In the past 36 hours information to understand the context of devastation in Western North Carolina/East Tennessee has started to slowly come out. Today, we hope more families are able to contact their loved ones, as the number of missing persons continues to rise.
As communication lines start to open up, consider this thread an open discussion link for any information about the isolated impact zone. If you are in the region, let us know how you are doing. Tens-of-thousands remain trapped and isolated.
Thousands of rescue and recovery workers are now arriving just outside the area as officials attempt to patch together a way for relief efforts to reach impacted communities. Most mountain roads and bridges have failed or become severely compromised. Stay safe. Our entire CTH community is united in prayer and support.
Below is a solid representation of status for multiple families.
One Story: “My parents are ok but completely trapped. Yesterday, I hiked up to check on them. Brain spew coming; I’m still processing it all and was just locked in on go-mode yesterday.
Still not having heard from my parents in 48 hours, I was drowning in worry. My parents live in an absolute gem of the NC mountains — the Little Switzerland, Spruce Pine, Burnsville area — halfway between Asheville and Boone. Under normal circumstances, it’s pleasantly very isolated.
Little did I know that up there, Helene has demolished roads, homes and utility networks. **This area is completely cut off from resources in every direction.** I tried multiple routes to drive up but had to settle on parking in Marion at the base of a closed road (Hwys 221/226) and hiking 11 miles and 2,200 feet to find my parents thankfully ok but surrounded by devastation. I have never been so relieved to see anyone ok.
Crews weren’t even close yesterday. I can’t tell you how many failing roads and deep mudslides I had to cross, how many fallen trees I had to take off my backpack for and navigate through. While hiking up 226A, I met multiple people trapped by devastation in both directions of the highway.
In this part of the mountains with steep terrain rolling off the Blue Ridge Parkway, not only did water rise, it RAGED to tear up roads, earth and homes. Then, the winds (I’m certain tornados in some places) have brought down up to half the tree canopy.
I’m still processing it all. I’ve never seen anything like it. Power is a couple weeks out. I cannot fathom how long it will take DOT to repair the curvy roads that hug steep mountainsides with the most amazing views. Most of all, I want my parents to have the same basic needs they always provided me — food, water, shelter (house is mostly ok) and the ability to explore! But they can’t even leave their home right now. The steep part of their gravel road has braided channels only 18″ wide but up to 5′ deep from rushing water.
It’s just a waiting game now. If you are or you have family in the mountains, I feel for you. Know that crews are chipping away.”
A small portion video from Lake Lure to Asheville:
It’s 0420 here in British Columbia.
A check in at TCTH suggests that assistance is now getting to where it is most needed.
🙏🏻❤️
Provided FEMA or any government useless group is included qualifies as needed assistance. Joe Biden? MIA. Kamala Harris? Missing in Action. FEMA? Clueless. Congress? Too busy campaigning for most but not all.
It would only be appropriate for Rehoboth Beach, San Francisco and New York City to have their entire infrastructure completely destroyed and blocked for weeks. Then and only then do they give a damn!
That will be a dream come true. They will not be able to access their lattes.
THEY have helicopters and generators and subzero freezers.
The White House has stated they’re out of the Longshoremens port strike and readying troops to assist Israel. Meanwhile the page has been turned on the rescue and relief efforts for Helenes victims. Keep posting the updates w/links of social media. We cannot allow the to fade off into the distant past.
Joey’s coming….that’ll fix everything…
His interview yesterday, and I quote, ‘we’ve done all we can do; we’ve sent it all”. Well, NOTHING has been sent and that’s typical that the jackass has NO CLUE…
Later in the day, and I quote, the American people need to help FUND the support for western NC’…..THE PEOPLE…
We can SEND $BILLIONS to every corrupt country on this planet BUT the American people NEED TO HELP OUR OWN?????????????
Guess what Joey, WE in NC WILL do just that b/c we know damn well you won’t and can’t. GO TO H**********.
I HATE govt and I DESPISE every person that sits on capitol hill, period., period….ALL are worthless.
And so IS the gov of NC…equally as bad with this nose up the butts of KH and JB…for 8Y now.
“I HATE govt and I DESPISE every person that sits on capitol hill, period., period….ALL are worthless”
Agreed!
Once you recognize what this current government is about, you realize they won’t just immediately spend taxpayer dollars without a plan for donors, friends and family to profit off the disaster.
Absolute truth!
Grifters gonna grift
KommieLaw is looking for equity. Looking to help people that didn’t bring it on themselves. At least that’s what I heard her say.
I have a sister who lives outside of Augusta. No power and no water, etc.All their food is spoiled. No gas anywhere. They finally drove three hours to get a generator yesterday. Out in the country with 20 acres of pines, many trees down, several across the driveway.
The first morning a black guy drove up and said he was a logger, would come back and remove the driveway trees for $1500. They agreed and shook hands. The guy never came back. They ended up cutting up the trees and moving them themselves in order to get out. The only help they were offered by their neighbors. I worry about that guy.
For a flyover? Give me a break. If he’s coming, he needs to show up with a chain saw, a hard hat and a willingness to care about the people! Let Cooper join him.
Good Lord .. don’t let Drooling Joe get within a 5 mile radius of a chain saw!!
The manual for my chainsaw says one of the leading causes of accidents is “didn’t see bystander”
Yes, let him hold one and use one, clear the perimeter 1,000 yards first.
Do you think Joebama will actually be in the plane? Whether he is or isn’t doesn’t make a difference. Another waste of OUR money.🤬
I saw this online….
“Just spoke to a US Military insider about the efforts for Hurricane Helene. Here’s what I was told:
The 82nd Airborne Division is known as America’s “Global” Response Force. They have the ability to have thousands of paratroopers anywhere in the world in 18 hours. They provide combat capability, but also helicopter airlift, stand up hospitals, and other support.
