texasmesquite

So many of us were glue to the news channels during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We were able to see the heros (police, firefighters, military) in action. One group that wasn't featured is the utility workers. They are the unsung heros of this aftermath. Each day, since Hurricane Katrina hit these utility workers have risked their lives to restore power to the effected cities. These workers don't get a second glance on the news stations or even by us. I salute the Utility workers who are still hard at work (working 24/7) restoring the hard hit cities of Hurricane Katrina's wrath.

Marlene

My feelings exactly, to there safety and well being. I am sure they will also have nightmares for months.

__________________
"Life isn't like a box of chocolates... it's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might just burn your butt tomorrow."

Jason Davenport

Thanks for the kind post Anne...

Just got back from LA this morning and while I was there, I found out that a 27 year old young man, whom I have meet in the past, had died dur to electrocution. His name I will withhold, but a simple internet search will tell you.

It just goes to show how dangerous such an unknown quantity this is. These guys that come in from out of town as part of a mutual aid, do not know how the utilities in LA, MS and AL construct lines, much less throw in the fact that this particular situation is in such dissaray. There are over 26,000 poles on the ground. Now the math on this tells you that there are 14 poles in a mile of line on average. This means that there is close to 1900 miles of electric lines on the ground. This does not count the New Orleans areas that are still not readily accessible to heavy equipment yet so there is more out there.

I have never met a braver group of men and even women in my life. You can say all you want about firefighters, and police officers going in where others are retreating and very much rightly so. But these guys are right up ther with those guys in terms of a dangerous job to be done. Think about them during your daily grind!

Jason

Marlene

Thanks Jason and that also means you not only for posting but doing your best and working so hard under these conditions there in LA.

__________________
"Life isn't like a box of chocolates... it's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might just burn your butt tomorrow."

texasmesquite

Thanks Jason for the update that was close and personal. I for one appreciates what you are doing during this horrendous time.

Jason Davenport

Thanks Marlene...

I am really not doing anything other than a supplier and advisor to the utility crews currently in place.

I have said this on many occasions to other people in other avenues, but the utility crews working are some of the hardest working men and women around. IMHO, they are right up there with the firefighters and police and military.

My job, although very time consuming, is relatively easy to do. We are mere advisors and suppliers. These men and women, long after this is over, don't get hats and t-shirts printed up such as "NYPD and FDNY" for example. No one considers these folks until the lights go out and then you want them to be your best friend.

Want to do something cool? Thank a utility worker someday!

Jason

Marlene

Jason,

You are much to modest, you are just as important. Thank you!!!

Just being there and going the extra mile is so important and caring.

I worked for 30 years at AT&T and did my part in some diseasters (plane crash at Chicago O'Hare) comes to mind most.... also there was a terrible heat wave I believe it was '95 that hit Chicago and many folks died. Anyways the telephone folks had to work side by side with utilities and I always give them credit. I would not go in manholes, under porches, etc. some of the conditions were really something else.

__________________
"Life isn't like a box of chocolates... it's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might just burn your butt tomorrow."

Jason Davenport

All...

I was in Slidell again yesterday but I have been recalled because of yet another threat headed, unfortunately, our way.

According to the latest update, which was about an hour ago, from The National Hurricane Center shows Rita coming just barely southwest of Houston by about 40 miles or so, which means we will be on the northeast side, which is the worst side.

We are already gearing up for this one and as far as anyone can predict, it will not be as strong as Katrina. But in an already crippled environment, logistics are going to be a you know what!

As many of you know, the company I work for does failure analysis and we also make a product that helps poles stand up straighter, faster and longer than normally if dirt was used. Needless to say we have been quite busy.

All those interested can visit our website at www.utilitystructural.com and you will see a little of what we do.

Also, in the personell section, there is unfortunatley a picture of me. Not the best picture, but a picture nonetheless. Do as you will with it!

Jason

kathyn2

Jason, I am praying that Rita doesn't cause any damage. Also, your picture was great!

Jason Davenport

Thanks Kathyn although I know your not telling the truth about my picture (LOL)!

Jason