Power Out Downtown!

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Filed in News
July 15, 2008

I wish I could've told you earlier, but, well, the power was out, and well because we kept being told by BC Hydro that it was only going to be a couple of more hours. So, we waited. The smart ones went and bought candles while restaurants scrambled to salvage their food. And while it may not have been as unifying and magical an experience as the great 2003 Blackout, we came together nonetheless, in the dark, sharing reconnaissance of open coffee shops (Bambo has power!) and rescuing those of us wholly dependent on fobs to get into our buildings. The only sliver of light for those residents without power is this fitting irony: BC Hydro's main office is out of electricity too!

Of course the question always has to be asked in these situations; what we do in a real emergency? Are we prepared and all that bullshit. I don't even have a flashlight (or a fucking can opener for that matter). So since I had the day off today I went to the drugstore and stalked up on bandages and distilled water. Because if we can't even tell 1/5th of downtown what is going on, then how are going to communicate with millions if there is an earthquake? And what about these keyless remote entry systems? Can emergency crews get inside when the power is off? We freak out when there is a wind storm for crying out loud...

Condo Ark: Emergency kits and blog
Neighbourhood Emergency Preparedness Program
Emergency Preparedness Task Force.

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The funny thing is, last year at around this time we were all in a panic because we were worried that one of the turbines would blow. Sounds like that is exactly what happened (though, the investigation has not been completed).

It is great that Vancouver hides these substations in buildings and underground but I think it is time Hydro stepped up and made sure we have a backup system in place just in case this happens again.

Posted by: Ryan at July 15, 2008 2:28 PM | Quote Comment

Aside from the block where the generator blew.. are police blocking the streets at all during the day? What about at night?

Posted by: Chris at July 15, 2008 3:08 PM | Quote Comment

IMAGINE IF THIS HAPPENED DURING THE OLYMPICS.

Posted by: jeff Otto O'Brien at July 15, 2008 3:28 PM | Quote Comment

That was gonna be my first comment for tomorow's brew -- something like 'lets hope nobody's taking notes for some hardcore olympic shenanigans' or something...

funny/scary thought

Posted by: Jon at July 15, 2008 3:35 PM | Quote Comment

@Chris:

I live in Gastown, which is entirely effected, although upon hearing the news at work yesterday, I didn't go home until I'd had dinner and movie. On my walk home at midnight, we noticed many small generators at intersections controlling the street lights: No need for police to 'block off the streets' during the day, although yesterday there were a lot of intersections being controlled by traffic police.

Most of the financial district was as well lit as it usually is, but Gastown was pitch black dark. Luckily, there were several Cop cars and Vancouver Engineering cars with their siren lights going, driving VERY slowly up and down the streets, offering lights to pedestrians and keeping and eye on things.

Posted by: Jeannette at July 15, 2008 4:03 PM | Quote Comment

Thanks Jeannette !
I just wanted to know the vibe d/t with all the power out b/c I might head d/t with my tripod later to take some pics.
Cheers!

Posted by: Chris at July 15, 2008 4:19 PM | Quote Comment

No worries! We ran into a guy crouching in the dark with a tripod in Gastown last night. Gave him a friendly wave and he said he couldn't help but take advantage of the darkness...

Posted by: Jeannette at July 15, 2008 4:23 PM | Quote Comment

Forget about the tripod; sneak up on people with a bright flash. Way more fun. Obviously.

Posted by: Jeff Otto O'Brien at July 15, 2008 4:33 PM | Quote Comment

Good times!
Jeff: I've already thought about a few "whoops" moments where that may happen.

Posted by: Chris at July 15, 2008 5:28 PM | Quote Comment

"IMAGINE IF THIS HAPPENED DURING THE OLYMPICS."

Yes - and imagine if the sky fell. Or if you died in your sleep. Seriously dude. And your pictures are awful. Just awful.

Posted by: JC at July 15, 2008 8:28 PM | Quote Comment

Let's fight!

Posted by: Jeff Otto O'Brien at July 16, 2008 12:22 AM | Quote Comment

I wouldn't be surprised if by the time they get the power back on in Gastown, they discover that the cockroach binners have stripped every last wire of accessible copper.

Posted by: jerry Incognito at July 16, 2008 11:34 AM | Quote Comment

Gastown was THICK with heat maaaaaan. So many police. I had a spotlight on me a few times. That area was well covered as it was pitch black down there.

Posted by: Chris at July 16, 2008 12:53 PM | Quote Comment

JC without URL=Fail.

Posted by: standard_grey at July 16, 2008 3:46 PM | Quote Comment