Helene's Far-Reaching Effects:  Lessons Learned

Helene's Far-Reaching Effects: Lessons Learned

Cynthia Kolf

First, my thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by Hurricane Helene. So many families have lost everything, and it’s heartbreaking to see the devastation.

To support recovery efforts, we’re donating 10% of all sales from the Sunshine Preppers store during October and November to hurricane relief. Together, we can help rebuild and give back to those in need.

photo of Hurricane Helene as it made landfall - photo is from NOAA.

The Day Hurricane Helene Struck: A Personal Account

The Approaching Storm 

It began on Wednesday evening. We started to feel the effects of Helene as she hovered near Cancun in the southern Gulf of Mexico. By Thursday, the situation intensified dramatically:

  • Rain pounded against our windows

  • Winds howled, with gusts between 74 and 82 mph recorded not far from my home

  • We lost power for about six hours, plunging us into darkness

The Aftermath

We were very fortunate, we lost power for about six hours, but remarkably, our electricity returned while the winds were still howling. The next morning, we woke up to a yard littered with tree debris, grateful to have escaped with minimal damage. 

However, just half a mile west of us, the scene was entirely different. The barrier islands experienced massive devastation, with some areas completely underwater. 

image of treasure island after Hurricane Helene showing widespread destruction and sand everywhere

At Treasure Island Beach, every structure stood in two to four feet of water. 

The pictures and videos I’ve seen are heartbreaking—familiar landmarks are now unrecognizable, buried under piles of sand.

While we were fortunate to escape with minimal damage, the same couldn't be said for many in our community. The storm's impact stretched far beyond our local area, bringing widespread flooding to St. Petersburg and Tampa, and reaching other parts of Florida and Georgia.  

Helene's fury even extended to Appalachia, leaving behind a trail of destruction. 

It was a terrible storm that served as a stark reminder of the immense power of nature and the importance of being prepared.

Historical Context: Major Hurricanes in the Last Decade

Hurricane Helene is just the latest in a series of devastating storms that have impacted the United States in recent years.

homes destroyed after Hurricane Irma

To understand the gravity of hurricane preparedness, it's crucial to look at the broader context of major hurricanes over the past decade:

  • 2017: Hurricane Harvey - Category 4, caused catastrophic flooding in Texas with over 60 inches of rain in some areas. Damages: $125 billion.

  • 2017: Hurricane Irma - One of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes ever recorded, reaching Category 5 with 185 mph winds. Severely impacted the Caribbean, Florida, and Georgia.

  • 2017: Hurricane Maria - Devastated Puerto Rico, causing widespread destruction and long-term power outages.

  • 2018: Hurricane Michael - Category 5 storm that hit the Florida Panhandle, the first of its strength to hit the contiguous U.S. since Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

  • 2020: Hurricane Laura - Made landfall in Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane, leaving thousands without power for weeks.

  • 2021: Hurricane Ida - Category 4 storm that caused widespread flooding from Louisiana to New York, with damages exceeding $75 billion.

  • 2022: Hurricane Ian - Impacted Florida with devastating storm surge and rain, causing catastrophic flooding along the Gulf Coast.

These storms demonstrate that while hurricanes are an annual occurrence, each one is unique and potentially catastrophic.

With this historical context in mind, let's focus on the crucial lessons Hurricane Helene has taught us about preparedness and safety.

Lessons Learned

Be Prepared

Before the storm, I didn’t need to run to the grocery store, gas station, or hardware store. Everything I needed was already in my home. Meanwhile, these stores were packed with last-minute shoppers scrambling to stock up. 

I took out my lantern well before the first drop of rain fell, placing it where it was easy to reach. So, when the power went out, I just had to turn it on. I didn’t have to fumble around in the dark to find it, even though its designated spot in the laundry room isn’t hard to find. 

Rayovac fluorescent lantern powered by batteries

We were fortunate that our power was restored quickly. 

However, five days after the storm, 18,000 people in my area are still without electricity. Many local grocery stores shut down on Thursday but reopened on Friday, allowing people to buy food and water in the less severely affected areas. 

Unfortunately, a lot of residents weren’t prepared with basic essentials like adequate lighting and ways to keep their cell phones charged. 

Evacuate

If local officials tell you to evacuate, do it. I can’t stress this enough. 

Nine people in my county lost their lives because they chose to stay behind, most of them drowning in the storm surge.

Authorities even provided free buses and, in Clearwater, city government was willing to pay for an Uber ride to get people to safety. 

Meteorologists and officials warned that the storm surge would be dangerous, especially as it was expected to hit at high tide. 

Storm surge is no joke—a seven-foot wall of water can rush ashore, sweeping away everything in its path: cars, boats, furniture, and even people. 

picture of a go bag with essentials....food, first aid kit, etc.

One way to make evacuating easier is by having a go-bag packed and ready. 

I’ve written several articles on what to include in your emergency bag, but the essentials are water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, extra clothing, and important documents.

Don’t wait until the last minute to gather these items. If you're asked to leave, you’ll be prepared to grab your bag and go, knowing you have what you need to stay safe. 

If It's Not Safe For You, It's Not Safe for Them

picture of a dog and cat with the words "if it's not safe for you, it's not safe for them"

Do you have a pet? 

If so, do you have an emergency plan for them? Whether you’re heading to a  shelter or staying with friends or family, take your pet with you.  There are many pet-friendly shelters.  

Pets can drown in a strong storm surge, and they can be seriously injured—or worse—if heavy winds bring down a tree or cause structural damage to your home. 

