Tidbits I Have Heard About Hurricane Helene
We are all aware of Hurricane Helene, which has been all over the news outlets for days; I understand it’s worse than Hurricane Katrina. You may have read my article about Katrina, where I interviewed a family friend who survived that one.
By now, you know I always advise keeping your gas tank 3/4 full whenever possible. You don’t want to be in line at your local gas station when an approaching hurricane is due to hit your neighborhood. The lines will be long, and those storage tanks could be empty when you reach the gas pumps. PLEASE keep your cell phones charged and have a Power Bank charger.
I think it’s appropriate for all of us to take a few minutes to think about what these people are going through, how we’d respond in a similar situation, and how we can best prepare in case we are faced with similar circumstances.
Tidbits I Have Heard About Hurricane Helene
You may know that with all my posts about emergency preparation and how to plan for disasters, I get invited to several prepper online groups. I often hear more about what’s happening on the ground before I see it on TV. That’s been the case this week, with several readers telling me about their personal experiences as Hurricane Helene passed through their communities. I’ve tried below to outline some of the highlights of what’s been communicated to me and others in the prepper community:
Magic Markers and Duplicate Pictures
Please write the names of each family member in black magic marker on their arms or back; if you get separated, they can identify you. Please take duplicate pictures of each family member and your important documents if you must evacuate. This way, YOU have a set and one to hang up for those missing if you get separated.
The Quarter Trick
If you have a freezer, please fill a cup with water and let it freeze. Once frozen, place a quarter on top of the water. If you lose power, you will know because the quarter will sink to the bottom of the cup.
Take Videos of Every Room in Your Home
Please take pictures or videos of everything you own in your home. Open cabinets, closets, dresser drawers, and garage items. Be ready to show these to your insurance company. It’s called an inventory or record of everything you own.
Sign Up With Your Local Emergency Number EOC
(Emergency Operations Center and your Reverse 911 for your city or county, and then your cell phone will be notified of emergencies in your neighborhood.
No Power
Even though the hurricane is several days old and has moved on, thousands of homes are still without power throughout the Southeast U.S. We often assume that the coastline cities are most often affected by hurricanes. A lot depends on the size of the hurricane and how much territory it covers in its path. Reports are that Hurricane Helene is over 400 miles wide and that the massive destruction from high winds and floods has affected millions since landfall.
We all rely on power for so many things each day: lights for our homes, cooking meals, heating our showers, doing laundry, and much more. As mentioned, thousands of families are still waiting for power to be restored. Based on the downed power lines and poles from the severe winds and flood waters, it could be weeks or months for some neighborhoods to have power restored.
Asheville, NC, is an especially hard-hit community! Ironically, it is located in Western North Carolina and about 275 miles from the nearest Atlantic coastline. This city has been totally cut off due to all the access roads being washed out.
Those with solar panels and high-capacity battery pack backups are better off than most. That way, you can run various electronics, cooking devices, small cooling equipment, and medical devices.
No Water
Helene’s devastation has left many locations without water service. Without power, the water company pumps can’t operate. Once the power has come on, it takes a long time for the water lines to be brought online and flushed out properly. Most communities have been kept on a “boil the water” directive for the foreseeable future.
Those on higher ground who have well water have faired better, but if the wells are deep, the groundwater may have saturated the areas around the wells and contaminated the water. Local officials advise people to boil or filter the water.
Water May Be Contaminated
Floodwaters not only destroy homes and related property like animal outbuildings, but they penetrate water resources and damage pump stations. The water can be contained by closely located sewage lines and treatment facilities. We have friends in the Tampa, FL, area who still don’t have access to clean or contaminated water. News alerts aren’t providing any timelines for availability in their area.
No Food
With roads washed out in many areas, not only is it challenging to get to a store for provisions, but the same applies to the supply chain trucks we rely on to replenish store inventories. Thousands of people can’t get to shelter locations for safe shelter or needed food. The prepper community is trying to help supply those in need, but many have lost their food storage as the floods destroyed their homes and storage spaces.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which the federal government mandates to jump in and assist when a disaster declaration is announced, has had its efforts delayed or obstructed due to the devastation. In many cases, volunteers have had to take over those efforts as neighbors look out for neighbors. Several other local agencies and commercial enterprises have shown their resilience by providing helicopters to rescue stranded individuals and deliver supplies as best they can.
No Way To Communicate
Many families cannot communicate with the outside world if the power is out. The high winds and floodwaters have knocked out hundreds of cell towers, making cell service spotty. We each rely on our cell phones to stay in touch, but even if you have a way to charge your cell phone with solar power, you’re out of luck.
