Submitted by SLEMCO
BROUSSARD, LA (October 7, 2024) – SLEMCO mutual-aid storm crews depart today, headed to Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative on Florida’s West Coast to assist in power restoration after Hurricane Milton makes landfall. Withlacoochee Electric is headquartered in Dade City, just 40 miles north of Tampa Bay, where the storm is expected to land as a major hurricane sometime late Wednesday.
SLEMCO’s storm team consists of 30 electric line workers with a variety of skill sets, including overhead and underground linemen, tree trimmers, servicemen, and substation specialists. Safety and mechanic personnel will travel with them to assist in the recovery effort and assure crew safety and equipment maintenance or repair.
In addition to Digger Derrick trucks, Material Handler trucks, extended boom Tree Trimming trucks, pole trailers, and smaller bucket trucks, SLEMCO crews will also be bringing off-road equipment equipped to inspect and assess damage and move heavy debris or fallen trees out of work areas.
The 2024 hurricane season has been especially challenging in the last few weeks. The next few weeks won’t be any different as mutual-aid crews from all parts of the country head to Florida to assist with power restoration. If the situation were reversed, the electric cooperatives we are helping now, would head our way in an instant.