Bucket Trucks – Unsung Storm Heroes

Part of a Team

The bucket truck is a critical emergency vehicle in a storm because of its ability to assist in multiple areas. The aerial device mounted on a truck frame allows it to be utilized in a variety of applications as needed. The hydraulic boom and bucket can elevate aerial workers and their equipment so they can provide the required emergency services quickly and safely.

Before the Storm

The role of a bucket truck during a storm actually begins before impact. In an attempt to minimize property damage, one of the bucket truck's primary purposes is to provide a safe platform for workers to secure structures that could potentially topple from the force of strong winds during the storms. This can include the disassembly of signs and removal of tree branches that could break from strong winds, heavy rain and sheets of ice.

During the Storm

The most demanding work for the bucket truck occurs during the storm itself. When a storm hits, it is vital that basic services such as electricity and telecommunications stay intact. Compromising the telecommunication lines can render emergency services useless, and power allows residents to maintain comfort within their homes during times of extreme heat or cold. Strong gusts of wind and heavy snow can cause extreme stress on overhead lines, so bucket trucks remain on standby to provide a safe aerial platform for restoring disrupted service as soon as possible. These vehicles respond through rain, sleet and snow to provide the necessary help. Bucket truck crews routinely sacrifice their comfort and wellbeing to assist communities impacted by storms.

After the Storm

As the storm subsides, the job of the aerial bucket truck has only just begun. This truck is critical for post-storm clean-up, maintenance and repairs. Damaged structures, utility lines, signs and street lights can be safely repaired by a skilled lineman using a reliable bucket truck. As line crews take to the field, they leave their family and friends behind, often for weeks on end without a proper place to sleep or a hot meal.

Next Storm Location

Once the power is restored, the job of the bucket truck is far from over. These emergency vehicles travel in packs to the next location where the storm is headed to provide the same necessary services all over again. To survive these harsh conditions, bucket trucks that are used to respond to storm crises should be well-maintained and fully equipped, so they are ready to respond as they are called.

This information hopefully provides some insight into the world of bucket truck emergency response teams and how they keep us all safe and comfortable during a storm. The next time a storm hits and first-responder bucket trucks are on the road, thank a lineman for their efforts. Recognize these vehicles and the crews that operate them as unsung storm heroes as they travel on to their next mission!