They responded to Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.
The 82nd responded overnight to fly thousands of Afghans out of the country during the withdrawal.
Less than 1/3 of the entire division is on the “global” alert status. Meaning there are thousands of members potentially available to render aid with a simple command.
So the question is why even a fraction of the 82nd can’t be used to support relief efforts in the same state in which they are stationed (North Carolina)? For whatever reason, they are unavailable for this effort.
As of now, they haven’t been alerted for hurricane support.
They can be on the ground and in the sky within hours, organizing airlifts, building hospitals, bringing aid.
But they aren’t.
Biden-Harris can activate them if they so wished.”
Probably on stand by over in Europe so the global master can push puppet to engage when it suits them.
Biden-Harris are dumb as a box of rocks.
NO, they are not.
This Administration is fully cognizant of the effect of its actions. These actions are by design.
Pretending that this Administration is merely stupid is intentional blindness on the part of the Pretender.
EXACTLY! Neither stupid, nor incompetent. 🤬
They are stupid and EVIL. You missed the biggest part of the equation…
At least rocks have a purpose!
Something is missing for sure…Retired flight nurse from the 908th Air Wing, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. The C-130s air drop all over the world and no need for refined landing strips. Short dirt landing area is fine, and they can land, do engine-running off load in minutes and take back off for another turn. Where is the response to help our fellow American’s in dire need. Medical capabilities to set up field hospitals/clinics and airlift injured/ill to safety are ingrained in C-130s flexible mission, also. Should be all hands on deck to help these taxpayers dig out and recover.
Grand son stationed here in NC Ft
LibertyBragg, – 82nd A/B – no word of any dispatch to help Western NC!!In the 1959 Yellowstone earthquake, about 300 campers were trapped in a canyon with collapsed roads on both sides (about 30 killed). Authorities were notified via ham radio about mid-night. By noon, Forest Services parachutists were jumping in with food, medical supplies and tools. They hacked out an LZ so helicopters could bring in more supplies and evacuate people, inured first. What happened in NC is a bigger disaster but the Federales have hugely more resources today. The 1959 relief was done by the Forest Service, not the military.
yep
for hurricane georges in 1998, a forest service incident management team was prepositioned in louisiana and brought 2 hotshot crews with them. forest service hotshot crews provided essential chainsaw work in clearing roads and debris in response to hurricanes hugo and andrew. as of today only 4 crews have been assigned to helene, none in no carolina.
But, but, but they despise the South.
Northern liberals are still fighting the Civil War.
🤬🤬🤬
wikipedia: The 82nd Airborne Division is an airborne infantry division of the United States Army specializing in parachute assault operations into hostile areas with a U.S. Department of Defense mandate to be “on-call to fight any time, anywhere” at “the knife’s edge of technology and readiness.”
Except for National Guard, Why U.S. military does not have (other than training) missions on U.S. land: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Posse_Comitatus_Act#:~:text=The%20Posse%20Comitatus%20Act%20is,policies%20within%20the%20United%20States.
Trump Federalized the National Guard (NG): EO 13912, and, I believe Trump issued a 2nd EO having to do with Federalizing NG.
“Under our approach, the National Guard could still supplement police forces as part of federally funded disaster response efforts. And governors would retain full authority to deploy their National Guard units for any purpose allowed by state law.” NBC: https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.nbcnews.com/think/amp/ncna1236034
I am not expert in anything military though.
https://thedocuments.info/
The 101st is right there at the Tn/KY border. I hope this convinces some Americans to get out and vote for Trump/
I hope some Harris supporters have family down there, I am sure they do since Asheville is a haven for the Left, it will make them see the light. That or go back home to NY, NJ, CA.
I have family there, he told me the 82nd is going nuts, they WANT TO GO! They are Very Upset they have been told they aren’t going, especially the medivac crews.
So far the sum total of federalized US military support being provided to relief efforts is pretty minimal. There are a few dribs and drabs from various state’s National Guard and some liaisons from the Active military.
Individual States, notably Florida, are providing far more support than all of the federal resources. But they are doing so entirely on the State’s initiative and the States funding. Possibly the feds will later reimburse them retroactively but that is TBD.
Here is the official announcement of what Department of Defense is providing. If it sounds minimal, that’s because it is.
https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3921723/statement-from-pentagon-press-secretary-maj-gen-pat-ryder-on-dod-support-to-hur/
Note that every State and territory has at all times a standing set of plans for integrating federal military assistance for disasters. There is a large standing headquarters in the US Army Reserve that does nothing but coordinate, update and test these plans. There are books filled with time-proven examples of what works and what does not.
But none of that is seemingly being used this time.
Surely they are somewhere else – the irony.
Tam Tim says, Fudge em…
Ick; he’s a mouth-breather, always hanging his mouth open looking like a dumb4$$ – like biden.
Found in the bin… 🙁
Hey Tim, the tampons are in the ladies hygiene dept.!
The port strikers texted that Biden should “stay the f@ck out”.
I appreciate the sentiments.
And I’m sure the grieving people in North Carolina do as well.
He’s only doing a flyover and I’ll bet he won’t be on the plane!
And now the money flow is in Israel’s direction. Not a peep out of Congress just tacit obedience…
Disobedience earns one the full force of many billionaires’ brutal destruction, via AIPAC.
The AMERICAN PEOPLE do support our own by sending the corrupt govt. in DC our tax dollars. What funds FEMA after all? Where IS FEMA anyway? This is a disaster of major proportions and the media is HIDING the fact our govt. is pretty much doing nothing useful. I am beyond angry over this inaction and the ignoring of the American citizens this administration and THE MEDIA are playing out right now. We the people are real patsies if we continue to let the arrogant jerks in DC to continue this pushing aside the American people and funding every sick cause overseas they can dream up or aiding, abetting and giving ILLEGAL invaders our tax money and right to vote.
