Last Thursday September 9th, 2011 San Diegans experienced a blackout so significant it seemed surreal. Any glimpse of light was from the sun, phone lines were dead, gas stations and grocery stores were shut down. There was a scramble for batteries, flashlights and candles. I felt like I was living in an “end of the world” movie except we did have hope! The hope came in the form of Social Media!

This isn’t the first time I’ve written about the use of Social Media during a crisis. In June of 2010 I gave you a Glimpse of a Real Live San Diego Earthquake on Social Media. Experiencing natural disasters with the availability of Social Media enables people feel a sense of community. We know we’re not alone and feel a level of comfort to see others going through a similar experience.

Social Media also provides real time, live updates from people actually experiencing the disaster. With Social Media we’re are updated instantly and knowledge always provides a sense of security.

When the power went out, I immediately posted a Tweet. Seconds later replies started coming in and I realized the power outage was extended far beyond just my area.

Expecting the power to come back on any minute now, I sat around for a few minutes and saved documents. Twiddling my thumbs…5 minutes go by, nothing. We all walk out to the common area and bust out our phones. Phone calls are receiving no signal and text messages aren’t going through but we discovered Facebook still works!

After realizing we could still access Facebook, I couldn’t help myself and decided a Foursquare check in was appropriate. Many of my friends followed suit so soon we were all hanging out on Foursquare!

Priorities, priorities. Since ice would soon melt with no electricity in the fridge, cocktails were definitely in order.

Almost 3 hours later, still no sign of electricity. I got in my car to head home. Luckily, I live a few miles away. Unfortunately my car was completely on empty and judging by the bumper to bumper standstill traffic, I wasn’t even sure if I’d make it home. AAA to the rescue! I happen to drive next to a AAA truck as we were near the shoulder of the road. I politely asked for a little gas. Ask and you shall receive. A gallon of gas was enough to ensure I’d make it home.

I finally arrived home and decided pool time was the best option! What a great opportunity to lay out and relax!

The sun slowly but surely set. I realized I had absolutely no food at my house for dinner. I strolled to the grass area outside of the pool and to my surprise I have neighbors! I met many of my neighbors for the first time. Lawn chairs were out and candles provided light. My question of “What’s for dinner?” was answered as one of my neighbors brought out a box of MREs (Meals Ready to Eat). MREs are the main operational food ration for the United States Armed Forces! Never did we think we’d be eating it for dinner. Nevertheless I enjoyed cheese tortellini.

The next day crept upon us and a little past 1am, the lights came on! Shouts of joy were heard all around the neighborhood! Once again, my first instinct was to post an update!

Social Media sure did shine to help us get through the Black Out! How?

– Phone lines were down! During my drive home I had KOGO-AM (San Diego’s News station) on blast. It was not surprising that they recommended people tweet them updates, rather than call in!

– SDGE provided real time updates on the Black Out through their Twitter account so anyone with phone battery left was able to check and share the updates.

– Once again Social Media allowed us to feel a sense of community with everyone experiencing the Black Out. It also allowed us to connect with those outside of the Black Out to keep them posted.

It always amazes me how times of crisis bring people together. I’m definitely grateful for the opportunity to meet my neighbors and prove it’s possible to enjoy a great night without technology. Did you experience the Black Out? How did your night go? Did you learn anything? In the end, San Diegans survived the great Black Out 2011 and I couldn’t be more proud of my city!