L I N E M E N A R E T H E B AC K B O N E O F
DISASTER RECOVERY W
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By Meghann Richardson
hen a natural disaster strikes, it takes an
restoration efforts,” he said. “It takes people dedicated
entire community to help pick up the pieces.
to that task alone.”
From neighbors to city officials, volunteers and first
responders — it’s all hands on deck to repair all the
approximately 2,720 linemen work in Kentucky. When
damage.
major disaster strikes, other linemen from surrounding
states are often called to help with cleanup.
Some of the first to help with the cleanup? Linemen
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
who are sent out after the storm to restore power to
homes and businesses.
efforts, whether it be a national disaster or strong
storms passing through a service area.
Kenergy lineman Tony Howard said the scope of
Linemen are the backbone to any and all restoration
the work ahead can be overwhelming.
“One of the biggest problems one may face is
life to the art of line work,” Howard said. “They are
securing the needed facilities to house and feed the
the feet on the ground, working in some of the worst
workers coming on to your system to assist with the
conditions mother nature can throw at you.”
GO CHAMBER . FOURTH QUARTER 2019
“It takes a special breed of person to dedicate their
