Double Whammy

Back-to-back storms keep co-op busy

The remnants of two hurricanes affecting the Walton EMC service area in the span of about two weeks kicked the co-op's operations into high gear.

The deluge of rain and high winds from both Tropical Storm Frances and Tropical Storm Ivan caused numerous power outages. The rain softened the ground, making conditions perfect for gusty winds to topple trees into power lines.

Ivan caused more trouble since the ground was still somewhat saturated from the rains from Francis.

"We're watching closely to see what happens. We'll either be picking up the pieces here or going somewhere else to help a sister EMC do the same," said WEMC VP of Operations and Engineering Ron Marshall the day before Ivan reached our area.

All Walton EMC employees are put on standby status before major storms arrive. "Everyone pitches in during a major storm, freeing line workers from support tasks," said CEO Ronnie Lee. "Some serve as helpers for line crews and some are assigned to visiting crews unfamiliar with our territory to help them find where they need to go. Others help answer phones and some sort outage reports.

Walton EMC employees evaluate materials and supplies before a storm hits. Crews make sure their trucks are fully stocked. Warehouse and purchasing experts take inventory and gather materials used in storm repair. They also contact vendors and suppliers to let them know of possible emergency needs.

Besides Walton EMC's regular manpower, power line and tree trimming crews from contractors are often utilized, as was the case with these two storms. Many times, massive tree cleaning work is needed before electric system repairs can begin.

EMC workers nationwide receive identical training. This means they can go in another EMC's service area and work side-by-side with local crews or work as independent crews.

Walton EMC helped Colquitt EMC and Satilla EMC in the lull between Frances and Ivan. Both South Georgia co-ops suffered substantial damage.

At the height of the outages, approximately 18,000 members were without power during Frances and 30,000 during Ivan. Most power was restored within hours, although power to some severely damaged areas was out for more than a day.

With both storms, numerous poles were broken and power line equipment was damaged. A large part of the problems related to consumers whose service entrance mast pipes and meter bases were damages. These repairs required an electrician's attention before the electric service could be reconnected.

"Just as we prepare for storms, so should all our customers," said Communications Coordinator Greg Brooks. "Especially those with family on life-support equipment or whose livelihood depends on electric power, like poultry farmers."

Read other articles in this month's Realite:

• Power of Hope Ride Rolls Toward a Cure for Cancer
  With the help of 224 enthusiastic motorcyclists, Walton EMC 's Power of Hope Ride raised almost $4,500 to benefit the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
  
  
• Families Touched by Your Generosity
  Walton EMC members' participating in Operation Round Up impacted 11 families during the month of August.
  
• Current Cooking
  This month, learn how to make a Basic Salmon Loaf!
  
  
• Here for the Long Haul
  Walton EMC isn't just another power company. It's your power company.
  
  
• Walton EMC's Annual Holiday Programs
  This year's programs will feature Kim McKinney with Daffodil's Design Studio. It's an event you don't want to miss.