Mickey Starling
reporter3.riverbendnews@gmail.com
Since 2013, April 18 has been the annual date set aside to honor hard-working linemen across the country. National Lineman Day should certainly be a special day for folks living in our area. After incurring the wrath of three hurricanes in just over a year, we have all learned to appreciate a light switch or thermostat that works.
We have linemen to thank for that. Every day, rain or shine, these dedicated workers often risk their lives to provide their community with power. Immediately following strong storms that often cause power disruptions, linemen can be seen working tirelessly to repair lines and restore the power grid. When hurricanes or tornadoes do their worst, additional linemen from across the country swarm the affected areas and often work long shifts to get power restored as quickly as possible.
On top of the long, hard hours that these workers put in, there is a routine amount of danger that they face because of the high-voltage wires that are just part of the job. One wrong move can spell disaster or death, in a worse-case scenario. On average, 26 linemen lose their lives in the line of duty each year.
There are a number of ways to show your appreciation to linemen wherever you find them. One of the best things you can do when encountering a lineman at work is to stay out of their way, giving them a safe space to work. If you’re the baking type, consider dropping a goody basket off at the office of whichever company supplies your electricity. Another greatly appreciated gesture would be to buy their meal if you see them in your favorite restaurant. Whatever method of gratification you choose, be sure to let linemen know how much you appreciate them and the services they provide to keep you living comfortably, regardless of the season.