007: Turn Around, Don't Drown: Water Safety and Survival for Utility Workers

Co-Op Heroes: Stories from Electric Utility Operators

In this sobering episode of The Co-Op Heroes podcast, hosts Pablo Fuentes (CEO of Bloom Spatial) and James Tanneberger (CEO of South Central Indiana REMC) share a harrowing story that illustrates why water safety is a critical concern for utility workers.

James recounts a near-tragic incident from his time in Texas, where two substation maintenance workers faced a life-threatening situation during the aftermath of a tornado. When one employee received a panicked call from his wife about a tornado hitting their neighborhood, the crew's urgent attempt to return home led them into a flooded low-water crossing. What seemed like a manageable situation quickly turned dangerous when their truck became a boat in rising floodwater.

Key lessons covered:

• How quickly water conditions can change during severe weather
• Why vehicle size doesn't matter when water reaches the frame
• The critical decisions that saved two lives during a flash flood rescue
• The importance of calling 911 immediately rather than supervisors
• How moving water's power can be deadly even for strong swimmers

Safety insights: The episode explores the deceptive nature of floodwater and why "turn around, don't drown" isn't just a catchy slogan, it's a life-saving principle. James shares additional stories from Texas flooding events and discusses how cooperatives are partnering with local communities to improve severe weather preparedness, including expanding tornado warning systems.

Technology and prevention: The conversation touches on emerging technologies for natural disaster management, including fiber optic sensing and improved weather awareness systems that help utilities and communities prepare for severe weather events.

This episode serves as both a compelling rescue story and an important safety reminder for anyone who works outdoors or lives in areas prone to flooding. The emphasis on weather awareness and community preparedness makes this essential listening for utility workers and rural residents alike.