What Hurricane Helene Taught Me About Preparedness, Gratitude, and Community.

On Friday, September 27th, 2024, Hurricane Helene made landfall, hitting Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and parts of Tennessee. It was the first major storm I’ve ever witnessed, at least that I can remember. I think it hit land as a Category 4, but I could be mistaken. Here in the Upstate of SC, we were hit by the east side of the storm, which is supposedly the stronger side. The devastation wasn’t the worst, but it left a lasting mark, and I’ve learned a few lessons that I’d like to share.

Don't Downplay a Major Storm

Normally, when we hear about hurricanes here in the Upstate, they’ve weakened significantly by the time they reach us. A severe thunderstorm is about all we expect, at best. I’ve lived here for 13 years, and I’ve never seen a storm cause the damage that Hurricane Helene did. My sister, who has lived here for over 20 years, hadn’t seen anything like it either. To say we were caught off guard would be putting it lightly. Now, I’m committed to taking better precautions when a projected hurricane heads our way.

Preparedness Is Key (and I Learned the Hard Way)

First off, I’m going to be better about keeping our vehicles gassed up and propane tanks filled. We scrambled to find gas when we needed it, and let me tell you, the lines were insane. People were lined up for miles, filling everything they could. I usually keep enough gas in the SUV to get by, but that didn’t cut it this time. I learned my lesson. We eventually managed to fill up, but I'd rather be ahead of the game than scrambling at the last minute. As for the grill tanks—don’t even get me started. It’s been on my shopping list for nearly two months to fill those, and now, of course, everywhere is sold out. Moral of the story: Don’t procrastinate, y'all 🤣.

Invest in a Generator Before the Storm Hits 🫣

We’ve tossed around the idea of getting a generator before, but it always felt like an unnecessary expense since it would sit unused 98% of the time. Well, being without power for a couple of days made us realize that it wouldn’t be such a bad investment after all. You feel like you’re splurging on something you can’t justify, but trust me, it would’ve made life a lot easier.

Stock Up on the Essentials

Another lesson learned: I’m going to make sure we have more shelf-stable foods and bottled water for future emergencies. Having quick snacks and easily prepared meals would’ve taken the edge off the stress. Little conveniences go a long way when you're in a tough spot.

What I Won't Take for Granted Anymore

Power. 100%. You never truly realize how much you rely on electricity until you don’t have it. I found myself flipping light switches out of habit, even though I knew we had no power. It’s funny how that happens. Another thing I won’t take for granted: a hot shower. Ugh, to stand under the hot water sounds like such a luxury now! And air conditioning—I usually keep our house around 75 degrees, but when you have no way to circulate air, the heat becomes unbearable. There’s more I could list, but the point is: don’t take the small things for granted. You never know when life could change in an instant.

Let’s Talk About Kindness (or the Lack of It)

Y’all, can we talk about how people forget how to act during a disaster? Let’s make this a PSA: Don't hoard! Take what you need and let others do the same. Have we learned nothing from 2020? The shortages were real back then, and here we are again, repeating history. Don’t be stingy. BE KIND. I haven’t seen much Southern hospitality lately, and quite frankly, people have been extremely rude. Do better, y'all. We are all trying to survive. It doesn’t cost anything to show a little compassion.

Also, a gentle reminder: when traffic lights are out, the intersection becomes a 4-way stop. It’s basic driving knowledge, but you wouldn’t believe how many accidents I almost witnessed. And that’s saying a lot considering I’ve only left the house a few times!

A Heartfelt Thank You to the Helpers 🫶

Hurricane Helene left behind so much damage. Some areas will take months or even years to rebuild. People lost their lives, loved ones, and livelihoods. It’s heartbreaking to witness the aftermath. But I want to take a moment to say thank you to the linemen, first responders, truck drivers, and everyone who stepped up to help during this time. Linemen left their families, not knowing how long they’d be gone, to restore power in dangerous conditions. First responders and rescue teams put their lives on the line to save others. Truck drivers worked hard to keep gas stations refueled and stores restocked. There is so much to be thankful for, even when we’re sitting in the dark.

I also want to thank my family and friends who checked in and offered help. Your support means the world.

The Lessons I’ll Carry Forward

This is an experience my kids and I will remember for years to come. It’s a humbling reminder of how little control we have over nature and how quickly life can change. But it’s also a testament to the power of community, preparedness, and gratitude. We can’t stop disaster from striking, but we can control how we respond, how we care for each other, and how we rebuild.

I’m praying for those who have lost more than we have, and I pray for the strength to help those around me in whatever ways I can. Let’s all strive to be a little more prepared, a little more compassionate, and a lot more thankful for the small things we so often take for granted.

Stay safe, friends. And always, always count your blessings. You never truly know what you've got until it's gone.

Make sure to catch next week's blog where I'll share tips on how to prepare for birth for the unexpected.