Your pet is completely dependent on you for safety and care. Many of us think of our pets as family members, so ask yourself: would you leave a child or an elderly parent behind? Take care of your pets, too. They need you. 

Move Your Vehicle to Safety 

If you can, move your vehicle to a safe location, such as a parking garage or a parking lot on high ground before a hurricane strikes. 

Floodwaters can wreak havoc on cars, and water damage is often irreversible. 

flooded cars

Just a few inches of water can cause serious issues, including: 

  • Electrical System Damage: Water can short-circuit the electrical systems of a vehicle, affecting critical components like the engine control module, battery, and wiring. This damage can lead to costly repairs or total vehicle failure . 
  • Corrosion: Prolonged exposure to water, especially saltwater, can cause significant corrosion to various metal parts of a vehicle, including the chassis, brakes, and suspension. This can compromise the safety and integrity of the vehicle over time . 
  • Interior Damage: Flooding can ruin the interior of your car, including the upholstery, carpeting, and electronic components like the radio and air conditioning. Mold can also develop in damp conditions, leading to health risks and unpleasant odors . 
  • Storm Surge Risks: If your car is caught in a storm surge, it can be swept away by rapidly rising waters. Storm surges can push vehicles several hundred feet from their original locations, resulting in total loss of the vehicle . 

Ensuring that your vehicle is parked in a higher, safer location can save you from a lot of trouble and expense. When it comes to hurricane preparedness, don’t overlook the importance of safeguarding your vehicle. 

Fire

During the height of Hurricane Helene, I was shocked by the number of fires reported in our area. 

Tragically, one of the nine fatalities occurred when a woman was trapped in her home as it caught fire, with floodwaters too deep for rescuers to reach her. 

The alarming increase in fires can be attributed to the exposure of electric vehicles to saltwater. 

electric vehicle on fire

Lithium-ion batteries, like those found in many electric cars and household items, can interact dangerously with saltwater, causing fires that are difficult to extinguish. To stay safe, avoid leaving these items in your home. 

Additionally, if you need to evacuate, always turn off your electricity. 

If you are home and lose power during a storm, it's also wise to switch off your home's electricity to prevent potential hazards. Turning off power to your home during or after a storm is crucial for several reasons.

First, it helps prevent electrical surges when power is restored, which can damage appliances and wiring.

Second, if water infiltrates your home, it reduces the risk of electrical shock or fire hazards.

Lastly, it ensures that any damaged or exposed wires don't create dangerous conditions for emergency responders. 

Review and Familiarize

Regularly review your insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for storm-related damage to your home and vehicles. 

Document your belongings by taking photos, keeping receipts for valuable items, and even recording a video inventory of your possessions. 

This preparation will make filing claims easier and help you assess potential losses after a storm. 

older couple reviewing important papers

Many Floridians "go naked" after paying off their mortgages, meaning they drop their homeowners insurance to save on premiums. I know several homeowners who opted not to renew their policies due to expense, and both ended up losing their homes. 

This practice can be incredibly risky, especially in hurricane-prone areas, as it leaves them unprotected from substantial financial losses in the event of a disaster. It’s crucial to weigh the potential savings against the serious risks of being uninsured. 

Many renters have also lost their possessions during storms, highlighting the importance of considering renter's insurance. If you rent, this coverage can help protect your belongings from damage or loss. 

The next day, or when you are able to assess your property damage, be sure to document with pictures. 

Additionally, familiarize yourself with local emergency shelters and resources available for disaster relief.

Social media has proven to be an effective tool for staying updated on where to access free food and water in times of need.

Being informed and prepared can make a significant difference during emergencies.

Conclusion: Your Hurricane Preparedness Checklist

emergency preparedness checklist with batteries, water, flashlight

As we've seen from Hurricane Helene and the many devastating storms before it, being prepared is not just advisable—it's crucial. Here's a checklist to ensure you're ready for the next hurricane season:

Create an Emergency Kit

  • Stock non-perishable food and water for at least 3 days, preferably 7
  • Include first aid supplies, medications, and personal hygiene items
  • Pack flashlights, batteries, and a battery-powered or hand-crank radio
  • Prepare a waterproof container for important documents.

Secure Your Home

  • Install storm shutters or prepare plywood to cover windows
  • Trim trees and shrubs to minimize potential debris
  • Secure outdoor furniture and loose items 
  • Review your insurance policy and update as necessary

Plan for Evacuation

  • Know your evacuation route and have a destination planned
  • Prepare a "go-bag" with essentials for quick departure
  • Make arrangements for pets - never leave them behind
  • Fill your car with gas and move it to higher ground if possible

Stay Informed

  • Follow local news and weather reports
  • Sign up for emergency alerts from your local government
  • Know the difference between a hurricane watch and warning

 Protect Your Property and Finances 

  • Document your belongings with photos or video for insurance purposes
  • Store important documents in a waterproof, portable container
  • Consider purchasing flood insurance if you don't already have it

Remember, your safety is paramount. Always follow evacuation orders from local officials, and don't wait until the last minute to prepare. By taking these steps now, you'll be better equipped to weather whatever storms may come.

Stay safe, stay prepared, and look out for one another. Together, we can build more resilient communities in the face of nature's most powerful storms.

A red background with a red hurricane symbol with the words "Hurricane Helene"
For additional articles I've written regarding hurricane preparation, please refer to earlier blogs I've written:

Additional Resources:

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