In the wake of Hurricane Helene, countless lives were impacted, homes destroyed, and communities tested. While disaster preparedness is often discussed in terms of stocking up on food and water, there are deeper lessons to be learned that go beyond the basics.
These seven lessons are not just about survival, but about adopting a mindset that prepares us for the unexpected. Whether it’s about broadening our understanding of preparedness or understanding the limitations of relying on external help.
1. Preparedness Is About More Than Stockpiling Food, Water, and Supplies
When most people think about preparedness, they immediately think of stockpiling food, water and other basic needs. While these are undeniably crucial, Hurricane Helene demonstrated that simply having supplies isn’t enough, especially if those supplies become compromised.
Flooding, power outages, or even home destruction can render your carefully stored food and water useless. In such cases, the real lesson is diversification and flexibility.
Storing your food and water in various locations—some inside, some outside your home, or even in a secure off-property location—can prevent a total loss if part of your home is destroyed.
Additionally, having portable water purification systems, dehydrated or freeze-dried foods, and knowledge of local water sources can become essential lifelines when your immediate supplies are unavailable.
- For example, during Hurricane Katrina, many victims had stored supplies that were rendered useless due to flooding or contamination.
2. Situational Awareness Goes Beyond Your Immediate Surroundings
Situational awareness is often reduced to being aware of immediate threats, but in reality, it’s about understanding both your present circumstances and potential future risks.
Hurricane Helene provided a stark reminder of this when many people, even those who had prepared, were blindsided by secondary hazards like contaminated floodwaters, downed power lines, and blocked roads.
In the lead-up to and aftermath of a hurricane and other natural disasters, threats can come from unexpected directions. Knowing not only about the weather patterns or other approaching dangers but also having an understanding of your community’s infrastructure, nearby chemical plants, or power grids can be crucial.
Additionally, thinking about long-term effects, such as the inability to access medical services or clean water for days or weeks after a disaster, is key. Situational awareness helps you avoid secondary dangers and make better decisions.
3. Ability To Bug Out Is Just As Important As Stocking Up
While having enough supplies to hunker down is important, Hurricane Helene revealed that there are times when bugging out—evacuating—becomes the only viable option.
In these moments, having a prepared bug-out bag, a vehicle ready to go, and a pre-determined evacuation plan can mean the difference between safety and disaster.
A proper bug-out plan includes more than just throwing supplies into a bag. It requires transportation that is well-maintained and ready for use, a destination that is accessible and secure, and a plan to communicate with loved ones or community members along the way. During Helene, many found themselves stuck in traffic jams or struggling to find fuel due to their lack of planning.
Having a mapped-out route, a full tank of gas, and a backup location are all parts of a comprehensive evacuation plan. A bug-out bag should include essentials like clothing, important documents, cash, medications, food, water, and first aid.
- PEACE OF MIND IN A BACKPACK: Will you be ready the next time disaster strikes?…
- ULTIMATE QUALITY PREMIUM GEAR: We use a high density 900D Oxford 50L tactical…
- UNMATCHED VALUE & CONVENIENCE: Save yourself time & money by letting our…
Last update on 2025-03-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4. Communication is Essential in a Grid-Down Situation
When Hurricane Helene knocked out power and cell towers, many people quickly realized how important communication is in a crisis. Without power, phones become useless, and without cell towers, texting and calling are impossible. Having alternative communication methods became essential for survival.
Communication Options in a Grid-Down Situation: There are several alternatives to cell phones during a disaster:
- Ham radios: These in addition to a backup power supply can connect you to a wide range of frequencies and people even when the grid is down.
- Two-way radios (walkie-talkies): For short-range communication, these are invaluable for keeping in touch with family members or neighbors.
- Satellite phones: These bypass traditional cellular networks and are an option for those who can afford them.
- Emergency radios: Many of these come with hand-crank or solar power options and can receive emergency broadcasts to keep you informed. These alternative communication methods should be a part of any well-rounded disaster preparedness plan.
5. Reliance On Government Assistance Is A Risky Gamble
One of the most critical lessons from Hurricane Helene was the danger of relying on government agencies for immediate help. Many people found themselves waiting days for aid to arrive and in most cases that help didn’t come from the government but rather from the community. The reality is that in large-scale disasters, government resources are stretched thin, and help may not arrive in time.
Federal and state agencies can only do so much, especially when resources are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the disaster or because of government misuse of funds. The delayed response is a prime example of this.
Relying on your own preparedness—whether it be through stored supplies, local community support, or personal transportation—is often a safer bet. Taking charge of your own preparedness ensures you’re not left waiting for help that may never come.
Lessons from another Hurricane that speak to this
- Puerto Ricans went without power and aid for months after Hurricane Maria in 2017:
- Hurricane Maria left 3.4 million people without power for 181 days. This was the largest power blackout in U.S. history.
- Households also went without water for 68 days and phone reception for 41 days.
- At least 2,975 people died in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
- Rebuilding materials are expensive and in short supply, and many homes remain uninhabitable.
6. Community is King! Building Community Can Be A Far Greater Prep Than Self-Reliance In Many Situations
We can do far more together than we ever could on our own!
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, one thing became crystal clear: community is often a far better preparation than self-reliance. Neighbors helping neighbors, communities coming together, and even distant friends sending aid are what has helped many people survive and recover.
Whether it’s pooling resources, helping evacuate the elderly, or simply providing emotional support, communities have repeatedly shown their strength in times of crisis. A strong local community means having people to rely on when supplies run low or when help is needed quickly.
In many cases, it’s been local churches, neighborhood groups, or online communities that have coordinated efforts to distribute food, fuel, or shelter.
Preparing for a disaster isn’t just about what you have in your home but also about who you know and how willing you are to help each other.
7. Being Prepared to Help Others Is a Form of Preparedness that goes beyond self-preservation and makes the world a better place
Finally, Hurricane Helene taught us that true preparedness goes beyond just taking care of ourselves. Many people were better equipped because others stepped in to help.
Whether it was a neighbor lending a generator, someone donating extra supplies, or volunteers helping with the cleanup, preparedness becomes most powerful when it extends to others.
Ways to Help Others in a Disaster:
- Donate supplies: Extra food, water, blankets, or medical supplies can save lives.
- Donate money: There are many organizations you could donate to who are already set up to help in these situations.
- Volunteer: Help with evacuation, assist in community shelters, or contribute to recovery efforts.
- Share knowledge: Teach others in your community how to prepare and what steps to take in an emergency. Preparedness shouldn’t end with the self. When we help others, we build a stronger, more resilient society, and in the end, that benefits everyone.
In conclusion, Hurricane Helene serves as a reminder that preparedness is about much more than simply hoarding supplies. It’s about mindset, community, and a willingness to help others. By learning these lessons and applying them to our own preparedness efforts, we can be better prepared not only to survive but to thrive in the face of adversity.
