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Comment by mirmor23

6 hours ago

> Most decent emergency / contingency plans will have the fire department, police or whatever local group show up at one or two designated gas stations to provide power, or require these stations to have on-site emergency power.

this is just nonsense.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_Iberian_Peninsula_blackou...

while traveling i got caught up in this. no restaurants, no credit cards working, no grocery stores, no cell connection, no navigation with phone, no gas station. the goddam list goes on. fortunately this was less than 16 hours.

As a local, it was actually rather fun. And my kid was amazed. For a traveler it must have sucked, though (and also for some people with special needs, and in places where it's actually common, etc.).

If you used cash as a reasonable person you would not even notice that cards aren't working.

  • The only place I've been where that might happen is rural mountainous Mexico where the "gas station" is a huachicolero funneling fuel into your car from a plastic water bottle next to a construction paper sign with "GAS" scribbled on it.

    Everywhere else, gas stations aren't open if there's no power because nothing works, not even the cash register.

    But I'm starting to see the uni freshman libertarian vibes here having been there once myself.

  • > If you used cash as a reasonable person you would not even notice that cards aren't working.

    lol. i see. gas stations were closed since pumps were out. similar story with other facilities. luckily, gas station snack shops accepted cash, so buying some water/snacks was possible.

    cash is of no use if facilities are not open. now that everything has been spelled out, i'm sure you are able to comprehend ;)

  • How many shops will be open without power? No till, no light, no refrigerator... not sure how much will help you having cash, beyond a couple of very basic needs - I can't even tell which, nor can you, it's gonna be an adventure either way.