Very few utilities are located in areas where their operations are never adversely impacted by some type of storm or natural disaster. Whether it be ice storms, hurricanes or even earthquakes, utilities must be ready and willing to respond on short notice.

Since it's economically and politically impossible for a utility to completely prevent storm damage from trees on its system, “The solution is to evaluate the utility's outage history and prioritize the circuits prone to ice storm or wind damage,” says Jim Orr, technical services manager for Asplundh (Willow Grove, Pennsylvania, U.S.). Devoting some of the vegetation management budget to hazard tree evaluation and removal along crucial or hard-to-access rights of way can pay big dividends, too.

While many of the logistics and safety management procedures stay the same from year to year, storm coordinators will tell you that every storm is different. The following are some of the issues that Asplundh takes into consideration when preparing for and responding to a storm emergency.

STAGING CREWS BEFORE THE STORM

“Ice storms are generally more localized and are harder to predict with confidence, so utilities don't usually stage tree crews for that type of weather event,” states Asplundh Vice President Mel Riley. However, the prolonged fierceness of the past two hurricane seasons has inspired more utilities to stage tree crews a day or more ahead of the storm. A quick, strong response is critical to restoring power. In addition, it's safer if responding crews are not driving through the path of a weakening, but still dangerous storm.

Unfortunately, competition for lodging can be tough as citizens evacuate from the predicted path of the hurricane. As a result, since the late 1990s, Asplundh has used a national lodging contractor to assist utilities in identifying cost-effective lodging and meals before the storm. In addition, most Asplundh crews are advised to bring some food, water, bedding, tents, toilet paper and hand sanitizer in case accommodations are hard to come by in the first few days. While most utilities would prefer to make their own arrangements for contractor accommodations, Asplundh offers these resources to utilities as requested.

AFTER THE STORM PASSES

Once the restoration work begins, tree crews (like line crews) must have adequate sleeping and eating arrangements, otherwise worker safety and productivity are at risk. Luxury accommodations aren't necessary, but clean beds and showers in a temperature-controlled environment with regular and proper meals are. And this can be a logistical nightmare if every habitable hotel and restaurant is already full of evacuees.

With the widespread devastation caused by recent Category 3, 4 or 5 hurricanes, the “tent city” concept has become popular. At the request of utilities after Katrina and Rita, Asplundh began coordinating its own tent cities, arranging for sleeping tents, catering services, fuel services, cots, sleeping bags, portable toilets, shower trailers, laundry service, security and buses. In winter storm conditions, heated sleeping trailers can be provided. This logistics service is cost-effective and ensures the productivity of Asplundh's employees.

Of course, logistics requires that management support employees to withstand the weather conditions found during restoration. During ice storms, cold weather gear is required. Conversely, in hot, humid conditions, employees risk dehydration and heat exhaustion if they don't have access to plenty of fresh water. Crews also should be prepared to deal with local conditions that could include fire ants, snake bites and fungal problems due to wet boots.