LEARNING FROM THE 2003 BLACKOUT: MASSIVE POWER OUTAGES OFFER MULTIPLE LESSONS ON HOW TO POSITION THE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE DURING DISASTERS
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The largest power outage in United States history rolled across much of the Northeast from Detroit (Michigan) to New York City late in the afternoon on a hot and humid Thursday in August 2003. This article reviews what happened on that day and how transportation planners and managers can learn from that experience and position the transportation system for optimal performance during disasters. The authors review how the blackout occurred, which transportation agencies remained operational and why, evacuation strategies, the impact on other states, the need for planning and preparation for potential disasters, operating decisions, agency coordination, the role of advanced technology (and the impact of its loss during power outages), technical communications (notably the importance of not relying on methods requiring electrical power, such as cell phones or Internet connections), and system redundancy and resiliency. The authors stress that planners should consider designing redundancy in several areas: agency personnel, communications, utilities, control centers, and equipment and supplies. Backup systems must be maintained and tested, and assessing the needs posed by an extended loss of the primary system versus a temporary interruption is critical. Basic facilities (water, high energy food bars) must be provided for staff members who may have to work multiple shifts during a prolonged emergency. The article is illustrated with numerous full-color photographs.