Hurricane Helene + Weather Safety
Hurricane Helene + Weather Safety
As Hurricane Helene heads toward the Gulf Coast of Florida, our region is already experiencing a historic rain event. Due to warming ocean temperatures, the hurricane is expected to intensify to a Category 3 storm, or possibly stronger, by this afternoon.
Communities along and near Hurricane Helene’s path are preparing for extremely high winds, heavy rainfall, and flooding. Here in our mountain region, heavy rains can lead to flooding and landslides along steep slopes, highways, and roads. In the hours and days to come, please take safety precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your community.
- Stay Informed
- Monitor Weather Updates: Stay updated with local news, weather reports, and alerts from the National Weather Service.
- Find Resources & Sign Up for Alerts: Subscribe to state (NC, GA) and local (NC, GA) emergency alerts and weather apps that provide real-time information. Find Hurricane Helene Resources and updates for your state: NC, GA.
- Avoid Flooded Areas
- Stay Home if Possible and Avoid Unnecessary Travel: Downed power lines, tree limbs, high water, standing water, and landslides will make travel dangerous.
- Find Out About Road Closures and Conditions (NC, GA).
- Turn Around, Don’t Drown: Never drive or walk through flooded roads or areas; the water may be deeper or moving faster than it appears.
- Stay Away from Rivers and Streams: Flash flooding can occur rapidly, especially near rivers and streams. Avoid these areas during and after heavy rain.
- Prepare for Power and Water Outages
- Charge Devices: Make sure all mobile devices, power banks, and essential electronics are fully charged.
- Have Backup Power: If you have a generator, use it safely outdoors, away from windows, doors, and vents to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Be Cautious of Debris and Downed Power Lines
- Avoid Downed Lines: Treat all downed power lines as live and dangerous. Report them to your local power company immediately.
- Watch for Debris: Be cautious of fallen trees, branches, and other debris that can pose safety hazards.
- Have Emergency Supplies Ready
- Stock Emergency Kits: Have an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, medications, first-aid supplies, flashlights, and batteries.
- Keep Important Documents Safe: Store important documents in waterproof containers and keep them easily accessible.
- Avoid Contact with Contaminated Water
- Floodwaters May Be Hazardous: Avoid wading in floodwaters, which can contain contaminants, sewage, and dangerous debris.
- Boil Water Advisories: Follow any boil water advisories issued by local authorities to ensure water safety.
- Check on Family, Neighbors, and Vulnerable Individuals
- Help the Vulnerable: Check on elderly neighbors, individuals with disabilities, and others who may need assistance.
- Offer Shelter if Safe: If you have a safe, dry place, consider offering shelter to those in need, following local safety guidelines.
- Watch for Landslides and Erosion
- Stay Alert for Landslides: Be mindful of areas prone to landslides, especially after heavy rain.
- Avoid Steep Slopes: If you live near a steep slope, monitor the ground for movement and report any concerns to local authorities.
We don’t yet know how the storm will impact our region and neighbors. MountainTrue staff and our Riverkeepers will be monitoring the situation closely to determine how we can best assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Stay safe out there.