I’ve told my readers to have a hand crank radio in case the power is out, and their battery-powered radios have run out of juice. At least that way, they can stay informed about what’s happening around them to a certain degree. Consider acquiring a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) capable radio. They are the most reliable at passing on critical information to those affected by a local disaster.
Starlink Internet
I don’t currently use the service, but I’m prompted to consider signing up for Starlink services. If I register with Starlink, I can use my cell phone as well as have internet access.
Headlamps/Flashlights
We’ve all been faced with temporary power outages and had to find our way around the house in the dark. A good prepper has many flashlights and even a few headlamps, so we don’t risk falling down or tripping on obstacles in the dark. We also have many solar flashlights in our windowsills, so they stay charged all the time.
Sanitation Is Rough
Keeping yourself and your household items sanitized is tough if your water is contaminated. Without water, the Hurricane Helene victims struggled to stay clean. With a water filter, you can take a sponge bath. It would be wise to have baby wipes or moist towels for adults so you can at least clean those private parts. If you have toilet paper, you can handle those daily “chores,” but you’ll need heavy-duty trash bags to accumulate things for later disposal.
I have portable toilets in my prepper stash, just in case. I also have a portable temporary laundry unit so I can at least wash my underwear.
Even after the pandemic, we’ve kept plenty of hand sanitizer in our storage inventory. I keep a container in the car, in the kitchen, and by the front door. I strongly advise you to buy or build a portable toilet. I just saw a post on Facebook where they are selling homemade ones to people. I purchased this one because it was inexpensive, and I have put some together with buckets. Emergency Portable Toilet, Odor Control, 10-gallon bags
Hospitals Do Not Have Power
The challenge with this disaster is its effect on accessible healthcare facilities. Many local clinics and hospitals have also been flooded and don’t have access to power or clean water. Many with backup generators don’t have power since the generator rooms are also flooded.
Hopefully, those with critical health conditions were wise enough to plan their evacuations before the storm hit their area. The American Red Cross already provides support and limited healthcare efforts in several locations. They are also requesting donations to help them provide needed support services.
Roads Disrupted
Having some of the mountain backroads washed out during a disaster is one thing. In this case, even major highways like the east/west Highway 40 have been washed out for miles. Repairing heavy-traffic roadways will take weeks or months. That disrupts evacuation efforts and makes delivering supplies to stores and gas stations challenging.
Gasoline Unavailable
With the power out, gas station pumps don’t work. With roads out and refineries shut down, many gas stations aren’t open for service.
Gas Cans Sold Out
As is often the case, emergency supplies disappear from the store shelves first. That’s been the case for people who hoped to use gas cans to fill their cars. Plan and fill a few in case you don’t have access to fuel. Remember to occasionally fill your car with them to rotate the gas and keep it fresh. Additives are fine but can be expensive. Gas Stabilizer
Cut Off From The World
People affected by Hurricane Helene have expressed their frustration, through many sources, with being cut off from the world and not knowing what’s happening and what to expect. Our culture is so used to information overload that having limited or no communication is frustrating and a risk to health and survival.
My best friend in Florida cannot get water or gasoline, and she is in the path of Hurricane Milton. Please pray for all the families and first responders.
Learn Skills To Survive
It’s great to have emergency supplies ready, but many hurricane victims report that they wish they had more and didn’t know how to use all the foodstuffs, water filters, first aid kits, and other supplies. They’ve found that sharing skills in a community can make all the difference.
Knowing how to start a fire is one of them. How To Start A Fire In A FirePit
Thank Goodness For Neighbors
So many people in the path of the hurricane have reported that they wouldn’t have survived without their neighbor’s helping hand, whether with food, some fresh water, warm blankets, buckets to haul water, or so many other things they hadn’t previously thought of.
Do Not Count On Government Agencies
As the slow response to Hurricane Helene has shown, you can’t always count on local or federal government agencies to help. They have limited staff and supply resources to respond effectively to something as far-reaching and devastating as a Hurricane. It’s going to take years to recoup from this most recent storm.
The really scary thing is that Florida and surrounding states are facing Hurricane Milton, which is on their doorstep and due to hit land mid-week. Many areas haven’t recouped from the last storm and are saying, “Here we go again!”
Final World
I know a few families involved in Hurricane Helene. They are okay today, but Hurricane Milton is coming this week; they are bracing for the next storm. One family was evacuated because their home was filled with 2-3 feet of water. They were fortunate to have extended family that lived a few miles away that they could move in with until the damage could be repaired. Let’s all do our best to be prepared and ready to help others who are less fortunate than we are. May God Bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Hurricane Helene New River In Fries VA AdobeStock_1004378866 By Timothy, Hurricane Helene Barn Destroyed AdobeStock_1006674705 By Timothy
You columns are really valuable. I know it is repetitive but please include links for some of the items you mention. I appreciate those links very much and have gotten many of the items you mention. One question— what can you add to waste in a portable toilet to keep smells down?
