Braving the Storm:

Inside the Life of Line Workers Battling Mother Nature

Written by Jon Backman

Makingconnectionsllc.com

As summer fades and the days shorten, construction projects wrap up, and it’s time to prepare for storm season in the Pacific Northwest. Here, the arrival of fall means plunging temperatures, relentless rain, a touch of snow, and fierce winds. These are not your average breezes; when fronts and pressure systems line up just right, they unleash winds powerful enough to send trees crashing down—and line workers’ phones ringing off the hook.

Having worked over two decades in the electric utility industry, I’ve faced countless storm responses. Some of these have kept me out for days, others only through the night, but each storm brings its own unique challenges. Still, some core principles stand out to ensure safe, successful storm work for every line worker. Let’s break down the key components every line worker relies on during these high-stakes storms.

S is for Safety: Practicing Like You Play

In storm work, safety isn’t just a guideline—it’s the cornerstone of every task. Think of safety practices as the “training drills” that you repeat until they’re second nature. On routine days, line workers follow strict protocols: identifying and isolating potential hazards, grounding lines, setting up traffic control, and keeping out of the bight. These habits become muscle memory. When a storm hits, it’s game day. The eyes of the world are on us as they sit comfortably inside their homes, waiting for life to return to normal. Storms may be a great opportunity to learn, but they’re not the time to start learning safety. Long hours, unpredictable conditions, and fatigue make storm work challenging, and it’s your safe habits developed every day that will keep you and your crew protected when conditions are at their most demanding.

T is for Trees: Nature’s Unpredictable Powerhouse

The Pacific Northwest is home to towering firs, fragile cottonwoods, splintering alders, and dense maples. Elsewhere, line workers encounter pines, palms, hemlocks, and oaks, but one thing remains the same: when storms strike, trees fall, and they become an unpredictable hazard. Trees conduct electricity, can catch fire, are heavy enough to cause significant damage, and have a mind of their own when they fall. A fallen tree on a power line creates dangerous tension, storing energy that can release unpredictably. If your utility provides tree crews, let the experts handle it; they’re trained specifically for the risk trees bring. For line workers who handle tree work, it’s crucial to follow the rules, use appropriate tools, and mitigate the tension before making any cuts. And when in doubt, stop and wait for backup or a tree crew. Better a delay than a dangerous gamble.

O is for Outages and Overtime: Embracing the Surge

Storms lead to a surge in power outages, often stretching resources thin. When tackling multiple outages, follow a systematic approach: start with transmission lines, then substations, main circuits, laterals, and finally individual service lines. Restoring a main circuit will always come before a single residential outage. Following this sequence isn’t just efficient—it’s essential for system-wide restoration. With outages come extended hours, and yes, overtime. While the OT is a nice bonus, it shouldn’t be your driving force. Storm duty is one of the most visible ways line workers impact the community by restoring light, heat, and comfort to neighborhoods plunged into darkness. When we work with a clear head and focus on safe, efficient restoration, there’s more than enough OT to go around.

R is for Rest: Refueling When You Can

During a storm, line work becomes a marathon, not a sprint. Labor laws enforce an eight-hour workday for a reason—it’s what most people can safely handle. But line workers know that when a storm rages, the clock becomes a mere suggestion. Restoring power often means we’re out there until the lights are back on, sometimes pulling shifts that last days. Despite the pride we take in going the extra mile, we’re only human. You can’t drive a truck on an empty tank, and the same goes for your body and mind. After the initial assessments and priorities are clear, plan for rest. Find a safe, quiet spot to grab at least six hours of sleep, if possible, so you can return focused and ready.

M is for Meals: Eating to Fuel the Fight

No one can push through a storm on an empty stomach. Line workers know the struggle: after a long day in cold, wet conditions, you skip lunch, push to finish one last job, and before you know it, it’s 10:30 pm. Every restaurant is closed. The crew is worn down, morale’s low, and there’s still work to be done. The fix? Prioritize meals as you would any other aspect of storm prep. Between jobs, take the time to eat and refuel. Don’t rush off without a plan—grab a warm meal in a dry spot, boost the crew’s energy, and keep morale high for the long night ahead.

The Payoff: Lighting the Darkness

Storm work is far from glamorous, but it’s one of the most gratifying aspects of line work. After hours or even days of struggle, there’s nothing like the moment when a neighborhood flickers back to life. It’s a reminder that we’re not just working through a storm—we’re restoring hope, warmth, and security to the communities we serve. This is just a glimpse into what it takes to prepare for storm duty. For line workers everywhere, this season is a time to check your gear, sharpen your skills, and prepare for what’s to come. Because in this line of work, one thing is certain: the next storm is always on the horizon, and when it comes, we’ll be ready to brave the elements and answer the call.

About the author - Jon Backman, owner of Making Connections, is a seasoned journey-level line worker and respected thought leader with a deep passion for people. Jon believes in drawing on the wisdom and values of the past while embracing the potential of the future to strengthen and empower the workforce. His work is dedicated to bridging gaps between employers and employees, fostering a positive and inclusive culture, and encouraging open, meaningful communication across all levels of the industry