Leesburg Electric Crews to Arrive in New York Today to Assist with Hurricane Irene Recovery

A 10-member team and a convoy of vehicles from Leesburg’s Electric Department will arrive in Oneonta, New York, today to help with extensive recovery efforts following Hurricane Irene.

They will join more than 1,500 workers representing 530 different electric line and tree crews from around the country who are assisting NYSEG (New York State Electric & Gas) to restore power to nearly 20,000 hurricane victims in central and upstate New York. The Oneonta area has been heavily impacted by flooding, downed trees and road closures that cut off parts of the community.

Leesburg electric workers are expected to remain in New York for more than a week. The crews left this area on Tuesday, driving up north with four bucket trucks, a line truck and two pickup trucks.

A similar team from the Leesburg Electric Department worked with recovery efforts in Cleveland, Tenn., for nearly two weeks in April after 160 tornadoes ripped through six states, killing almost 300 people. Leesburg also assisted with extensive storm cleanup in Lakeland during late March.

Many utilities like Leesburg have cooperative agreements to provide assistance during major disasters. The city must closely document supplies, work and expenses that are reimbursed through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Damage from Hurricane Irene is estimated to cost $2-7 billion. To help storm victims, you may donate to the American Red Cross at www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. The Salvation Army also accepts donations at www.salvationarmyusa.org.

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