I am a very angry taxpayer today and I will vent by donating to all the legit anti liberal anti communist Biden Harris groups I can find and also to the funds set up by PTrump to help those hurricane victims our tax dollars are not reaching because the Biden Harris administration is diverting them somewhere else. On purpose it seems. 😡🤬
Time for WE THE PEOPLE to do what is written here in the Declaration of Independence: “That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, –That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. ”
Found in the bin… 🙁
Our family, and others, went through a tornado event in late May 2024. We are still in shock and PTSB has become an issue. The areas effected do not look the same, and yes, it is true–one does become disorientated by the change in the landscapes. NOW, having said that, I cannot imagine what my fellow Americans are suffering at this time. I am brought to tears by the damage that I do see. I grieve those who have lost loved ones. I am tortured by what lays ahead for those who remain.
Oh God, our Deliverer, Comforter, and Way Shower bring stamina, strength, resolve to those who are living in a nightmare. Fill them with emotional support and deliverance from fears and despair. Thank you for blessings unseen. In Jesus Christ’s Name I pray.
Amen
In terrible, unimaginable disasters, the hand of Almighty God, our loving Father, can be found. See it now with the tsunami of big hearted people who haven’t waited to be told what to do and have rushed to help in anyway they can according to their individual abilities, themselves forgetting. Blessings by the thousands for those who desperately need them.
He is making a way through this apocalyptic disaster. Praise Him, not for all things, but in all things.
He is there.
Amen, GNanny 🙏🏻
From Dr Charles Stanley, a sermon I’ve saved for a long time.
Comfort and undying hope 🙏🏻
Thank you, Betsy Jones.
What a blessing is this message and what a blessing was Dr. Stanley.
I was praying the other day for any mental health responders to be the older, wiser, more mature ones and not the woke ones fresh out of some university system. I can’t imagine having dark night of the soul experiences and get some purple haired woke nut offering their assistance.
Out in the car I can listen to XM so tuned in FOX news.
All they talked about was Asheville.
Of coarse Asheville needs help but FOX (at that time) seemed to ignore everything but Asheville.
SMH
The Murdoch children who own FOX are left-leaning (to say the least).
Of course they are primarily concerned about Asheville, a progressive mecca in the mountains.
The rest of those little towns? Not so much.
Perhaps all those “artsy fartsy” types will gain new understanding……..
The vast majority of them will not. They are completely brainwashed.
Don’t hold your breath!
So far I have seen a few that are still clueless, one striped orange hair gal was complaining how bad things stink. She was maybe mid 20’s.
I figured Old Fort at the base of Mount Mitchell would be badly hit.
Here is some video:
Asheville is very leftist. Great town, incredibly lousy politics and beliefs. NE TN and W NC were hit hard. People and areas in both states need help.
Well, maybe now the lefties will realize that the government ain’t coming.
So many rural towns are simply gone–washed away. No roads, no homes, no businesses–just mud, downed trees, water and debris.
Currently we have no accounting for the death toll. Thank Heaven for volunteers who have come from across the country (not much from DC)–people with the ability to rescue, to recover, to feed and to provide water.
The infrastructure needed for survival is almost immeasureable. There are literally thousands in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia who have lost everything. Mike Johnson–it is incumbent upon you and leadership in the House to reconvene and start allocating funds for search, rescue, recovery and rebuilding. NOT IN NOVEMBER. RIGHT NOW!!
Mike Johnson???? Please.
Agree. Johnson has been worse than a complete traitor to the vast majority of Republican voters. He has sent billions of dollars overseas and not spent one dime on American infrastructure or relief for the victims of Helene’s catastrophic damage.
Longshoreman on strike, where will the rebuilding supplies come from?
For folks who want to send a check:
Indicate it is for assistance with current storm victims.
Samaritan’s Purse
PO Box 3000
Boone, NC 28607
Cajun Navy
PO Box 791632
New Orleans, LA 70179
Thank you!
Donated to Cajun Navy-they get stuff done
Thank you so much! Some of us are still old school and prefer paper.
That would never happen. Jill is concerned with one thing, and one thing only: money. She doesn’t give a crap about anyone or anything else.
Ditto
He’s a lame duck. Kamala’s a lame candidate. In less than 2 hours Trump’s Go Fund Me had raised over $1MILLION. Taxpayers, keep donating to these charities. You know, the ones that actually give a damn about these people. Literally millions of customers from Florida up to West Virginia are without power and many of those are facing WEEKS or MONTHS without power, without roads, without water, without food but they do have faith in God and faith in their fellow Christian man. Pray for them. Send what you can. Help if you have the skills and can go.
Send nothing to the Red Cross!
Red Cross = incompetent / feckless and useless
Red Crescent
All they get from me is blood donation!
As of 9 am Pacific time on October 1, the Go Fund Me is up to $2,781,960. No thanks to all of the commenters on the other thread who tried to suppress giving to the victims via GFM.
Let’s hope the money gets to where it’s needed.
After they take their cut for being a middleman, broker if you will.
Surprised it isn’t more, but almost 3 million for a day and a half is good!
He wouldn’t help – just blather on and on about nothing. Why waste our taxpayers’ money on flying that empty-headed evil man anywhere? One upside perhaps – all the liberals living in the devastated areas might re-think their political positions. Oh well, that won’t happen . . .
Don’t hold your breath, that rat bastard can’t wait to get back to his chair on the beach.
Sorry we don’t want him here.
I’m 20 miles southwest of Asheville and we are taking care of each other.
As Maxine told us, “Let them know we don’t want them here”
I don’t want Joe flying over North Carolina for a photo op. Stay away Joe & Kamala.
This awful event has made me realize I need to get serious and take action on how to communicate in emergency situations.
