Love on the Line
Cooperative lineworkers don’t work alone on our power lines. Whether they are climbing 40-foot poles, restoring power, or clearing tree limbs to prevent future outages, they are never far from the hearts of the women who love them. At this time of year, stores seem flooded with hearts, candy, and cards professing true love. But those sentiments pale in
comparison to the bonds of love I see every time a storm sweeps through our area. If the lights go out, lineworkers’ wives send their loved ones out into the elements. When other electric cooperatives are in trouble after devastating hurricanes, tornadoes, fires and floods, lineworkers travel all over the country to bring the lights back on for complete strangers. Each time these brave men leave home to help those in need, their families are left behind, praying for a safe return. Marrying into this profession isn’t easy. Lineworkers are often on call, and must be ready to respond at a moment’s notice if the community needs them. This makes children’s sporting events and family get-
togethers hard to pull off sometimes. But the bold men who keep your power flowing do so because they know without their commitment, many of the things we’ve come to expect—cold food, lights, entertainment—wouldn’t be possible. By devoting their lives to working on utility lines, they connect all of us to a better way of life. This Valentine’s Day take a moment to thank the women who support and love the men who brave the elements and work long hours to keep power flowing to your homes each and every day. Thank you for putting your love on the line.
Winter Storms Leave Behind Hazards
Safety after the Storm Has Passed Unlike a tornado dropping from power outages, downed lines, fallen a spring thunderstorm, there is usually more time to prepare for a winter storm. Paying attention to the National Weather Service and local media can help keep those in the path of a winter storm aware of impending severe weather. Hopefully steps have been taken to winterize homes, get emergency kits together, and make emergency plans as these measures will help during storm recovery. After a winter storm has delivered snow, ice, wind, snow drifts, and subzero temperatures and power outages, do you know what to do? What steps should be taken to keep everyone safe and warm as recovery begins? Molly Hall, executive director of the Energy Education Council’s Safe Electricity program says, “The Federal Emergency Management Association tells us that winter storms are deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to storms. Many hazards can remain after the storm is gone.” Dangers that might have to be dealt with after a winter storm can include 4 FEBRUARY 2013
limbs, and obscured hazards from snowfall, which can keep downed lines from being seen. Here are some steps that Safe Electricity recommends you take after the storm is passed: II If you have lost power, contact your provider as soon as you are able so that they are aware of your outage. Take the time to find out now what to do during a power outage at SafeElectricity.org. II Check on neighbors and loved ones to make sure they are safe and warm. II If you are using a secondary heat source such as a propane or kerosene heater, or a fireplace, make sure you follow manufacturer’s safety instructions and take precautions against unintentional fire and carbon monoxide poisoning. Similar advice pertains to portable stand-by generators if using one for temporary power. Get more information on generator safety at SafeElectricity.org. II Be on guard against hypothermia and frostbite. To avoid these, dress in lay-
ers, stay dry, stay hydrated and fed, and limit time spent outdoors. II Stay indoors if possible, and use caution when venturing outside. Remember, downed power lines could be hidden under limbs or snow, and there is no way to tell if a line is energized. If you see downed power lines—stay away, and keep others away. Notify authorities as soon as possible. II If you need a shelter, text SHELTER plus your zip code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area.
A winter storm brings a multitude of ways to sustain an injury as snow, ice and cold temperatures might linger for days. Hall adds, “Other ways that injuries occur after the storm is gone are car accidents on slippery roads, back injuries and heart attacks from shoveling snow, and bruises and broken bones from falls on icy sidewalks. Opportunities to get hurt are abundant after winter storms.” If you need more information on weathering a winter storm, visit SafeElectricity.org.