More than a week after Hurricane Irma ripped through the the state of Florida, clean up crews are still working to get everything back to normal. While crews continue to work long hours attempting restore power to residents across the state, they are all missing the comforts of home while being out on the line.
Right now there are still 4,000 people in emergency shelters, and as many as 675,000 homes still in the dark.
Rick Perry, Energy Secretary notes that much of the power grid will have to be rebuilt so they crews are in for a big job. Since most of the lines in Florida are above ground, much of the infrastructure was destroyed in the high winds of the hurricane.
It's estimated that 60,000 utility workers from the U.S. and Canada are currently working to restore Florida's power.
Some estimates say that it will be weeks before power is fully restored in Florida, so these linesman won't be getting a break any time soon.
That's why these women are hoping to make the life of the linesmen easier.
The lower Keys have finally reopened, allowing many people to get back into the area for the first time since the storm hit.
The crews have to deal with widespread damage to roads in the area, but continue to do their work.
Their work and dedication hasn't gone unnoticed by the residents of Florida though. Local residents are so grateful for the help they've received that dozens of women formed a line to pick up laundry from the power crews.
Jennifer Taylor Koukos shared the image from the Sebring International Raceway.
"See this line? All these ladies waited in line tonight to take loads of linemen's laundry home. One lineman asked me what those ladies were standing in line for. When I told him they were waiting to be given laundry, with a look of sheer disbelief he said, "You gotta be kidding me." What a great night. #floridastrong"
Kelsey Murray, who helped to organize "Laundry for Lineman" said that the volunteers were able to complete 177 loads of laundry in just two days, and will continue the task until the workers are done their job.
Source: Tribunist / Southern Living