The American people are waking up to the fact that we have only each other to rely on. We are on our own and need to prepare accordingly.
https://meshtastic.org/
I learned about this relatively new battery-powered way to communicate at my local Ham radio group. No licenses or tests required. Meshtastic equipment is not super expensive. (It needs to be paired with a solar-powered generator to recharge batteries, as do satellite phones.) Meshtastic operates independently of cell towers.
https://sat123.com/
This company has been donating satellite phones to first responders. Why oh why haven’t towns and cities already supplied their first responders with satellite phones? Because our governments, down to the local level, are largely useless and on the take from drug cartels. That’s my analysis, anyway.
I have considered doing away with my cellphone and having a satellite phone for about $95 a month. The phone comes with the plan for free. It’s kind of expensive for an individual but just peanuts for a city or town.
There is so much we can do individually and at the neighborhood level. There is GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) radio communication too. It is a level above walkie-talkies. This type doesn’t require any test, but you need to get a license. The range is limited by the presence of repeaters, but can serve at the precinct level.
Meshtastic, satellite phones, and GMRS , along with a solar powered generator (about the size of a boombox, plus the collector panels) are accessible and needed.
With GMRS radios you don’t need a license to use them in an actual emergency. But the range distance is pretty short unless you have a repeater nearby. Still very useful in an emergency.
Baofeng ham radios are pretty cheap and are programmable. You can pick up Ham and GMRS, FRS, Marine, and other frequencies with them. You can listen any time to anybody without needing a license, and talk any time there is an emergency, license or not.
I have been hearing about those satellite phones, they may be the way to go if you live in a remote secluded area.
Look up Meshtastic. It solves that range problem inherent with GMRS.
T-Mobile is partnering with starlink to make thier service basically satellite phones. I belive eta is early next year.
This would be a game changer for sure.
“T-Mobile is partnering with starlink to make thier service basically satellite phones.”
Voice is data. What T-Mobile’s touting is simply Voice over IP (VOIP). Musk et-al are still “gatekeepers”, overhyping it. All will still be regulated, surveilled and controlled by feds via cellular carriers and internet servers..
e.g. I no longer use a “cellphone”. I have a 4G cellular “hotspot” and an unlimited data plan. I have “phone” software on all my devices and can call anyone from anywhere using VOIP applications loaded onto my laptop, tablet, de-googled android mobile device and a good ole “home phone”. All the phone apps work just fine over Starlink which really is just another internet connection.
If the deepstate regulators were not controlling all communications technology, the notion of a “phone” would be obsolete. Voice is just data like texting, Sametime, streaming video chat etc.
Hi sDee, can you say which service you are using for your 4G hotspot? Thanks.
Does it matter? If it connects to 4G, any service should work as long as you have an account and register the device.
On top of buying the actual hotspot device, you also have to invest in a hotspot data plan from a cellular carrier. But the extra investment nets you more data, greater flexibility, and an extra backup option when you need portable Wi-Fi while traveling.
Ref. https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/mobile-hotspot-vs-phone-tethering
Smart move on their part. I’d sign up for sure. Depending on local communications and phone companies only is not going to cut it in the future. Elon has the starlink goods and hopefully will be generous about how he prices them.
Thanks for sharing information. Including this most important message:
“The American people are waking up to the fact that we have only each other to rely on. We are on our own and need to prepare accordingly.”
This mindset should never be lost. Our money is taken and wasted on promises, no LIES, that the government will save us.
Good information, thanks. Your suspicions are spot on. Many many years ago I was working on a pilot project with a small company that had developed battery powered mesh network repeaters – even “disposable” ones that could be placed or scattered over a large area to set up a temporary data network. There was a hurricane that hit LA region. I learned that my engineers had, on their own, coordinated with the developers’ engineers to fly a load of them and meet down there to deploy emergency communication networks. We got executive approval and a FEMA contact through them. Then a few hours later word came that FEMA absolutely did not want us there.
Air dropped mesh network repeaters sounds like a great idea.
That was over 10 years ago. Gotta wonder what the fed’s priority is when we can launch thousands of million dollar SkyNet satellites, but do not have 4×4’s and helicopters deploying cheap mesh networks in emergencies. Well, their priority damn sure ain’t us.
As a Ham, I too have discovered Meshtastic, and it’s a fabulous new means of communication. I have not discovered any other users around Tallahassee or Payson, Arizona though. For excellent videos with thorough instructions go to the Comms Channel on YouTube.
Sat phones are expensive, and they require expensive subscription plans. It’s not like you can power it on when disaster strikes, and turn it off when you’ve recovered. Not, that all the equipment they buy and use to train against “Civil Unrest” is not expensive.
GMRS seems to have taken off in some areas of the country and not others. As a ham, I have a couple dual-band mobile units, but unless, or until I can get them modded for GMRS use, all I can do is receive, and not transmit.
The Panhandle of Florida is not very active on 2 meters or GMRS. A great disappointment after being able to talk with most of the state of Colorado for years.
Hams know this, but for non-Hams, you need to be aware that in emergencies, the Federal/Local governments take control of the area repeaters to coordinate emergency efforts. This is part of the plan, and not done with ill intent. Hams are not to use the repeater during these times except for emergencies.
A couple years ago I drove the Trans-Labrador Highway to GooseBay Labrador. The government insisted on loaning me a Satellite radio for the trip — they know absolutely no coverage and only way to call for help is on that Sat phone. Some governments are serious about protecting people in the remote areas.
A small generator or solar/battery system capable of producing 200W running Starlink will support WiFi calling for cell phones as well as internet.
I have looked into this. Pricing is a factor. The modem pulls 100w. Be sure to factor solar gen size for length of time running, or make sure thur-put charging from panels.
