I've been thanking these guys every chance I get. When an entire grid collapses, it takes an army of workers to rebuild it. Here in southwest Louisiana we have thousands of electrical grid workers trying to get us back into the 20th century.
Here is one post from a lineman to his home company.
We have heard sporadically from our men in Louisiana. When they do have a minute, they would rather reach out to their families which is understandable. However, one Lineman texted this information today:
We are turning two feeders back on today which will include a couple of towns. They are increasing the work force from 500 to 750 workers. The trucks at our location are going through 8,000 gallons of diesel fuel each day. Workers are getting sick from food and ending up in the hospital. It is very hot with lots of snakes in the trees and the fire ants are unforgiving. That’s not the bad part. It’s the fungus on our feet that blisters and bleeds and hurts when you walk. Our feet are always wet. We did find a cheeseburger yesterday at a restaurant and it was delicious.
We are working our way to the coast and the closer we get, there is nothing left. It is all gone.
Prayers are still needed for the victims and the workers.
I can't say enough about the dedication of these linemen.
They really are heroes for what they go through to restore the power. Granted they are well paid, but they deserve all the accolades they get!
ReplyDeleteSome years back, we had a major ice storm in New Hampshire. Lines down everywhere, exacerbated by the fact the power company management had been blowing off right of way maintenance to "save money."
ReplyDeleteCrowds went out to picket company headquarters, while more mobilized to bring free hot food and coffee to the crews out working. We knew exactly who the problem was.
Tough people in Louisiana. We see them working winters in petroleum jobs here on the High Plains with no problem but us trying to work in Louisiana is tough.
ReplyDeleteBless those linemen. IMO there’s no country in the world that could assemble 20,000 bucket trucks & support personnel as quickly & decisively as I witnessed after the storm.
ReplyDeleteWe sure love them in Florida. You can see the trucks line up for miles right outside the expected area. And they work their tales off getting power back up. 16 hour days in the heat and humidity is not fun.
ReplyDeleteSome years back, 2004 to be exact, three storms over the house, I got up to leave "my" Waffle House here in Central Florida and told two linemen from out of state thank you, I've got your breakfast. They looked at me and said no, thanks, at what we're getting, we'll get yours. I left a 20 on the counter anyway. Real thanks beats per diem any day in my book. I don't care what they are making -- they are worth every penny.
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