Northwestern Ontario is well represented in hurricane relief efforts in Florida.
Currently, workers from Dryden, Kenora, Thunder Bay, Nipigon and Fort Frances are in Florida attempting to restore power to thousands.
Dryden Powerline Technician Behn Carlson is stationed in Miami and he describes a scene of devastation with trees, furniture, brush and debris littering area streets.
He notes about 20,000 customers remain without power in Florida, but notes they are making great progress where he is. Carlson says its been a remarkable experience, stressing residents have been extremely grateful for the help. He says the biggest challenge has been aging infrastructure, with horrible connections, old-rotten hydro poles, and broken down transformers.
Carlson says they have a great senior management team leading the group, including Kenora’s Murray McDowell. He adds it’s unknown when they will be given the go ahead to return home, but stresses he’s happy to help out until he’s no longer needed.
To hear more from Behn Carlson, visit the Audio link below.
