Some assumptions go unspoken. For example, I had always assumed it would be safe (and even wise) to leave my house and to interact with other people every day. That assumption was challenged almost a year ago with the arrival of a global pandemic known as COVID-19.
In response to COVID-19, I’ve learned new ways of being out and about in the larger world, have modified interpersonal interactions to provide enhanced safety, and have increased the percentage of interactions conducted virtually.
Winter Storm Uri
The Weather Channel has named my current challenge “Winter Storm Uri.” It is an extraordinary weather event that is far from over.
Pictured below is the view of downtown Fort Worth, Texas. The picture was taken last night around 7:00pm from the rooftop deck of my residence. (Only 90 minutes before taking this picture, the windy conditions and snowfall was intense enough that I could not even see the downtown skyline.)
As I write this post, the temperature in Fort Worth, Texas is 5 degrees Fahrenheit with a windchill of -14 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature is not projected to get above freezing until Friday.
Heavy demand for power led ERCOT to initiate rolling power outages known as blackouts earlier this morning. I’ve heard directly from a number of people who have been impacted, and noticed dozens more sharing their experiences on social media. Additionally, others are without power for longer periods due to storm related issues.
So What?
I’m staying home, and staying warm. And, I’m making an effort to check in on as many people as I can through texts and phone calls.
I’m also continuing to learn, and act on what I’m learning. Before yesterday I had not heard much about conserving energy during very cold weather. Today, it is a very popular topic.
The following graphic from ERCOT provides ways consumers can contribute to conservation thereby reducing or eliminating the need for rolling outages.
