'Essential’ workers like plumbers and electricians say they’re counting on you to keep them safe

As Dallas County shelters in place, essential service workers like plumbers, HVAC technicians and electricians are continuing to enter the homes of residents — and they’re relying on customers to keep them safe.

“Plumbers, historically, protect the health of the nation,” said Keresa Richardson, who co-owns Benjamin Franklin Plumbing in Dallas, "and we continue to do so by providing services when everyone else is quarantined. We’re still out there doing our job.”

Richardson and her husband, J.R. run Lawton Group, a firm that includes Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, Buckaroo Pest Protection, Lawton Mechanical Services and other companies providing mechanical services.

“Our guys are accustomed to dealing with very unhealthy environments, and they have a series of inoculations they have to go through as a plumber to protect themselves,” Richardson said.

Benjamin Franklin’s nearly 150 employees are continuing to work, she said. But the company is asking customers who call for service to tell them if anyone in the home is feeling ill or showing symptoms related to COVID-19.

“We want to make sure that if there is anyone quarantined, we’re not putting our employees at risk,” said Richardson.

Baker Brothers CEO Jimmy Dale said his company is also relying on customers to notify his company if they’re sick so that they can avoid potentially spreading coronavirus.