As hurricane season unfolds, thousands of communities on the East Coast face life-threatening conditions, waiting for the departure of Hurricane Helene. Countless cities in Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee have been evacuated from their homes, as they take the risk of leaving their lives behind.
On Thursday, September 26th, Hurricane Helene made landfall in the Big Bend region of Florida, marking this as the first hurricane to hit the area as a Category 4 since 1851. With winds up to 140 mph and violent downpours, Helene continues to cut power to millions of residents, flooding the streets of the East. As of Sunday, September 29th, state and local officials of affected states claim that Helene has reportedly killed more than 90 people thus far, and the death toll is only likely to rise. As the hurricane heads inland, falling trees, rising floodwaters, and impending tornados remain significant hazards to countless communities. U.S. News estimates that more than 15 to 100 billion dollars in damage has already been made and are continuing to assess the destruction. The aftermath of this storm is only to reveal devastation in America and questions of preparedness for future natural disasters are to be noted.
How prepared are we as a society to face disasters like Helene in the future? As students of YLHS, our education and understanding of this topic stand a tall ground in preparing for the risks associated with natural disasters. We must understand the importance of preparedness and adaptation to situations where life is at stake. Here in our hometown, we commonly face the dangers of fires, earthquakes, and droughts. The anxiety of fire season and the isolation of earthquake lockdowns has us unsure of what the future may look like.
If or when in these positions, having an established emergency plan is vital for safety. This may include knowing specific evacuation routes and safe locations, organizing an emergency kit, and having an effective communication system in place. Student Kenzi Reiter (11), announces that “having a safety plan in a time of crisis turns fear into hope. Knowing I am prepared is the best defense.” Reiter’s statement about the power of being prepared proves why we must equip the proper knowledge and resources in such calamities.
Preparedness ensures that when facing a natural disaster similar to Hurricane Helene, we are ready to respond and adapt to any unknown outcome. Knowing where to go and how to communicate effectively creates a better sense of optimism in a given situation. With all of these aspects in place, we can push through the unexpected and protect those around us.