Hi Monica, thank you for your kind words. I just added an emergency toilet, https://amzn.to/4h5Xwfo, I’m going to add buy kitty litter and 10 gallon bags 500 at Costco of Sams. https://amzn.to/3Y9GwgF Plus this, https://amzn.to/3XYzXMR for odor. I hoope this helps, we will need them. Thank you, Linda
Look at the camper isle in Walmart, Atwoods, Tractor Supply etc and use those type toilet chemicals.
Hi Matt, thanks those are great! Great tip! Linda
One of the best things for keeping a portable toilet smell free (or less smelly) depends on the type of portable toilet. If it is a self-contained toilet – one with 2 parts the bottom part holds the waste – I believe those need to have the chemicals that you would use in an RV toilet (just not as much!). I have a 5 gal bucket with a toilet lid that I use a large garbage bag in. I use those chemicals at the bottom of the bag to neutralize odors. If your toilet is a composting toilet, DO NOT USE the chemicals – use only natural products: sawdust, wood shavings, leaves and that sort of thing. I have also seen on a number of Van-life videos where people are using puppy pee pads to absorb urine. Not sure what they use for feces though. I plan to try the puppy pee pads for my bucket toilet!!
Hi Leanne, oh that’s a great idea, I have some puppy pee pads. Thanks for sharing. Linda
The best, inexpensive way we found to keep the smell down in my mother’s portable potty chair was a big bottle of the cheapest mouthwash you can find. Put that in the container, add water and that’ll really help the “tinkle” smell. We emptied the “poo” portion quickly so it didn’t stay there long.
Hi Robbie, oh my gosh, I am all over this, I LOVE it! Why didn;t I think of this, great idea!! Thank you! I just added this to my post:
Magic Markers and Duplicate Pictures
Please write the names of each family member in black magic marker on their arms or back; if you get separated, they can identify you. Please take duplicate pictures of each family member and your important documents if you must evacuate. This way, YOU have a set and one to hang up for those missing if you get separated.
I LOVE the mouthwash idea, thank you my sweet friend. Linda
Pine shavings work as do the pelleted type from farm stores made for horse stalls, they also work for kitty litter replacement. If you have a pallet factory that uses pine for their crates, or pallets they will give you sawdust to get rid of it… a 55 gallon drum will go a long way if it is fully dry…
HI Denise, thank you for the tip on the sawdust, wow!! Linda
Monica, you can use pine sawdust or shavings…if available from a place that makes crates for shipping or lightweight pallets.. you can get pelleted variety for horse or goat bedding from big farm stores. a 55 gallon drum of pine shavings will go a long way… it can also be substituted for kitty litter… start with replacing a little , maybe 1/4th at each change…
Hi Denise, I love you comment, this will help so many people! Thank you, Linda
Some are saying weapons aren’t important while others lives have been saved. It’s better to have and know how to use than to not. It’s not a waste of money or time when looters show or someone has a mental breakdown from lack of meds or someone loses it in despair or even when alcoholics and addicts can no longer get their supplies and become desperate.
Hi Matt, you are so right, better to have them than no way to protect yourself. My friend is in the pathway of Florida Hurricane Milton, they have zero water at the stores and no gas. Linda
Arming ourselves is important! My cousin lives in the area devastated by Helene and she is armed 24/7 due to the looting going on.
Hi Leanne, oh I’m glad to hear this that she has a way to protect herself. I’ve heard the looting is bad right now. Linda
I’m glad to hear you say that because some are pushing a non armed preparedness agenda right now. They are singing the “community” song and saying guns aren’t needed at all. I say you need both
“They” can push for non-armed all they want!!! Not gonna change how I prepare!
Hi Leanne, we have too many that are armed it would be almost impossible to take us all down. They are looking for those with more than most people have stored IMO. I’m not in the know, just thinking out loud. Linda
If you would like to help, I would like to recommend Grindstone Ministries. They are a true charity of love, not a big corporation. The founder and his volunteers do all the dirty work cleaning up after disasters. These are the guys with the chainsaws and skid steers out there in the mud and debris. They donate their own time and equipment, but they can always use some money for food and fuel.
