There are lots of thankless jobs in this world, but these emergency response teams never get the thanks they really deserve. Many folks are out there now, trying to make temporary repairs, patching roofs, windows, doors, clearing debris... But the utility workers are a class by themselves. I work the night shift at Colony IV Motel. These guys are staying in the usable rooms we have (the 4-story building is down for water damage), and come in from work after my 11 PM shift starts, and are gone before sun-up. I heard the pep-talk the crews were given this morning, as they headed out on a RAINY BREEZY morning to try to get power to more of those still waiting. Some head to Grandy, some beyond to E. City, some here on the beach. 2 different crews, one from the Fayetteville area, one from somewhere deep in the South... Reminders about safety, equipment, making sure you're grounded, and the reminder..."First, keep yourself safe. Second, keep the customer safe. You're doing a great job, but the customers are getting edgy. Try to understand their feelings."
IF you plan to return to the beach area as restrictions are lifted, and come across one of these workers on a water or smoke break (what's lunch?), shout a THANKS to them. If you see one of their multi-fleet convoys going down the road, give them the highway. They travel in teams, and need to stay together. Days like right now----rainy and windy, have to be the worst for them. They could use a smile!
LikeQuoteFlag