As Hurricane Charley passed just offshore, it brought no storm-related outages for Savannah Electric customers. After a 7 a.m. meeting of operations managers, Savannah Electric deactivated its REACT disaster response plan.

The first order of business was to release the 135 outside linemen and tree cutters. They were requested by utilities in Florida. Most Savannah Electric employees were notified that they would not need to report for REACT assignments. However, a previously identified storm team was told to report for travel to Florida.

Nineteen employees from both the Savannah and Springfield operations centers comprised the team. They left Savannah at 10 a.m. Saturday. A group of eight additional employees is prepared to go as a “damage assessment team” if requested.

Savannah Electric has also released 42 line contract personnel and 21 tree contract personnel to help in Florida. Savannah Electric remains prepared to respond to thunderstorms and other events, however, customers could experience some delay in routine work while short-staffed. The company appreciates customers’ patience during this time.

Tampa Electric requested the storm team initially. Subsequent assignments are possible once they are in the area. Storm work typically lasts about a week, but last year’s “Isabel” response team was gone for 16 days.

Other Savannah Electric employees continue the work of breaking down the remote staging area, canceling logistics planning and more. For instance, box lunches to feed the large, visiting workforce were given to the crews leaving for Florida. About 100 leftover lunches were to be donated to the Inner City Night Shelter.

Savannah Electric will review this week’s mobilization efforts and apply any lessons-learned to further improving its disaster preparedness plan.