Hi MontanaGoose, Harry gave me a list as well, I need to go find it. I ran out of time to add the links. Thank you so much. Linda
Everyone who knows anyone in FL in the damage area and the path of Milton (Cat3/4 at landfall) and his life threatening storm surge, and extending well up and down the coast, including off shore islands, there is a wide spread enforced mandatory evacuation about to happen. They want everyone out of danger throughout the area. Door to Door and hiding places searches, will made to remove any and all of those found in the area to a safe shelter area. The state is setting up large enough shelters on the highest/safest area of each county to house all evacuees. If they have friends or neighbors outside of the evacuation area with sturdy homes, I’ve seen no evidence that you have to go to the state shelters, you just need to get out of any evacuation areas including smaller private shelters run by church groups. This is being done to prevent massive gridlock on the roads inland and across or out of state. 2 hurricanes have already hit the Gulf coast this year, including one major and now a 2nd Major Hurricane is poised to attach at a nearly 90° angle, resulting in maximum storm surge along the Gulf Coast especially up Tampa Bay unless the track changes dramatically. I read all of this in online weather groups,apps, and Apple News. The current track is not truly expected to shift dramatically according to Federal and Regional Hurricane Experts. Strength should be reliable after today’s updates. Tell everyone you know to pack and get ready to leave.Local sources will carry all essential information, evacuation routes, shelter locations, and all vitally important informations. Pack up all technology, including charging blocks, and all charging cords. AND PACK UP ALL PETS AND THEIR SUPPLIES AND TAKE THEM ALONG. If a mandatory evacuation order has been issued because your lives are in life threatening danger, then your pets are in even more danger! Leaving pets behind is signing their death warrant. Take them along at all costs! Get the word out now, so they can be ready and underway early. If the shelter is not yet open, it will be soon. Being there early will get them in the door earliest!
Hi MaryAnn, thank your for your comment. You nailed it, they must get out NOW. I suggested to my besties in the path to write names on everyone in their family with black magic marker. Take two pictures of each family member and keep them with her important papers. Linda
I echo your comment about Starlink. I am in the far western part of NC and by the grace of God we were spared all except cell service outages and minor river flooding. No 9-1-1 system, no way to call for help (you had to drive to the rescue stations), our grocery store was cash only (headquarters for computer system in Black Mountain, NC) and people were unable to communicate except via Facebook. Our internet is non-existent without Starlink even on a good day. Even during the heavy rains and cloud cover, we never lost service. We switched to wi-fi calling and were able to use the cell phones to check in with family and friends. Weather and news updates came via Facebook as did mobilization efforts for humanitarian aid which started almost immediately in our area. But one thing to note about this storm, some people had no warning or when it came, the floodwaters and mudslides were already happening when warnings were issued. The things you listed to do are excellent ideas, if you have time. But no one knew this would happen, our forecast was for heavy rainfall with 70 mph winds. No one expected feet of rain instead of inches, or mountains to come crashing down or dams and levees to collapse. Water treatment plants are demolished, as are 2 hospitals, plus roadways gone and interstates closed due to washouts. The same happened in eastern Tennessee during Helene. I guess the takeaway is be prepared, be self-sufficient for at least 2 weeks, have medications/First Aid supplies at the ready, be armed, but be ready to flee at a moments notice. Please keep Western NC and Eastern Tennessee in your prayers.
Hi Pam, this is the worst Hurricane since Katrina, and now Milton looks to be really bad for Florida. They are out of gas, and the freeway is bumper to bumper. Thanks for your input on Starlink, I want to invest in one ASAP. We are all praying for all the states involved. I had a friend drive to GA with other guys with equipment to help clear and give supplies to those along the way. I read 5 Days at Memorial because a reader suggested I read it. Now there is a Documentary about the book. It is about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Everyone should watch it or read it. Linda
Hi Linda, thank you for your response. Another great book about Hurricane Katrina and the colossal failures of all government entities is The Great Deluge. I promise you will be angry after reading it.
Pam
Hi Pam, thank you telling me about this book. I just bought the audible. Thank you my sweet friend. Linda
I am in the upstate of SC and our area has been heavily affected by Hurricane Helene, though western NC is far, far worse off. I have been following you for a number of years and consider myself fairly well prepared (though I still need to find a way to store more water………). We had everything we needed and most of what we wanted, and we were not out looking for food or gas. Felt good to be mostly prepared, and I think a lot of folks here now realize a little preparation goes a long way. What kind of emergency radio do you recommend? I felt that is something I should upgrade. Funny story, the first day without power, and before husband was convinced we needed to fire up the generator, he was lamenting being unable to make coffee. I just went to the garage and whipped out the camp stove he didn’t even know we had. ( I don’t always ‘advertise’ my level of preparedness, even at home,having been mildly mocked, lol). Anyway…..emergency radio recommendation????
Hi Suzanne, my husband knows very little what I have stocked up for emergencies. He can see the food and he moves my preps but I totally get what you are saying. This is a popular one: https://amzn.to/3XWkWem I bought a GRUNDIG Radio, I can’t find it anywhere. I may have bought it off eBay many years ago. Linda