Lexington-based Emergency Disaster Services aid in Louisiana after Hurricane Francine

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) – Lexington’s Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) provides a base camp location for utility workers. Right now, they are in Louisiana to support workers on the front lines following Hurricane Francine.

In the aftermath of the storm, people across Louisiana faced power outages and flooding. Crews from Lexington-based Emergency Disaster Services are in Louisiana now, helping to clean up the mess.

“We were here inside of 24 hours. We witnessed all the brunt of the wind damage, the water that was in intersections, all the power, so there [were] no working street lights. The intersections were all just stop signs, essentially,” EDS Director of Communications and Logistics Matt Daley said.

He says once flood water receded, EDS was able to set up their base camp. With a central location, EDS helps workers quicken restoration.

“The power that may take, let’s say a week and a half to restore, they’re able to do it in 3 or 4 days because we’re able to provide all the infrastructure up front, so that way they are near the affected area,” Daley said.

Although EDS says they play a small part in restoration, their services make a big difference for those affected.

“In the midst of a heat wave and a hot part of September, that will allow these folks to turn on their ACs and their ignitions on a lot quicker,” Daley said.

Daley tells us utility crews are finishing up restoring power in Louisiana’s rural areas today. EDS will start to pack up beginning tomorrow.

Although their work is almost done in Louisiana, EDS says they’re prepared for another potential base camp set up off the east coast or in Florida following storm activity in the Atlantic.

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