We haven’t seen the sun for days. I will be happy when it comes back, as I am sure those in the disaster zones will be too.
Thank you for that info, I will definitely be checking into it.
Sunday a group of four of us hams on 40 meters ran an impromptu net (actually begun earlier by an op in Greensboro, NC). We had zero organization or affiliation. Three guys said they’d relay info to repeater on Mt. Mitchell, NC, and one of the guys made Life or Death calls to a state org.
One man was in Tennessee, one in central NC, one in western SC, and I am in GA. We all knew what to do and we made it work like we’d been working together for years even though we’d never met.
One of the guys volunteered me to be Net Control (hams know the meaning), and I began by saying “If you need help, call now.”
There was a steady stream of traffic looking for missing persons. Some hams were kin to those they were looking for. Some were looking on behalf of someone else.
It’s one of the most intense experiences I’ve ever had — getting correct info, verifying, relaying to another team member, him verifying back. It was very slow and meticulous, but we had only one transposed number during verification all day with no other errors.
About 3 hours into the afternoon a man called back in to report the person he was searching for had been found. Our guy had relayed to Mt. Mitchell repeater, and the old man in question was listening and heard his name being called, so he checked in and said he was ok. So we found one person pretty quickly.
I called all the other callback numbers last night (12 of them). Turns out 10 out of 12 had been found as of Monday eve, and this morning I got word that one more 16 year old girl had been located after some guys cut their way into where she was. All these info calls were extremely joyous and great relief.
The old saying “hams always get through” is true. Study up, get a license. It’s not difficult. Ask around in your area, hams will help you get started. This experience should be proof for anyone that all the modern stuff ain’t gonna work when it really, really counts. A $25 handheld radio could save your life or at the very least help your loved ones rest a whole lot easier. Keep your batteriees charged, participate in practice nets so you’ll know what to do. You can’t learn “on the job,” you need to already know the drill.
As an aside, listening to the locals discuss the situation on the Mt. Mitchell repeater late at night gives one a startling view into the situation up there. We need to be praying for these people, because I’m afraid the ending story is going to be much worse than we can imagine.
P.S. You can listen to the Mt. Mitchell repeater online at
https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/43107
73 —
Rocket
From the widow of a Ham..God 🙌 Bless your work….. 73’s
Thank you
God bless you and the other “Hams”!
Your post was inspirational and very touching. Thank you.
Thank you
I’ll be listening to that live-feed repeater link. Thank you so much!
Youre very welcome
It’s going to take a lot more than a huge fleet of bulldozers and heavy equipment to get all of those damaged highways and backroads drivable again. Where will they get fuel? It’s going to take a massive effort.
The ones who live in towns will likely get help first, it’s the ones who live at the end of the back roads who will have the longest wait.
If anybody knows of a way to donate to any of the local CAT operators doing backroad repair, I would be interested to find out.
Fuel? Haven’t we depleted our national reserve? Democracy will prevail unless the tyrants take over first and destroy any democracy, any Constitutional Republic, any freedom and liberty.
A century ago, we had timber companies and men who cut trees in mountain locations, then floated them downstream to the lake at the stream’s mouth … where they’d be drug out and loaded on trucks or trains and sent to the mill.
Lake Lure is ready for such an operation, but those men are long gone.
One hopes some paper company will salvage all that wood, and soon.
🙏
Kingsport at one time had a big one. It is still there but big changes came after covid.
Charleston, TN had Bowater. It is permanently closed.
I was thinking yesterday, while looking at some of the devastation, that that lumber and all those downed trees should go back into rebuilding. It mat be some time before supplies hit the ground, especially with a port worker strike. This lumber is already cut and ready. Re-use it, like our forefathers did.
If what you need is a roof over your head at the moment beggars cannot be choosy. Simple cabins, made with wood, chinking in the gaps. Winter is less than 3 months away and it’s getting chilly already. I can only imagine what it’s like in the hill country at night, early morning, late evening, and when the sun isn’t shining.
Anything to get them by and self sufficient in the next six months until better weather is here and they can start on the real rebuilding.
The Wise and Foolish Builders
24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Is it time to do two things?
Reassess the risks involved where you live?
Reassess how you live?
Read the room, Monticello.
A bit on the austere side?
Wasn’t judging AustinH, just pointing out that every location you may choose to live has different risks and it pays to be prepared.
People have no skills anymore. Their families don’t care about their elders anymore. People who have “winter” and “summer” homes are not there when disasters strike. These are social parameters that all of a sudden come crashing down at times of disaster. I worry about all of these people “jonesing” when their next fix is not available.
There is a great deal of truth to this.
I’m out in CA. Over the years I have watched as housing tracts were built on alluvial run off plains. I have seen “them” build in river washes that a few years back took out homes that were on higher ground. Now they are building in the wash itself.
Years ago I watched a pbs type show where these Californians had moved to Oregon (could have been Washington). They moved to this beautiful property out in the country that washed away their second year. They were furious. But they also had not done their homework.
Nowadays, developers will build anywhere. They don’t care about the consequences of their actions – those fall to the people whose lives are destroyed down the road.
It makes a lot of sense to do your homework. It also makes sense to be prepared.
People move from the cities out to the country and they have no idea how rough the country can be.
That’s what I thought of when I read Monticello’s post. I didn’t feel it was judgemental, just good advice.
Have you ever been in the mountains in our state of NC? Do you know that what happened is once in a thousand years event? People have been living up there for hundreds of years, it’s not like they built on the beach. Maybe you should research a bit the situation then quote Scriptures. There’s a place to quote the Scripture but this isn’t an appropriate one.
Pardon me Snow White but please listen to my explanation of the actual facts of the matter.
Please excuse me fellow treepers because this may sound a sour note at this time. This was not my original intent but perhaps some facts should be shared.
This is not a once in a thousand year event.
