productivity.
“At
the nation’s busiest airports, diesel power is working to keep travelers safe
both in the air and on the ground. Radar and telecommunications systems
have their own back-up power systems and the majority depends on diesel
emergency generators to restore critical electrical power during storm-related
power interruptions.”
Diesel Power Keeps Public Safety and Water Systems
Functioning
The Emergency
Management Department last weekend obtained from the Federal Emergency
Management Agency industrial-size generators . . . to provide power to water
treatment plants in the event electricity is disrupted, he said. The FEMA
generators will support generators the Emergency Management Department already
has positioned across the state, he said. (“Governor
declares state of emergency to prepare for winter storm” – The Oklahoman,
1/31/11)
“State
and local governments bear the brunt of these kinds of major weather events,
and are expected to assure the continuity of essential services in the most
challenging of conditions,” Schaeffer said. “With a deluge of snow and
rain, local governments need to make sure that public safety systems are
operational, from the 911 emergency call centers to drinking water treatment
and sewer systems. These vital services must remain fully functional
under all weather conditions, including power outages. Diesel powered pumping
systems - both portable and fixed - are in place in thousands of cities
throughout the country to prevent flooding, and to keep drinking water
treatment systems providing safe drinking water when the electrical power goes
out.
“Back
up emergency diesel generators are the technology of choice and are in place at
America’s airports and critical telecommunication centers. With a
self-contained fuel supply, these diesel-powered units aren’t vulnerable to
utility service interruptions such as the emergency shut-off of natural gas
pipelines that are common safety procedures in natural disasters.
Hospitals and Emergency Responders Need Diesel Power
During Blackouts
“Hospitals
need to have reliable and self-contained power systems in the event of loss of
grid power from ice accumulation or downed electrical wires,” Schaeffer
said.
“Emergency
responders – fire and rescue units – rely primarily on diesel power for their
response apparatus, ambulances and for powering their emergency communication
systems.
“As
the United States braces for yet another major storm event, it’s reassuring to
know that emergency diesel equipment and generators will once again be relied
upon to keep our nation functioning – from our hospitals and police stations,
to our highways and communications systems.”
ABOUT THE DIESEL TECHNOLOGY FORUM
The
Diesel Technology Forum is a non-profit national organization dedicated to
raising awareness about the importance of diesel engines, fuel and technology.
Forum members are leaders in clean diesel technology and represent the three
key elements of the modern clean-diesel system: advanced engines, vehicles and
equipment, cleaner diesel fuel and emissions-control systems. For more
information visit www.dieselforum.org.
