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- By Caroline McNally
Storm season varies by location, bringing unpredictable weather that many assume makes storm response a seasonal job with plenty of downtime. However, the reality couldn’t be farther from the truth. Storm response is a year-round job requiring months of preparation and organization to ensure readiness for future emergencies.
Liam McNally, Maverick’s Director of Storm Services and Safety, leads a dedicated team that spends the entire year preparing for storm response and restoration events. The Maverick Storm Response Services team works tirelessly to ensure that tools, equipment, resources, and training are always up to par. This includes:
- Testing rubber gloves and sleeves for linemen.
- Ensuring bucket trucks are fully equipped with up-to-code tools.
- Verifying proper personal protection equipment.
- Keeping training up to date.
- Ensuring everyone is prepared to respond at a minute’s notice.
- Training and Certification
Maverick Storm Services requires all crews to be certified in damage assessor training, wire guard training, CPR, first aid, AED, and to possess in-depth knowledge of electrical safety and its consequences. Training during the off-peak storm months is crucial, ensuring preparedness for the next storm.
Equipment and Inventory Management
Regular inventory checks of essential items in WG and DA bags, such as iPads, hard hats, leather gloves, cotton gloves, first aid kits, and steel-toe boots, are conducted year-round. This meticulous preparation helps crews operate efficiently and safely, mitigating storm damage and supporting relief efforts.
Anticipation and Communication
No two storms are alike, making each restoration effort unique and unpredictable. Crews often face dangerous situations with limited cell service, emphasizing the need for thorough preparation and effective communication. Maverick ensures every team member is on the same page, with even minor details like charged iPads for damage assessors considered essential. “It can all boil down to something as simple as a charged iPad for damage assessors to use. We know it’s chaos regardless, but we make sure that it’s organized chaos,” says McNally.
Coordination with Utilities
Staying informed about upcoming storms and their potential damage is crucial. Maverick maintains good contact with utilities to be ready for deployment at a moment’s notice, ensuring a swift response when needed.
A Challenging but Rewarding Job
Storm response is a demanding job with long hours, short breaks, and immediate deployment needs. It requires preparation, diligence, and high levels of organization. Maverick Storm Response Services and its leadership team ensure that every step is meticulously planned to restore power safely and quickly for clients and communities.
In the words of Director of Storm Services Liam McNally, quoting former FBI agent Chris Voss, “You do not rise to the occasion; you fall to your highest level of preparation.”
If you’re in need of storm response services or want to discover how Maverick Storm Services remains equipped and on standby, please get in touch with us.
