CenterPoint Energy
flooded substation

Line Contractor Shares Tips for Staying Safe in Flood-Stricken Zones

Nov. 14, 2017
When linemen restore power following a flood, they can face many hazards in the field. L.E. Myers offers some tips for crews to stay safe while working in flood-stricken zones.

When Hurricane Harvey hit CenterPoint Energy's and Texas New Mexico Power's service territories, the utilities called for help. One of the line contractors, L.E. Myers, deployed 33 workmen to Texas to provide mutual assistance for more than a week. Because L.E. Myers has a long history of working for the two host utilities, its crews were already familiar with their safety policies and procedures. Even so, the crews attended multiple safety meetings throughout the restoration effort.

“The day starts with a safety briefing and then as the crews move from site to site the foreman also discuss the dangers that are at the site and specific items to watch for,” says Aaron Stupec, district manager for L.E. Myers in Pasadena, Texas.

During these safety meetings, the leader covered any changes to the weather that took place while the crew was off from work. Also, they discussed any changes to the overall grid, and in particular, in the area where the crew was working. In addition, they covered access issues, the presence of any wildlife in the area, the hazmat heat index, and protection from backfeed from generators. The linemen also learned how to remove high-side fuses and cutout doors and deal with the complacency that often comes with working long hours for days on end.

Here are some tips Stupec shared with other linemen who are working in a flood-stricken area following a hurricane or other natural disaster. 

1.      Never go in fast moving water. 

2.      Be careful when approaching a bank to ensure that it won’t cave in. 

3.      Make sure everyone knows the plan before executing it.

4.      Know who on the crew can and can’t swim.

5.      Understand the importance of good footing while moving around in the water.

6.      Be aware of underwater obstacles such as wildlife.

About the Author

Amy Fischbach | Amy Fischbach, EUO Contributing Editor

Amy Fischbach is the Field Editor for T&D World magazine and manages the Electric Utility Operations section. She is the host of the Line Life Podcast, which celebrates the grit, courage and inspirational teamwork of the line trade.  She also works on the annual Lineworker Supplement and the Vegetation Management Supplement as well as the Lineman Life and Lineman's Rodeo News enewsletters. Amy also covers events such as the Trees & Utilities conference and the International Lineman's Rodeo. She is the past president of the ASBPE Educational Foundation and ASBPE and earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from Kansas State University. She can be reached at [email protected]

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