Hurricane Helene has devastated the southeastern United States, leaving a grim reminder of the power of nature and the importance of being prepared. Stretching over 500 miles from Florida to the Southern Appalachians, Helene’s deadly force unleashed widespread destruction, claiming at least 130 lives, with fears that the toll may continue to rise as many remain missing.
In just 48 hours, entire communities were wiped out, roads vanished under floodwaters, and buildings, homes, and vehicles were destroyed. With communication infrastructure in ruins and millions left without power and access to clean water across six states, the aftermath is a sobering wake-up call.
While it’s impossible to fully predict the extent of a hurricane’s impact, this tragic event serves as a stark reminder of why hurricane preparedness is vital. As climate change fuels stronger and more unpredictable storms, individuals, families, and communities must prioritize readiness. Here’s how to stay prepared before, during, and after a hurricane.
1. Understanding hurricane categories and their risks
Hurricanes are categorized based on wind speed, but it’s essential to recognize that even a Category 1 hurricane can be devastating. Hurricane Helene was a Category 4 at its peak, but the flooding that followed, compounded by its sheer size, inflicted much of the damage. Knowing the risks—storm surges, flooding, high winds, and tornadoes—is crucial to understanding how to prepare.
2. Develop a hurricane preparedness plan
Having a solid emergency plan can save lives. Families and businesses should discuss and document the steps they’ll take during a hurricane. This plan should include:
- Evacuation routes: Know multiple routes in case primary roads become impassable.
- Communication strategies: Have a communication plan in place in case cell towers go down.
- Designated meeting places: Set locations where your family can regroup if you’re separated.
- Civil Dispatch alerts: Enable real-time notifications to keep your family informed.
3. Emergency supplies
An emergency kit is essential. This should include:
- Water: At least one gallon per person per day for at least three days.
- Non-perishable food: Enough for at least three days.
- Medications: Ensure a supply of any necessary medications.
- First aid kit: Prepare for potential injuries.
- Batteries, flashlights, and a hand-crank radio: Power outages are common, as seen with Hurricane Helene.
- Cash: ATMs and credit card systems may not function.
- Important documents: Keep copies of identification, insurance papers, and emergency contacts in a waterproof container.
4. Strengthen your home or business
Homes and buildings must be fortified to withstand hurricane-force winds and heavy rain. Consider the following steps:
- Storm shutters or plywood: Protect windows from flying debris.
- Clear gutters and drains: Ensure proper drainage to reduce flood risk.
- Reinforce garage doors: These are often weak points in a home during a hurricane.
- Trim trees and secure outdoor objects: Anything left unsecured can become a projectile in high winds.
5. Stay informed
During a hurricane, staying informed is your lifeline. Civil Dispatch’s real-time alerts ensure that communities can receive up-to-date warnings, evacuation orders, and safety information when communication lines are down. Make sure you have access to weather updates via battery-powered devices.
6. Responding to evacuation orders
If authorities issue evacuation orders, take them seriously. One of the leading causes of death in Hurricane Helene was the failure of people to leave flood-prone areas in time. Be sure to have your evacuation plan ready, and act quickly if conditions begin to worsen.
7. Post-storm safety
The aftermath of a hurricane can be as dangerous as the storm itself. Once the storm passes:
- Avoid floodwaters: They may be contaminated or hide debris and downed power lines.
- Check for gas leaks: If you smell gas, leave immediately and contact the authorities.
- Don’t re-enter unsafe buildings: Ensure a structural inspection before going back home.
- Be patient: The recovery process may be long, especially with power outages, blocked roads, and disrupted services.
8. Recovery and long-term preparedness
Recovering from a hurricane is a long process. As communities begin to rebuild, it’s important to learn from these experiences and continually update preparedness plans. Engage in community discussions on how to strengthen infrastructure and plan for future storms.
CivilDispatch.com plays an invaluable role during hurricanes, providing timely alerts and helping families and businesses coordinate their emergency responses. By staying informed and preparing ahead, we can reduce the devastation hurricanes can bring.
Hurricane Helene has forever changed the lives of those in its path. As the recovery efforts continue, let’s honor those who were lost by ensuring we’re better prepared for future storms. Taking proactive steps now can save lives later.