TO: ALL WEST VIRGINIA ARES MEMBERS (OFFICIAL)
ALL ARES AND NON-ARES AMATEURS ANYWHERE (INFORMATION)
FROM: KEN HARRIS WA8LLM WV SECTION EMERGENCY COORDINATOR
WOOD COUNTY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED
WV ARES® BULLETIN NR 10.45 DATE: November 7, 2010
SUBJECT: DON'T EXPECT TOO MUCH
When you have back-up power such as batteries and/or generators, don't expect them to do everything you want them to. Even though the power source says it's rated for a certain amount, you can't always rely on that number.
When batteries get old they will lose their storage capacity, and won't last as long as you may figure they should. As generators get older, their motors won't produce the amount of horsepower they used to, and in turn, they will lose the ability to produce the amount of power as when they were new.
From time to time you need to try your back-up power source to get an idea of how long you can rely on them before you have to get another power source ready. If you have both batteries and a generator you should be prepared to use them both.
The batteries may give you some operating time, while you get things ready for an extended commercial power outage. Before you actually need to use back-up power in an emergency, figure out an easy way to switch your computers and communications equipment over, even in the dark. It's a good idea to have a small flashlight with you at all times.
Ken Harris WA8LLM
Wood County WV
WV ARES® Section Emergency Coordinator
WV ARES® District 3 Emergency Coordinator