Power Companies Prep For The Storm; Hundreds Of Trucks And Crews Stage

October 10, 2018

Gulf Power stands ready for the impacts of Hurricane Michael.

In addition to the 1,517 Gulf Power employees and contractors, more than 2,600 outside resources will be in Northwest Florida to assist with power restoration.

“Michael is a powerful storm and it looks like our customers in Panama City area will be the most heavily impacted. With a storm of this magnitude, power restoration in the hardest hit areas may take up to a week or more due to anticipated storm impacts.” said Gordon Paulus, Gulf Power spokesperson. “But all customers need to be prepared for tropical storm-force winds, which could lead to prolonged, widespread outages.

Gulf Power crews will work throughout the day and night to restore any outages until winds reach 35 mph, when it becomes unsafe. Once the storm passes, crews will quickly work to determine the damage and begin to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power.

“Customers can be assured that we will work every minute to restore power as long as it is safe to do so,” Paulus said. “We our working our storm plans. We have already been tested this year with Subtropical Storm Alberto and Tropical Storm Gordon, so we are ready.”

Company employees spent Tuesday on logistics, preparing materials in areas where most of the damage could occur. They set up staging areas throughout Northwest Florida to handle the influx of outside crews.

Pictured: Over 600 hundred power company vehicles from across the country were staging at the fairgrounds on Mobile Highway Tuesday night. Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

4 Responses to “Power Companies Prep For The Storm; Hundreds Of Trucks And Crews Stage”

  1. Hunter on October 10th, 2018 9:17 am

    A HUGE thanks to these guys and girls out working to keep the people safe and comfortable. They’re out working in this mess while we sit around complaining about power and cable being down. These are the times when keeping things in perspective will make you appreciate things differently. Safe travels to all the workers and first responders who are not only risking their lives for us, they’re missing their families too.

  2. Mark Smith on October 10th, 2018 9:05 am

    Lets not also forget to thank the companies who have sent crews in to remove the downed trees and limbs in order for the power companies a right of way to reach the downed lines in order to restore power. Plus all the LEO’s who will be on extra duty to assure our safety while NW Fla is recovering and rebuilding.

    Thanks and prayers to all.

    Be safe.

  3. Jdub on October 10th, 2018 6:44 am

    Thanks to ALL storm workers. PRAYERS TO ALL FOR SAFETY.

  4. Jason on October 10th, 2018 1:57 am

    Welcome to Pensacola. Many across the panhandle are THANKFUL for the sacrifices you are making to ensure that our power is restored quickly. May your stay in our little slice of paradise be short and that you get to return to our area under better circumstances.

    Be Safe out there.