Like in the past with other natural disasters, some Omaha Public Power District crews would be ready to help out in a Gulf Coast hurricane zone if a request for mutual aid was made.
"We have a mutual aid network," OPPD's Jodi Baker tells KFAB Radio News. "So, if we are called upon, we'll evaluate our resources, and if we can send crews we certainly will."
Baker says proximity comes into play as utilities may initially ask for help from electric providers closer to the disaster, which makes sense because of the trucks and heavy equipment that must be moved in.
"Sometimes, other power companies call upon our help and we respond, and vice versa," Baker says. "We've gotten help from mutual aid groups in the past, as well."
(Picture from Omaha Public Power District)