143 people died in the aftermath of Hurricane Camille in 1969 in the Appalachian/Blue Ridge mountains from flooding. Here is a link and if you look under the heading Impact you will see that 143 people perished in the gulf coast region but 153 died in subsequent mountain flooding.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Camille
“An additional 153 people perished as a result of catastrophic flooding in Nelson County, Virginia and other areas nearby. In all, 8,931 people were injured, 5,662 homes were destroyed, and 13,915 homes experienced major damage, with many of the fatalities being coastal residents who had refused to evacuate.”
My people were in the mountains of Virginia by the early 1700s and you’re talking to someone who lives in the foothills. Floods in the Appalachian drainage and any other mountain drainage are common and vary in destruction and intensity. The old timers in the mountains knew this and planned their home sites and lives accordingly.
Here is another example from as recent as 2016:
“On June 23, 2016, a flood hit areas of the U.S. state of West Virginia and nearby parts of Virginia, resulting in 23 deaths. The flooding was the result of 8 to 10 inches (200 to 250 mm) of rain falling over a period of 12 hours, resulting in a flood that was among the deadliest in West Virginia history.[3] It is also the deadliest flash flood event in the United States since the 2010 Tennessee floods.[4]”
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_West_Virginia_flood
To answer your question I have been all over the mountains of North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, Tennessee, West Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, Colorado, New Mexico, Idaho, Wyoming, California, Oregon and Montana. That has nothing to do with the history and the facts and hazards of living in the mountains but you asked.
Finally it IS NEVER an inappropriate time to quote scripture in my opinion.
May you have a blessed day Snow White and may this knowledge help you in some way. Research the facts of flooding and other hazards such as ice fogs in the Appalachians.
I didn’t think Monticello was referring to the people in the mountains, etc. He’s making a general comment about assessing risks – wherever you choose. Witness those building uber expensive homes on cliffs overlooking the Pacific? How about all the homes built on the beaches of every ocean, waterway, etc. Lovely and fun until it isn’t! The Scripture is meant to be metaphor, right? What happened in the South, must remind us all to be prepared – for all kinds of disasters – to better save ourselves.
Everywhere l have lived there have been disasters.
Of course.
That’s why it’s prudent to be prepared for events/disasters.
I believe it is. Look to the ant.
A liberal acquaintance had expressed similar sentiments, assuming that all these people had simply ignored evacuation warnings. I’m sure this is the ENEmedia’s talking point and all their bobble heads will nod in agreement.
Blaming the victims gets everyone off the hook. They needn’t decry the lack of effort on the part of our gubmint to assist our own people because it’s all our own fault.
They won’t ever consider biowarfare or HAARP weather experiments or the fact that our government wants us dead. Everyone will sleep better at night if they can simply blame the victims of catastrophic events and attacks planned and executed by our own shadow gubmint.
This would one of those 1,000 year weather events my insurance carrier speaks of. 500 year floods and 1,000 year weather events.
Yes. It’s never too soon to do that.
Specific location was the first factor that I considered when moving into my current house nearly 28 years ago. If our street becomes flooded, then half of MD has to be underwater….
Local heroic efforts have made all the difference; the best government is the least and local.
Samaritan’s Purse and Cajun Navy are two good examples of private charities doing the Lord’s work, but there are many others, and many singular and small group efforts.
Lawlessness and incivility common to urban disasters is not present.
TeamRubiconus.org is another, they use the skills of our veterans.
People just don’t realize that a hurricane on a coastal plain (Katrina) is entirely different from a hurricane in the Appalachian Mountains. Feet(!) of rain quickly flow down those mountains into the streams below, instantly turning them into a raging torrent that destroys everything in their path. A gallon of water weighs eight pounds … and it’s flowing at forty miles an hour.
Anyone who lived through Katrina or Matthew can attest to those two different types of disasters. Neither of them is as devastating as Helene. I’m not sure how many times bu the name Helene has appeared on the hurricane list of names but I am rather confident that rational people will NEVER allow it to appear again!
The key difference is: steep mountains. Generally covered with loose, porous soil that rapidly absorbs water and thus becomes very heavy when soaked. The terrain concentrates the water into the streams, and it has nowhere to go. Entirely different from “the Gulf coast.”
Before Helene arrived in our Appalachian mountains, it had been raining for 4 days so the woods were already saturated and the streams swollen.
I remember hearing similar tirades against people who live along the coastline. Or on the banks of rivers. Or under dams. Or floodplains. Or tornado alley. Or in the deserts. Or on mountains with heavy snowfalls, avalanches, mudslides and wildfires. Or along earthquake faults.
I would really like to know: where is it perfectly safe to build our communities, so people can stop blaming us for falling victim to natural (and man-made) disasters?
There is no perfectly safe place on this earth or in this life.
There are areas of the USA which are safer from natural disasters than others.
More importantly there are choices you can make within any area to decrease your risk level or increase it.
The boy scout motto of being prepared and knowledgeable about your area should be paramount.
If you don’t have a tornado shelter or weather warning radio but live in tornado alley that would increase your risk factor. If you live near Virginia City Nevada and you don’t plan on the potential for wind damage then you increase your risk.
There are people who through lack of knowledge and lack of preparation beg by their own behavior to become a victim of crime, financial disaster or natural disaster. There are other people who take individual responsibility and live in moderate to high risk locations but are prepared to weather most any event.
….the sheer FORCE of water………….in recent years, my 50s something son has been acquiring experience and expertise in the business of crossing the bar — where the mouth of the Columbia River flows into the Pacific Ocean. Not for the faint of heart–even to read about…..
There are excellent videos explaining the issues and providing visuals and maps, done by those who know about this stuff. Good grief. Makes my stomach turn just to comprehend what’s going on with that 24/7, on the best of days.
