Working to Restore Power to Arkansas With a Full Belly
By: Josh Berry
Updated: December 28, 2012
Eggs, hash browns, pancakes and waffles. It's motivation with a side of sausage.
Electric trucks packed the parking lot of the Arkansas State Fair Grounds where more than 500 crews from as far away as South Carolina to Tampa got going bright and early with a warm start and a full belly.
Entergy Arkansas has called in help from 15 different states, the majority of which working here in central Arkansas.
Their purpose: helping Arkansans to get out of the dark.
"Extremely appreciative," exclaimed Entergy worker, Dave Ingram about the food prepared for all the crews.
It's a welcome sight for crews who spend their entire day in the cold, navigating icy city streets and climbing to the top of power lines.
"It's one of the most dangerous jobs being a lineman," Entergy spokeswoman, Sally Graham described.
4,657 people are on the ground, working across the state, committed to getting Arkansas' lights back on.
Hundreds of linemen, all waiting in line for the meal Entergy had ready for them on the way in and a bagged lunch on the way out.
Ingram explained, "That way they can go out to the field, not have to go look for a restaurant... take the time to do that."
They'll have another meal at night when their work for the day is done.
The restoration efforts could take a while. It may be frustrating but remember, while they're working to get your power up, some of these crews are your neighbors.
Ingram said, "When I go back home tonight I hope to see them back on."
That's motivation with a side of bacon and eggs.
Electric trucks packed the parking lot of the Arkansas State Fair Grounds where more than 500 crews from as far away as South Carolina to Tampa got going bright and early with a warm start and a full belly.
Entergy Arkansas has called in help from 15 different states, the majority of which working here in central Arkansas.
Their purpose: helping Arkansans to get out of the dark.
"Extremely appreciative," exclaimed Entergy worker, Dave Ingram about the food prepared for all the crews.
It's a welcome sight for crews who spend their entire day in the cold, navigating icy city streets and climbing to the top of power lines.
"It's one of the most dangerous jobs being a lineman," Entergy spokeswoman, Sally Graham described.
4,657 people are on the ground, working across the state, committed to getting Arkansas' lights back on.
Hundreds of linemen, all waiting in line for the meal Entergy had ready for them on the way in and a bagged lunch on the way out.
Ingram explained, "That way they can go out to the field, not have to go look for a restaurant... take the time to do that."
They'll have another meal at night when their work for the day is done.
The restoration efforts could take a while. It may be frustrating but remember, while they're working to get your power up, some of these crews are your neighbors.
Ingram said, "When I go back home tonight I hope to see them back on."
That's motivation with a side of bacon and eggs.
