Page 4 - MasTec Fast Break Hurricane Issue
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Fast Break
Special Edition Sept. 2017
Hurricane Irma
The Keys, Miami, Naples and Ft. Myers – September 10-11, 2017
Irma was the first Category 5 hurricane on record to strike the Leeward Islands. With winds that hit 185 mph, it was one of the most intense tropical storms in history. Irma caused widespread damage due to flooding and destroyed homes in the Florida Keys and Ft. Myers areas, and was followed by Hurricane Maria a week later, which devastated Puerto Rico.
For Clients: MasTec crews work 16-hour days restoring power, convening at FPL’s tent city for safety meetings and to stock up on supplies. See video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6RFqfgVh14
For Employees: MasTec Group Presidents accounted for every employee after each storm hit. Within a day of each strike, information came flowing in. Every single employee was accounted for, and 98% were able to report to work. Out of state teams drove relief supplies into Florida for our own people. At right, Manuel Arismendy’s children help deliver emergency supply kits. What a team!!
Diary from the Front
“Phone calls started coming in the week before Hurricane Irma hit, our customers wanted to make sure we had crews assigned to help with restoration. It was a category 5 storm, so we knew the damage would be severe. But the call I will never forget was from Jose Mas. He told me to take care of our employees first and make sure we had crews on standby to help anyone who had serious damage to their home. When desperation started setting in because gas lines were miles long and grocery stores emptied out, all employees were sent home to take care of their homes and families. Executives drove emergency supplies into Florida as the storm was about to hit. I have never been so proud in all my life. Our competition saw us and asked ‘Where’d you get those bags?’ This is what a team is all about. We took care of each other and our clients.” Manuel Arismendy, Division Vice President, USG