Georgia Power linemen go above and beyond the call of duty amid COVID-19
<p>Line crews continue to respond to storms and outages amid the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping safety at the forefront of what they do and social distancing protocols in mind, while assisting others and continuing to be "A Citizen Wherever We Serve."</p>
<p>A great example of this is when <b>Wes Blease</b>, a Georgia Power lineman, and <b>Cody Copeland</b>, a Georgia Power troubleman, were dispatched on April 23 to Pelham, Georgia's Archbold Nursing Home where downed trees and powerlines were preventing first responders from evacuating several COVID-19 patients after a recent tornado.</p>
<p>"They were having issues getting the people out and getting them to a safe location because the generators were down," Blease recalled. "I was able to go in and get the wires down to move the people out of the facility."</p>
<p>After removing downed powerlines and tree branches, Blease turned his attention to help nursing home staff start the facility's generator. Without power from the backup system, evacuating patients would have been more difficult.</p>
<p>"Helping our neighbors in their time of need is what we do," Blease explained. "I thought about my late 97-year-old grandmother, and I would hope that someone would help save her if she were in the same situation."</p>
<p>In Blease's five years at Georgia Power, he has witnessed numerous teammates go out of their way to help customers in need.</p>
<p>"I just imagine that this is my business and how I would want it handled if I were a customer," Blease said. "I'm grateful to work at Georgia Power, and one of the ways I show my appreciation is by helping people in need."</p>
