WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)—Linemen from across the country, including from eight cities in Kansas, are headed to the southeast to restore power.
“We actually have seven other cities going with their municipal utilities for a total of 25 line workers responding. From the City of Augusta, Baldwin City, Clay Center Public Utilities, Kansas City Board of Public Utilities, Ottawa, Pratt, Russell and Winfield,” said Greg DuMars, Project Manager, Kansas Municipal Utilities.
They are part of the American Public Power Association, which sends crews to restore electricity after storms or disasters.
“In the public power community, we have the attitude of neighbor helping neighbor, and that philosophy is not just statewide. It’s nationally, so when there are other public power communities in need, we respond to assist, and in our times of need, we are confident that they will be doing the same for us,” DuMars said.
The lineman left Tuesday morning and will arrive in Orlando on Friday.
“Thursday night, they will pre-stage in the northern portion of Florida just outside of the reach of the hurricane as it crosses the peninsula so that they can get up in the morning and report into Orlando,” DuMars said.
The lineman could be deployed for up to two weeks.
“It’s a commitment; they leave their families behind. They can be deployed for up to two weeks in the restoration area, so it is a commitment to aid their other communities in need,” DuMars said.
For those who are interested in helping hurricane victims, Kansans in Wichita and Cowley County are collecting supplies to take to North Carolina. KSN’s parent company, Nexstar, has also partnered with the American Red Cross to collect donations.