I have heard that I-40 going East from Asheville is open now (NOT West bound toward TN!). Hickory is about an hour (I think?) down the Interstate from Asheville, and they have food, gas, and I’m sure lots of hospitality for those who are aching. If y’all can get out, you might be able to spread the word in the Hickory area, and they will do whatever they can for you!!
Hickory does have an airport —
Hickory Regional Airport airport in North Carolina. The Hickory Regional Airport (IATA: HKY, ICAO: KHKY) is a public airport located in Hickory, NC. According to the search results, the airport covers 739 acres and has two asphalt runways. It serves the city of Hickory and surrounding areas, offering general aviation services, air taxi, military, and limited commercial services.
While the airport does not have regular commercial airline service, it is not entirely without commercial air service. The FAA has certified the airport to offer commercial service, although there have been concerns and alleged violations, as reported in a 2024 news article. The airport’s management is working to address these issues to maintain its commercial service certification.
In addition to the Hickory Regional Airport, the closest major airport to Hickory, NC is Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), located approximately 56 miles away. For travelers seeking more extensive commercial airline options, Charlotte Douglas International Airport would be a viable alternative.
Website here: https://www.hickorync.gov/airport
Good luck to all. Prayers and lots of necessities are coming your way sooner rather than later!
Tri-Cities Airport near Johnson City is another regional airport alternative.
I40 is still closed west from Statesville past the TN border. There are checkpoints only allowing first responders and emergency personnel with supplies.
I pray that companies, corporations, mega-businesses that have fleets of helicopters will send some to that Hickory airport or the Concord airport to air drop basic supplies–water, food, blankets, cots, tents in order for those stranded to survive until access can be achieved. Sadly, the states don’t employ helicopters to help out that much. It is time to move in large groups of soldiers from the bases in eastern Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Delaware, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island as well as the bases in western Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Kansas, the Dakotas, Michigan, Minnesota. Let Ukraine worry about Ukraine. NOTHING that has happened to them in 2 years is as devastating as what this one hurricane has done in less than a week!
I would fully expect the I-40 to remain closed to all general traffic in both directions until a thorough assessment can be made of the terrain. Even if there are sections where pavement is still there. You just can’t take the chance: a single trailer truck might weigh 80,000 pounds.
https://x.com/hartgoat/status/1840883079226761401
The American heart and mindset we are trying to preserve.
One of the worst things to see happen of late has been the ruling class effort to make Americans forget their can-do attitude and rely solely on the government.
God Bless him and his coworker.
Clean up where you are! Eventually everything will meet.
God bless that MAN !
My daughter and her 7 month old baby live in Asheville. Their house and everything is gone but I am so thankful that they are safe. I’m in NC too and so many people I know are worried sick because they can’t reach their parents or children or friends. We are all praying extra hard.
https://rumble.com/v5gxith-theyre-briefing-the-real-commander-in-chief.html
A real life builder! President knows how to do it.
Not so much on the other side unless they can also be enriched. Hence, their hesitation to engage.
Wormy here. Gettin ready to drive over with supplies thru Erwin. The back road is open on Old Asheville Highway. Cell service definitely coming back. Able to reach lots of people.
Here are the needs keep popping up:
Gas or gas container
Water or water containers
Wet wipes(no one can bathe)
Dog food
Charcoal
Propane
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Non perishable food
Glucose meters with test strips. (Everyone was using phones to test and can’t charge them now)
IMPORTANT:Asheville Firefighter buddy has gone to a couple house fires from power coming on and no one there. Turn your main disconnect off if you don’t have power. Reach out to your neighbors or those who have gone and check on these disconnects. Real easy breaker to turn off. Unfortunately some older homes might not have them so turn off all breakers if u don’t. Try to monitor electricity turned back on to homes.
That’s all for now. Will report back once we are in the zone.
Found in the bin… 🙁
No worries! Just trying to send out the good info. If there is a shred of light in this whole thing, it looks like local citizens banding with their neighbors and pulling this off for recovery. Neighborhoods, churches, non profits, local businesses, local media, LOCAL is getting it done. No one is counting on the government for anything. We gave up on those idiots days ago.
Where can we drop donation for your group?
Brookstone Church in Weaverville is distribution hub from 2-7pm everyday. I’m hearing good things at the Farmers Market at I40 with Manna Food Bank
Thanks!!
We’ll get to work on it – we’re small but will get what we can!
Let us know if specific needs change.
It seems I-26 is still closed – is there an alternate route from JC to weaverville?
Found the route!
The transplant woke Mayor of Asheville is making excuses and touting a useless phone call with a useless President.
Meanwhile, the local native Mayor of Canton is getting the job done and calling out the telecom companies for their devastating failures that cost lives:
28 foot crest.
Satellite phones or ham radios should be part of a town’s emergency plan. I worked in telecom for 35 years. Cellphone towers are not indestructible especially when a 28′ wall of water comes through . They need electricity to run. If the cell site has a backup generator, it needs fuel to run on. If the access road is blocked or washed out, refilling the fuel is impossible.
They are useless. If they had a real governor and real mayors these people wouldn’t fear. That’s what the Bible says. Look to the ant!
A She Ville….lots of lesbians in Asheville….
What’s that song by Cher?
Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves?
The Night They Tore Ole Dixie Down?
I was born in a middle class family
of two marxists, ya know
My Mama used work two jobs and leave us with the lady next store
Trifecta….
According to their Instagram account, Tupelo Honey, an Asheville based restaurant group is planning to open its two restaurants and will offer buffet meals at no charge to the community & first responders. They’ll announce the dates when they clear the hurdles of getting operations up & running. People helping people. That’s true American spirit.
SIL tells me Ridgewood BBQ in Elizabethon is also providing meals and food to people and rescue workers for free. Another family owned example of the true American spirit.
