After the storm, hurricanes and Telecom

When a hurricane threatens, Engineering and Installation/Repair departments go on full alert. Power and telephone companies in south Florida have worked out coordination plans for such emergencies. This post is about my experience as an Outside Plant Engineer after hurricane Andrew hit south Florida, August 24, 1992. http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/HAW2/english/history.shtml#andrew

Andrew was predicted to arrive on Sunday or Monday so the Friday before we were instructed to come to work only if it was safe and to report to the closest office possible. We would be on emergency duty hours consisting of 12 hour days for weeks at a time with a day off now and then.

The eye of the storm tore through the south Miami area Monday, August 24 around 5:00 am. At 4:00 am I was awakened by awful noises and decided it would be best to go to the first floor of my townhouse and ride out the storm in the powder room under the stairs. As I passed the front door I heard it rattle against the door locks. Only then did it occur to me that a deadbolt latch and door frame stood between me and the storm.

While trying to rest on the floor of the tiny powder room, I got a phone call from my sister who lives in the Caribbean to see if I was all right. This is a testament to the durability of the network. At daybreak the storm had past and residents of my community were out assessing the damage. We were lucky; only a few downed tree limbs, a leaky roof in one building and one broken window in the whole 250 unit complex. Officials on the radio were advising people to stay home while they assessed the damage on a broader scale. I called in to my manager, who confirmed that I should stay home for the day. But the next day I should report to the office or the closest office as safely possible.

When I arrived to work, plans were being made to assign us to Florida Power & Light sub-stations in our district to observe and report the status of power restoration. It is typical that power companies turn the power off as a precaution so that any damage to the grid does not cause unsafe conditions to the public. Power crews were visually inspecting, testing for abnormal electrical draws, downed power lines or other irregular conditions. The speed and efficiency with which they repaired broken poles and downed lines is to be admired. Power was being restored and sections released to Southern Bell as "clear". There was a misunderstanding at first that "clear" meant "safe" or as safe as usual, but that was soon clarified. It only meant that there was no unusual draw of power in that section. It was still dangerous out there.

When a section was cleared, I was assigned to ride with a Southern Bell technician to assess the damage to the telephone network. "Safety first" has always been the Bell System motto. In keeping with that, we were instructed to stay in the vehicle. As we drove through the neighborhoods we witnessed property damage and people outside picking up the pieces. The weather was hot and muggy—which is usual for August in Miami—and people were anxious to get the power restored. Frequently someone would run up to the truck and ask when the power would be restored. We had to remind them that we were with the phone company.

Within a few days, technicians from South Carolina and other states in the Southern Bell territory were arriving in caravans to construction yards. There trucks bore banners reading, "Andrew Busters" which can be likened to the "Ghost Busters" movie logo. They were greeted with cheers and hugs. There was much work ahead of us and some local employees were handling their own personal emergencies. As news trickled in from the South District of Miami we realized how lucky we had been in the north. Some employees lost their homes and were living in company buildings; sleeping on cots and cooking on portable stoves. Not only were the Southern Bell management team doing their usual jobs, they were also helping employees with essential food and shelter. I could say a lot more about the damage I saw, but this post would be very lengthy.

Soon, we in engineering, were designing restoration plans for construction. While in the field, we were required to wear three sets of gloves; cotton, rubber and work gloves on top to assure against electrocution should we touch a "energized" pole or chain link fence. The inability to move my fingers to hold a pencil to take field notes was a bit comical.

The team work and camaraderie of the group was something to experience. Like one big family helping each other, the community and getting the job done. It is an experience I will never forget.

For more information about this storm read this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Andrew