Mississippi Power’s storm season logistics plan covers all scenarios

We know the hard work and dedication that Mississippi Power employees put in before, during, and after a storm.

But what about behind the scenes, when hotel rooms are needed, meals have to be served, and staging areas must be set up?

That’s where the company’s storm logistics team comes in, whether we are facing a weak tropical depression or a Category 5 hurricane.

“We’re ready,” said Coast Division storm team logistics manager Danielle Crowder. “Everything is in place. We just hope we don’t have to implement the plan.”

That design includes contracts for turnkey vendors who provide food, drinks, ice, lodging, and even laundry service for employees during a storm situation. It also involves securing primary and secondary staging areas for linemen crews, emergency action plans for each division, and supply chains.

“Every storm is different,” said Crowder, who primarily serves as the company’s major accounts representative. “We not only set up our own logistics plan, but we also work with our sister companies to make sure we’re on the same page if a storm threatens multiple areas. In that case, resources are distributed to where they’re needed most.”

She also said that several logistic team members recently took part in a base camp exercise in York, Ala., where different scenarios were discussed. For instance, where do you park 50 lineman trucks? Where do they stop to eat or purchase gas? Who handles security while the trucks are parked?

“All the little stuff adds up,” Crowder said. “It’s a situation where nobody knows what you’re doing until you don’t do it. We’ve established great relationships with hotels and other vendors to make everyone as comfortable as possible despite working through a storm situation.”