As I was driving around Kissimmee yesterday I was amazed at the number of utlitity trucks around. I know, I know - I just posted that there are over 6,000 utility workers here, focused on getting the power restored. But it's still just an amazing sight.
Yet, even with all the extra help and the number of hours these people are putting in, it's not enough for many people. On the radio I am constantly hearing people complain "I haven't even seen a utility truck". I read it in the paper - people are blaming politics, race, and income! Come on folks. Let's look at this for a minute.
You will NOT hear me say many nice things about my ex husband. Mainly because there aren't many nice things to say, but I digress. He was a lineman for an electric contractor. When Andrew hit, they were on the road within 2 hours. They were called to LA, as Florida had plenty of help. They drove through the night in the line trucks. Not a comfortable ride. They had no notice if they would be called in or not. Oh they knew there was a possibility, but nothing certain.
They are called away from their homes and families, and really have no idea when they will be back. Most do NOT have direct deposit, so the families have do not get that weekly paycheck. My husband was gone 16 days in LA. That's 2 weeks without his check. He was home for a week and then called out for a freak ice storm and gone another 16 days. I had to work, keep up the farm, take care of the animals and keep an eye on his family.
The normal stormbreak schedule (at least 8 years ago) ran something close to 18-20 hr days, 4-6 hours off to eat and sleep and then right back at it. This is Florida in August. It is hotter than hell out there, and then add the humidity in and it's unbelievable. They are in that heat for 18-20 hours. They will take a short meal break, and they have some gatorade and water on the trucks but it's all business while they are on shift.
After a shift, they will often stop and have a real meal, in air conditioning. I've seen people actually confront these workers and yell at them that they have NO BUSINESS talking a break while the power is still out. Come on folks. These guys and gals are working long, hard hours. Add to that the fact that what they are doing is DANGEROUS and they need that break.
Not to mention the fact that they are doubling up in hotels. And I'm not talking the fancy resorts. They are usually put up in what ever is available, and those aren't always the nicest places. It's crowded and they are exhausted. It's a bed, a shower and phone to call home.
So just what am I getting at? Patience. It's hot, it's dark but help is here. It just takes time - no one is being ignored, no one is being punished. They have a grid, things have to be brought back up in a certain flow and they are working that flow as quickly as possible.
Instead of making things harder, why not try these ideas. If you see a power crew waiting in line for a meal - give them your spot. Don't make them stand there and wait. The sooner they are served and rested the sooner they get back to work. If you can - drop off cold drinks to them. I'm driving around with gallons of water and a cooler with gatorade and cold water in the car. If traffic permits, I stop and pass it out. Show them our appreciation. It means a lot to them.
Posted by Tammi at August 18, 2004 07:29 AMWhat some people don't realize is its not just putting poles back up and connecting power. Its recreating the lines! On the news they said that the number of lines and junctions down was the equivilent distance of driving from Punta Gorda to Georgia! Does that put some perspective to it?
Let's add in that some areas still have not been cleared of debris in the street to even get access to all of these areas to begin to do their job!
Again, keep it in perspective. Yes, it's frustrating. Yes, homes and lives have been destroyed and even the most basic of necessities are not "given" anymore. You can't just walk to the kitchen sink and get a glass of water. You have to go to relief area to GET water and ice. You have to guard whats left of your home and your possessions from low-lifes who feel that since they don't have it and you've got it, they can take it. Everything adds up to short fuses, frustration and just desperation.
It's easy to sit in air conditioning with a cold drink and say be patient. But these people are doing the best that they can in the shortest amount of time to try and make a difference and help.
Remember the Distaster Relief Fund at the Red Cross and contact the Humane Society to make cash donations. All we can do is continue to supply money to get these people and animals the help that they need.
Posted by: Lee Ann at August 18, 2004 08:31 AMExcellent Post! Its so funny that during forest fire season, people will stop by the firehouses and do what they can, but nobody looks at the linemen that way... and they should!
Posted by: Boudicca at August 18, 2004 09:11 AMExcellent post.
Bou - as it happens, when I was doing pizza delivery, we would occasionally take "mistake" pizzas and drop them off at the police station or the fire department :-)
Posted by: Harvey at August 18, 2004 10:41 AM