Storms can have a devastating impact on towns and cities. Strong gusts of wind, accompanied by heavy rain or snow, can negatively impact properties, infrastructures, and sometimes even lives. Whenever strong weather is predicted to strike in a certain area, emergency response teams are formed close to the threatened area. These teams are frequently standing by, ready for immediate rescues. One of the most valuable utility service vehicles used during such weather threats are bucket trucks.
Power Supply and Telecommunications
Probably the most crucial service that needs to be maintained in a storm-affected area is the power supply and telecommunications. Unfortunately, it is the most heavily impacted service during bad weather. People feel that they need to be able to maintain telecommunications connectivity so that in case of a crisis, they can easily seek outside help. Electricity is equally vital. People would like to be able to continue with their daily activities even during a storm; they want to keep their homes lighted and comfortable. To maintain these vital services, bucket truck operators and linemen are always on the alert to be ready to restore fallen electrical and telecommunication lines.
During bad weather, it is a pretty common sight to see these vehicles gathering near the location where the storm is expected to hit. Most of these vehicles arrive from neighboring towns and cities ready to offer aid to the areas affected by severe weather.
Other Storm-Related Tasks
The use of these vehicles is not only for restoring electrical and telecommunications service. These trucks are suitable for any task that involves working at an elevated height. Tree branches that were too weak to survive strong winds need to be safely removed through the use of these trucks as soon as possible to clear the roads and highways for emergency vehicles.
Billboards are highly susceptible to the high winds of a storm and again need to be cleared from the roadways along which they are usually placed. The use of bucket trucks to remove dangerously hanging billboards by or over roadways is a very important job to be done.
The use of bucket trucks to restore many different things in the aftermath of a storm keep these vehicles and their operators working nearly around-the-clock to complete repairs on broken street lights, shattered glass windows, and even the rescue of people stranded by the aftermath of a storm’s wrath
The immediate response duties of bucket trucks are often performed during harsh weather conditions and may call for maneuvering through muddy, flooded streets or snow-drifted highways. These emergency responders often risk their own lives and their vehicles to restore services to communities that have been stricken by a storm. It is imperative that these trucks be maintained in outstanding condition so that they are immediately ready to respond to a call-to-action when an emergency situation arises.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the ways that bucket trucks provide help when a storm strikes a community. The next time a storm situation strikes, think of these vehicles and the crews who sacrifice their own safety to keep everyone unharmed and comfortable after the strong weather has departed. They are ever alert, ready to respond to wherever they are needed!
Christopher Hunter is an expert in commercial specialty trucks. If you are interested in learning more about Altec Bucket Trucks, go to the link shown here.
