General Discussion

Region or community what they’ll be facing after a disaster of the magnitude of a storm like Helene. Goodness knows the authorities try to— “the first 72 are on you”— but unfortunately there is only so much you can tell people to try to prepare them for what’s ahead after the storm moves on.

No one can fully prepare you when nothing — absolutely nothing — is like it was. One day you’re in your air conditioned home with food, lights and many creature comforts we’ve come to expect. The next, the very structure of your home may lay in tatters. No running water. Toilets that flush are a dim memory. Rotting food in your refrigerator. No way to cook, unless you heeded warnings and have a grill, camp stove or if you’re VERY fortunate have a generator AND the fuel to run it. Even your neighborhood is not recognizable. Signs of the disaster are everywhere. Adding to your misery is the fact you are sleep deprived and teetering on the edge of a breakdown — mentally and physically.

What people say in the early days after a disaster come from a place of despair and helplessness. You become hyper focused on yourself and the situation you are in. Cut off from normal communications, you might not have a clue how massive the disaster is. Rumors creep in and create more confusion and fear.

We learn from every disaster, but the biggest lesson is that there probably are no easy, quick answers. It is easy to say what you’d do or what THEY are doing wrong or not doing. If you’ve never been through a disaster like Helene, it’s best not to condemn the ones working so hard to try to bring a measure of comfort to the suffering. Donate to the reputable organizations and volunteer if you can contribute something they need. And if you’re ever caught in a disaster, try to remain calm, know that help is coming and remind yourself to be as patient as you can. Learn from this disaster and prepare for the next one. The authorities are not just kidding when they say stock up on non-perishable foods, batteries, flashlights and lots of extra water.