Op-Ed: Preparing Communities for the Unpredictable: Lessons from Hurricane Helene

By Yoni Ari, Executive Director of PrepareU365

As Hurricane Helene barreled through the Southeastern United States this year, many communities were caught off guard by the destruction it left behind. Downed power lines, washed-out roads, and widespread power outages disrupted lives across the region. In places like Greenville, South Carolina, families found themselves unable to access essential services. In nearby Asheville, North Carolina, entire neighborhoods were left without power or water for days, forcing closures of schools, businesses, and community centers.

While the physical damage was significant, the storm also exposed critical vulnerabilities in how many communities, particularly smaller or more isolated ones, respond to natural disasters. However, it also showcased the incredible resilience and collaboration that can emerge in times of crisis. The experiences of those impacted by Hurricane Helene offer valuable lessons for all communities, regardless of size, background, or location.

The Immediate Impact

In Greenville, South Carolina, many families rely on suppliers from distant cities for essential goods, such as food and medical supplies. As roads became impassable due to flooding and debris, these supplies were delayed or canceled, leaving families and businesses in a precarious situation. In Asheville, power and water outages not only shuttered community services but also left many residents isolated from their families and neighbors.

While some communities struggled to access basic services, neighboring towns and cities stepped up to offer support. In Charlotte, North Carolina, community leaders opened their doors to displaced families, offering shelter and supplies to those most affected. Local organizations coordinated with interfaith groups to deliver water, food, and gasoline to hard-hit areas, sometimes making long, difficult journeys to ensure people had what they needed.

This spirit of solidarity was heartening, but it also served as a stark reminder of how vulnerable many communities are when disaster strikes.

Lessons for Future Preparedness

As the Executive Director of PrepareU365, I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is for communities to be ready for emergencies of any kind—whether natural disasters, public health crises, or security threats. Hurricane Helene taught us that even the best-intentioned responses are not enough if communities lack the necessary infrastructure and planning. Here are four key lessons that any organization can apply to better prepare for the unpredictable.

1. Strengthening Local Supply Chains

One of the biggest challenges for Greenville was its dependence on distant suppliers for critical goods. When roads became impassable, families and businesses were left without access to essential items. Communities must work to strengthen local and regional supply chains to ensure that food, medicine, and other necessities can be accessed in times of emergency. Encouraging partnerships with local businesses and creating stockpiles of key items can reduce reliance on external suppliers.

2. Improving Communication Networks

One of the greatest challenges during Hurricane Helene was the breakdown in communication. Power outages and loss of internet service left many community members unable to receive critical updates or connect with their families. Redundant communication systems, such as satellite phones or two-way radios, can ensure that communities remain connected even when traditional infrastructure fails. Having clear, pre-established communication protocols is essential for keeping people informed and safe during emergencies.

3. Fostering Collaboration Between Communities

The response from neighboring towns like Charlotte showed the power of collaboration. When one community is in need, it’s often the surrounding areas that are best positioned to provide support. Formalizing mutual aid agreements between neighboring communities and organizations can ensure that resources and assistance are quickly mobilized when disaster strikes. These partnerships can involve everything from sharing supplies to offering shelter and can be vital to an effective response.

4. Planning for Long-Term Recovery

While immediate relief is crucial, the recovery process after a disaster like Hurricane Helene often takes months or even years. Communities need to prepare not only for the immediate impact but also for the long-term rebuilding process. This includes both physical recovery—such as repairing homes and infrastructure—and emotional recovery, as community members cope with the trauma of loss and disruption. Organizations should incorporate long-term recovery strategies into their emergency preparedness plans, including mental health resources for those affected by the disaster.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Hurricane Helene was a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of disasters and the importance of being prepared. The communities that came together to help one another in the aftermath of the storm demonstrated incredible strength, but it also became clear that many were underprepared for the magnitude of the crisis.

Preparedness isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Organizations across the country, whether large or small, must invest in comprehensive emergency planning. This means strengthening local supply chains, creating robust communication networks, fostering collaboration between communities, and preparing for both immediate relief and long-term recovery. At PrepareU365, we work to help communities develop these kinds of systems, ensuring they are ready to respond when the unexpected occurs.

By taking these steps now, communities can be better equipped to handle the next disaster. Preparedness and resilience are not just ideals—they are essential for protecting lives and ensuring the continuity of our communities in the face of an uncertain future. PrepareU365 can help you - Schedule an introduction meeting

Schedule a Meeting