By: Megan Brown
In August, I was able to visit some crews restoring power out in the field in Northern Michigan before a second round of storms hit. I’ve always been cooped up in an office during storm restoration and it was an eye-opening and humbling experience to be in the trenches.
A few things I learned, and hope others will consider as we work to restore power as safely and quickly as possible:
1. It was dangerous. Remember that these lineworkers are essentially leaving their families behind and putting their lives on the line in tough conditions to get power back on in our communities.
2. It was complicated. When you’ve got lines and trees down all over the place, it’s like a maze that will take time to safely solve.
3. They hate waiting, too. But sometimes they have to for their safety, and the safety of their co-workers.
4. They are kind. As one lineman assessed damage to a neighbor’s property, he picked up a flower pot that was strewn in the yard when no one was watching; and returned it to its place.
5. Unsung heroes. Our crews don’t want the credit, but they deserve more than they get. They are heroes.
We ask for your grace and patience in the next couple days as these unsung heroes work hard in complicated and dangerous conditions to restore power across Michigan.
