Diesel power is at the forefront of any emergency response, including the response to Hurricane Gustav. Diesel is the technology of choice for emergency generators because of its self-contained fuel supply, reliability/durability and ability to handle heavy electrical loads.

Before

• As Hurricane Gustav hit the Gulf of Mexico, diesel-powered school and charter buses helped to evacuate residents.
• Louisiana National Guard engineering units relied on utility trucks and personnel carriers that are predominately diesel powered.
• The Federal Emergency Management Agency staged emergency supply food and equipment distribution using diesel tractor trailers.
• Farmers, using diesel-powered tractors and combines, worked overtime to harvest crops before Gustav hit.

During

• Emergency back-up electrical generators powered by diesel sustained power to emergency operation centers for state and local governments and for hospitals during the storm.
• As the storm hit in St. Charles Parish, diesel generators powered pumps at the water treatment plant to guarantee safe drinking water supplies.

After

• As the region moves into the recovery and rebuilding phases, heavy diesel powered construction equipment (backhoes, excavators, loaders, dump trucks) will be essential to disaster recovery operations.
• Electric utility companies will work around the clock to restore power by resetting power lines using bucket-lift trucks powered mostly by diesel engines.

Related News:

• Backup generators are powering water treatment plants in St. Charles Parish, The Times-Picayune, September 1, 2008
• Rite Aid Reopens More Gulf Coast Stores after Hurricane Gustav, Business Wire, September 3, 2008
• Trees responsible for damage, death, The Baton Rouge Advocate, September 3, 2008