OKC Maintenance Crews Busy Working On Water Lines

In the extreme cold, the safest place to be is inside, but there are some jobs that just don't allow that.

Monday, January 6th 2014, 6:16 pm

By: News 9


In the extreme cold, the safest place to be is inside, but there are some jobs that just don't allow that.

An Oklahoma City Utilities Line Maintenance worker is one profession, despite freezing temperatures, must brave the bitter cold as part of the job.

"We don't always get the ideal conditions," said Derald Ross, OKC Utilities Line Maintenance Superintendent.

Ross said his crew understands water main breaks can happen anytime.

"We have to make sure that the citizens have water and that they have sewer and so we're just constantly working around the clock." Ross said.

Oklahoma City crews repaired 558 water main breaks last winter. So far this winter, through the snow, ice, and bitter cold, crews have worked nearly 381 water main breaks.

"I don't know how they do it," Cynthia Daugherty said.

Daugherty is thankful crews are working in her neighborhood on a cold day, so she can have running water.

The city is mindful of its crews. Employees are allowed plenty of breaks to warm up in their trucks and are supplied with coveralls, insulated gloves, and insulated shoes.

Crews also work on a buddy system to make sure everyone has a second set of eyes looking out for frost bites symptoms.

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