Oklahoma Crews Leave For Louisiana To Help Restore Power After Hurricane Francine

Hurricane Francine made landfall Wednesday night as a Category 2 storm, leaving 190,000 people without power in Louisiana. Several Oklahoma emergency response teams have been dispatched to assist in power restoration efforts.

The Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA), OG&E, and PSO have all sent crews to help, understanding firsthand the devastation caused by natural disasters. They are ready to do whatever it takes to assist hurricane victims in the South.

Emergency crews departed from Oklahoma on Wednesday morning, embarking on the eight-hour drive to help in the recovery efforts.

"Folks were excited, ready to get the job done—resolute and determined," said OG&E spokesperson Aaron Cooper.

Justin Alberty, GRDA corporate spokesperson, added, "When they left this morning, there was some excitement, and a strong desire to get there because they know they’re going to help. Instinctively, they want to get the lights back on."

A Louisiana electric company requested OG&E’s assistance, prompting the company to send 150 people, including line crews and support staff. PSO has deployed a crew of 120, and GRDA sent 20 personnel.

“The first thing they’re going to do when they get there is work safely. The number one objective is for them to return home safely. The second is to help restore power as safely and quickly as possible to our neighbors in Louisiana,” said Alberty.

Both companies emphasized they are sending their most experienced crews, as they have dealt with numerous natural disasters.

“They will go down there with the experience and expertise they need to get the job done,” Alberty said.

The crews may be gone for up to two weeks. Despite the sacrifice, they are eager to help.

“That’s time away from their family and regular obligations at work,” Cooper said. “The sacrifice may be getting down there and sleeping on a gym floor with no electricity for two or three days because the power is out wherever you are,” said Alberty.

In Oklahoma, the standard is to do whatever it takes to help those in need.

"Helping out our friends and neighbors—and while these aren't our customers in Louisiana, they certainly are our friends and neighbors," Cooper said.

The crews are set to receive their assignments Thursday morning and will begin work immediately to restore power to storm victims.