On September 24th, hurricane Helene swept through the Carolinas. The cyclone left much devastation, took many lives, and was a catastrophic event. The hurricane was supposed to take a completely different route, but it took an unexpected turn when it targeted the Carolinas. Flooding, winds, rain damage, and lack of electricity were one of the main aftereffects of the hurricane. Not long after, Hurricane Milton came towards Florida from the Atlantic Ocean. Milton went from Category 4 to Category 5, to Category 3 in days. The hurricane was expected to cause more damage than it did. When Milton came in, many Florida residents were still recovering from Hurricane Helene. Hurricane Helene took approximately over 200 lives with many still missing. Hurricane Milton took approximately 15 lives, as we know currently. Both storms caused an overwhelming and heartbreaking amount of damage.
We spoke with a former firefighter, James Hickey, about the recent events and his experiences in similar situations. James recalls the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2006 and shares advice to anyone who has or has not experienced a natural disaster such as Hurricane Katrina, Milton, or Helen.
When training for MEMA and FEMA during his time as a firefighter he described the training as a step by step process where the State “helps out first and [if they can’t] help, then FEMA comes in and [assists with retrieving] water and helping.” Hickey recalls the scenes he saw as “[mass] destruction” and houses that were just “gone.” He specifically remembered a Wendy’s that was “one of the first on the coast” being washed away with “nothing left but the slab.” The events and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina have stayed on James’ mind decades later. With the effects of Hurricane Helene, he had no choice but to be reminded of the destruction and loss caused by the 2006 disaster. James urges anyone who is in the path of a hurricane or in the surrounding areas to evacuate if you are prompted to by authorities, stock up on water/goods, and keep battery operated devices such as flashlights, phones, and radio on standby.
We are extremely empathic for the families of those affected by Hurricane Helene and anyone who lost their homes, belongings, or suffered any type of damage.
Hurricane Relief:
FEMA Telephone number- 1 (800) 621-3362
MEMA Telephone number- 866-519-6362
