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We are all dependent on our cell phones and other communication devices, including local emergency services who are on-call 24 hours, seven days a week. When power or telecommunication infrastructure is damaged due to a natural disaster, grid instability, or other emergency, this loss of critical communication imperils lives and makes rescue efforts extremely difficult.
Television and radio stations, emergency operations centers, and emergency call centers for firefighters, EMT, and police often use propane backup power to ensure critical communications continue to reach residents and first responders. In fact, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) specifies generator types within its NFTA 110 code. It mandates that operations essential for life safety have an emergency generator installed. Unified Power notes, “Radio systems for firehouses, police stations, and 911 operators require the use of emergency generators to ensure that emergency services can respond in any situation.”
Propane is vital in supporting critical communications and services in times of emergency, as it:
Provides backup power for communication infrastructure
Propane-powered generators can provide backup power to critical facilities like communication towers, emergency response centers, and community shelters, ensuring that essential communication systems remain operational when the electric grid is down.
Maintains connectivity
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, when power lines are often damaged, propane generators keep communication devices charged and functioning, allowing people to stay connected and receive important updates and safety alerts.
Supports emergency responders
Propane fuels temporary housing, communication equipment, and off-grid lighting for emergency responders operating in disaster-stricken areas.
Enables mobile communication
Propane-powered equipment, such as mobile generators and communication units, can be deployed to remote areas or disaster zones to provide critical communication services where infrastructure is limited.
Importance of Radio Communication During Hurricane Helene
Thanks to a propane generator powering its broadcast tower, Blue Ridge Public Radio (BPR) was one such radio station that was able to continue broadcasting emergency notifications to the Western North Carolina region during Hurricane Helene.
It was late September 2024 and Hurricane Helene was battering Florida and the surrounding states. The residents of western North Carolina anticipated heavy rainfall but didn’t expect the devastating effects of Helene to reach high into their beloved Blue Ridge Mountain towns. But Mother Nature had a different idea, leaving western North Carolina with unprecedented flooding, high winds, power outages, and severe damage that will take years to clean up. Entire towns were devastated, and thousands of residents were left without water, cell service, heat, or power for weeks.
Due to the mountainous nature of the region, many people were stranded in their homes atop mountains. Even those in downtown Asheville were unable to contact loved ones or receive critical communications regarding the status of the disaster scene. Power was out and cell towers were down throughout the region. During this time, an age-old technology—radio—was the only way to get out critical communications from local, state, and federal emergency management operations. Those with a radio, and batteries to keep it running, were able to access vital information and share it with their neighbors.
Blue Ridge Public Radio is a customer of Blossman Gas, the local propane provider, which provided critical propane resources and support to the communities affected by Hurricane Helene. In the case of Blue Ridge Public Radio, Blossman was able to reach the broadcast tower and refill the propane tank, which enabled the generator to keep the station running without broadcast interruptions.
Emergency response teams across the region continued to hold twice-daily briefings, which BPR was able to pick up and broadcast. “We just started to ‘hold air’ and stay on the radio upwards of 12 hours a day to make sure that people were getting the information that they needed, because the information was so critical to daily living,” BPR news director Laura Lee told West Virginia Public Broadcasting. This critical information included damage reports, road closures, and where to find potable water, ready-to-eat meals, and healthcare resources. Blue Ridge Public Radio not only offered vital logistics, but a connection to the community when so many were isolated.
Propane Powers Resilience During Uncertainty
Propane backup generators and their ability to keep critical communications flowing can be the difference between life and death during natural disasters and grid failures. And propane providers are the conduit to provide aid and critical resources during such uncertain times.
“Reliable energy is essential during emergencies, and propane provides the resilience needed when conventional power sources fail. From fueling generators at 911 centers to powering shelters and field operations, propane ensures continuity for emergency response teams,” says Nandini Sankara, VP of Marketing and Brand Strategy, Suburban Propane.
“As a proud member of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program (ADGP), Suburban Propane helps ensure that the Red Cross is prepared to respond immediately when disasters strike,” says Sankara. “Through our support of ADGP, we contribute critical resources that allow the Red Cross to maintain readiness and deploy aid quickly to communities in need. Suburban Propane is committed to strengthening disaster response efforts by working hand-in-hand with the American Red Cross, public safety agencies, and emergency management partners across our national footprint.”
Blossman Gas had a similar impact on Western North Carolina during Hurricane Helene. They not only helped to keep Blue Ridge Public Radio on-air, but they also provided generators and over 9,000 gallons of propane and cylinders to heat temporary housing such as RVs and tents. In partnership with tankless water heater manufacturer Rinnai and the Southeast Propane Alliance, they also provided pop-up showers and laundry facilities, all powered by propane. While gas stations had run out of fuel, Blossman’s propane-powered vehicles remained on the road, providing critical services to those in need.
Blossman Gas was one company that responded within a day of the hurricane hitting North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. The company successfully rolled out 36 delivery trucks powered by propane even with blocked roads and lack of retail access.
Keep Critical Communications Flowing with Propane
When building out TV and radio stations, emergency shelters, 911 dispatch facilities, fire stations, or police stations, be sure to include propane in your plan. Providing backup power via a standby or emergency generator may be mandated for some projects, but in all cases, propane will help to keep critical communications up and running, and improve the safety of local residents in times of emergency.