I use this site to track the power outages in Florida. At the peak of power outages, there were about 2.7 million customers without power. Yesterday there were a few more than 50,000. This morning there are 20,367 customers without power. Of course, if you’re one of those 20,367, that number means little . . there’s only one customer you’re worried about. But for those of us who have loved ones there working, that 20,000 number gives us hope those folks will be coming home soon.
Disaster Resource Group is there providing basic needs for the workers. This is Chad’s first experience with them. The accommodations aren’t a Hilton Hotel but they aren’t bad. There are 12 or 16 guys in a little trailer type “bunkhouse” (no bathrooms) and they have little plastic covered “beds”. You can see photos on the bunkhouse link. It is air conditioned. They have to wait in line to get showers. Places and conditions we hope we’ll never find ourselves in but under the circumstances, they’re thankful . . especially considering what some folks in Florida are facing with everything they own having been destroyed.
Chad’s group recently moved and had to spend at least one night in their trucks or on the ground. Chad had brought a hammock and a mosquito net. He told Nicole it wasn’t bad but he got cold during the night. I’m not sure if they moved or if the Disaster Resource Group came to them but they’re back to having a bunkhouse again.
I saw online that the Joplin (or maybe it was Carthage) crew had returned home during the week.
There’s rather spotty cell service there and the guys are working very long hours so I haven’t talked to Chad. He calls or texts Nicole and then she reports to me.
Chad isn’t complaining about the conditions (and neither am I but who cares what I think) . . I’m sharing because too many times, I don’t even think about what first responders or other crews are going through when they’ve moved into an area to help the folks there, and several times, I’ve been in that group that needed help. I didn’t appreciate it like I should have but seeing it from the other side, if ever we are on the receiving end, I’ll think about it differently.
Angie says
I’m not in Florida but appreciate what Chad and his fellow works are doing to get the people back to some kind of normalcy. Hopefully he will be home soon.
Teri says
Here in our little town of Twain Harte, CA we went through the Rim Fire in 2013. The first responders were wonderful, polite and nice. The fire and police were the nicest people you would ever meet. At night they would stay on our property to look for embers. I would take them cookies every night….you would not believe how thankful they were…at the end of the fire our town had a big bbq for them. They said no town had ever done that before…..
We need to go out of our way for these workers who are trying to help us….and even just a thank you would be nice…
judy.blog@gmail.com says
That was so nice. I think most anyone does a bit better when they know what they’re doing is appreciated.
Jocelyn says
I live in Florida and appreciate all the First Responders. Ian was heading our way but made a right hand turn into Charlotte County where the hurricane make land fall. We were fortunate, I was without internet for a week. Thank you Chad and all those who come to the aid in a disaster situation. With no thought of their own safety they go into houses, still flooded, looking for survivors. The response to the storm from people everywhere has been inspirational and moving.
montanaclarks says
Well said Judy!
Toni says
On the Sunday before the hurricane, we were driving south on I-75 in Ohio and passed several power trucks from various companies in Michigan, also driving south. We assumed they were heading to FL for the pending hurricane. I don’t know why, but I’m always really touched when when I see things like that. I know they make good money, but it’s still impressive that these guys upend (and risk) their lives to help others. We had a neighbor who was a lineman for our power company and he would tell stories about some nasty people he encountered when he’s slogging through backyards in a snowstorm in the middle of the night to fix power lines. Many kudos to your son for his work.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
I know what you mean. We lived in Kentucky in 2005 when Katrina hit Louisiana. I had been in Nashville and as I was headed north on the interstate, I couldn’t believe how many utility trucks were headed south. It made me a little teary too. I’m very thankful for those folks who drop everything and head to disaster areas, often having really bad accommodations and not even knowing where their next meal will come from but we never know when we will be on the receiving end of their sacrifices.
Nelle Coursey says
Thank God those people are available when we need them!
Cindy F says
So thankful for your son and others like him! My MIL and BIL live in Charlotte county and lost their power. I couldn’t believe how quickly it came back on relative to the projection.
judy.blog@gmail.com says
Chad is on his way home. Should be home tomorrow.
Cindy F says
Good to hear he is headed home! He deserves some rest!