Crews Assist with Power Restoration in Louisiana Caused by Hurricane Laura
Posted on September 28th, 2020
First Electric dispatched linemen, right-of-way crewmen, equipment and trucks on Sept. 2 and Sept. 16 to assist Beauregard Electric Cooperative in DeRidder, LA with power outage restoration efforts caused by Hurricane Laura.
Beauregard Electric initially reported that 42,872 of its 42,962 meters were out.
“When the weather is at its worst, our crews are at their best,” President/CEO Don Crabbe said. “We are always ready to assist our fellow cooperatives in their time of need.”
The men were housed in a “tent city” that adheres to pandemic guidance to protect them from the COVID-19 virus. Special air filters capable of removing 99.4% of the virus were installed on the HVAC equipment and beds were spread out farther than would normally be done.
The crews stayed on the assignment for 14 days. After 14 days, additional crews were rotated into service.
First Electric was one of eight electric cooperatives in Arkansas participating in the mutual aid.
The first group of crewmen were dispatched on Sept. 2 to assist Beauregard Electric Cooperative in DeRidder, LA with power restoration. They safely returned home on Sept. 15. [UPPER PHOTO BEFORE ARTICLE]
The second group of crewmen were dispatched on Sept. 16 and scheduled to return home on Sept. 29. They also assisted Beauregard Electric Cooperative in DeRidder, LA with power restoration. [ABOVE]
PHOTOS BY ASHLEY COPPLE