Some areas in Fl require a separate power system to power the gas pumps if the electricity goes down. BTW, when leaving fora hurricane, one is generally ahead of the loss of power areas. Therefore, unless they run dry, they can pump gas. How long does it take to recharge a low battery if one can find a charging station?
LOL. With IRMA we had power but the tanks were empty!
I have thankfully, had no experience with hurricanes, other than a hockey team (Lethbridge Hurricanes). In this neck of the woods, I am unaware of any gasoline pumps having separate, dedicated electrical supplies.
Having worked for a large power generator, I know that my former employer runs the designated ‘black start’ plant in the Province. A ‘black start’ is where power is out across the Province and the tie lines to other jurisdictions are down. Many different sorts of buildings and plants do have emergency UPS but batteries can drain fairly quickly, so the grid has to be re-energized quickly.
A natural gas fired turbo-generator is started using compressed air and an enormous DC powered compressor. This provides plant power to operate a hydro plant. Electricity is then provided through tie lines to energize internal power at other plants, to allow be their start up. Of course the whole process cannot be tested, though portions are isolated and tested. Everything seems to work fine.