Jul 24, 2012
ANOTHER STORM, ANOTHER GREAT AWP PERFORMANCE!
Throughout its 20 year history, AWP has responded to literally hundreds of emergencies for its customers—floods, tornadoes, snow and ice. However, the company’s greatest challenge occurred just recently, as more than 125 of our willing and capable folks braved nearly unbearable heat to assist American Electric Power (AEP) in restoring electricity to more than 1.3 million customers in WV, VA, TN and KY.
Beginning the evening of June 29, 2012, a powerful “derecho” (wind driven thunderstorm) ripped through the Mid Atlantic, downing power lines, trees and even homes over a 50,000 square mile area. Within 48 hours of receiving its first call from AEP for emergency traffic control assistance, AWP deployed volunteers from seven different offices bound for Charleston, WV—the storm’s epicenter. Upon arrival, our team was not only greeted with daily temperatures well over 100 degrees, but many gas stations were without power and most hotels were without air conditioning. To keep our people properly hydrated, the company spent over $2500.00 on water and ice alone. Not only did we work through the July 4th holiday, we stayed until the job was done—on July 14th. Shortly afterwards, we received a personal letter from AEP President, Nick Atkins, thanking us for our efforts.
Great job and many thanks to all who participated—we’re all proud of you!
Print this page