Another great example of just how truly irrelevant the gubmint is.
First, you’ve got secure a supply of food and clean up the place enough to start safely running the kitchen.
These are professionals. Food safety is built into any quality F&B operation. Their IG account is indicating Thursday, Fri or Sat to begin free meal service. God Bless those who are responding, providing food, supplies, and every form of support.
The start of the video is area where my sister and her family lives, though they are a couple miles away from what is shown, I think that is the road they use to get into town for groceries and local retailers.
Last night I called her and her electric had finally come back on. They are safe. Fallen trees and minor wind damage to outbuildings only, too elevated for flood damage and their well is safe for using the water.
Once again, to everyone here at CTH that helped with the road condition information I needed incase I needed to make a rescue run over there, Thank You.
The last part of the video is 20 miles south of me and I go there a few times a year to get things from the major retailers and big box stores we do not have in my small town.
Today I am going to adventure out for a drive and check the condition of the local roads and bridges I regularly use. Most of the town is safe from severe flooding although some roads connecting small communities drop down and cross what are normally small streams and rivers.
An eloquent, touching tribute to love of parents and family to hike 11 miles to reach them in that disaster. The vulnerable–handicapped, little ones, the aged, those on critical meds–we know the toll will be high but especially for them.
Praying for all the people and families
For folks in the Boone area that want to volunteer or donate, or that are in need of assistance:
https://www.abfboone.com/https://www.abfboone.com/
Yesterday they had a supply of gas that someone donated, but it went quickly.
Spruce Pine plays a key roll in the world and will get more attention in the coming days…..
https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/modern-economy-rests-single-road-north-carolina-where-hurricane-collapsed-bridges
One odd question my brain thought of this morning is that with all of this devastation, with areas of Western NC and Eastern TN completely wiped out, no chance whatsoever of the area being rebuilt within 4-5 weeks, how does this impact the election if for all intents and purposes these regions and potentially tens of thousands of people are unable to vote? I’m curious as to what kind of protocols (if any) are in place? Understand I am first and foremost concerned for the safe being and welfare of the people affected etc., however as I said, it was a bizarre thought that came to mind as I don’t recall off the top of my head the ill timing of such a catastrophe as this. Any thoughts??
You’re not alone as I’ve wondered about the same thing. Right now folks have far more important things on their minds – food, water, shelter. Hopefully by Nov 5th things will be such that they’re able to vote without too much difficulty. Trump needs to win NC.
We won’t know until April.
Cleaning supplies, potable water, cell service and WiFi available today from 10 to 3 at First Baptist Asheville
https://fbca.net/
It is located in the center of town on the top of the bluff.
Good people.
But don’t worry–FEMA is Johnny on the spot right now. I would love for someone to explain to me why Americans pay taxes as there can be absolutely no point in doing so only to see our tax money go to either Ukraine (the single most corrupt country on the planet) or to ensure that those who invaded our country ILLEGALLY are put up in hotels (better than many American citizens who have worked hard for years and most especially HOMELESS VETERANS–and that it absolutely the most shameful and repulsive thing ever) and are given not only food, medicine, education and healthcare but also given GIFT CARDS. We have now crossed into the world of absolute insanity. And FEMA is as big a joke as Biden or Harris.
Maybe it is time for American citizens to decide that WE will designate where our tax money goes. We will donate to groups that care for homeless vets. We will donate to groups like Samaratine’s Purse or local charities that actually take care for Americans in crisis. We will not donate to those WOKE “charities” who are all too willing to give up our hard earned money to people who don’t care about our country, who don’t care about becoming Americans rather than overtaking our freedom country. These are the charities that the IRS will likely strip of their 501-C-3 status since they don’t place priorities in the destruction of the Constitution, liberty and justice that we used to have.
As for FEMA, disband them and put all the money they have been receiving and give it to Samaritan’s Purse, local charities, state infrastucture groups that can truly help Americans. Presently, FEMA is as useful as sprinklers are as useful in the mountains of Tennessee and North Carolina. Private industry is much more competent to lead the recovery and rescue efforts. The government is useless as teats on a bull!
I read yesterday from what appeared to be a reliable source (can’t recall the name) that FEMA funds are being diverted to help illegal aliens. The source from yesterday that I read was a matter-of-fact piece, a cut-and-paste from possible a gov’t site. It didn’t call the recipients “illegal aliens,” but it was some other woke, politically correct name.
If true, we can see clearly that everything to help the citizens of this country–in our daily lives and during times of natural disaster–have been been drained away and given to illegals, elites, their friends and family, etc. That goes for the national fuel reserve, FEMA funds, $42 billion given to Kamala to oversee infrastructure and internet connectivity that evaporated, our military arsenal ($80 billion left in Afghanistan, Lord knows what to Ukraine, etc.).
We The People—-Are On Our Own……
No, we’re not. We have each other. That is how it has always worked, and should work.
The government has never been our friend. The founding fathers were well aware of that too.
Isn’t Eastern Tennessee in the same or similar shape? If not, attack the NC devastation from that side of the mountain, as well.
The main route south to Asheville is Rte 26, through Erwin. The highway washed out through there and Erwin was badly flooded. Then it is a climb up the mountian range, and then there is a very long, very steep section of 26 that runs down from a high peak at Buckner Gap all the way through to Weaverville and down again into Asheville.
Think of one long waterslide, and that is Rte 26 for about 40 miles from the peak of the overlook down, down, down to Asheville.
None of the towns or communities on the down slope into Asheville could have fared well.
Otherwise, the next big option is 81 south through Knoxville, then East.
Bristol TN / VA seems to be in good shape for gas, cell service, etc, and it seems like maybe Knoxville is also okay.
The hurricane tracked east and moved slowly, dumping water all the time. In northwest Georgia we got 7-1/2″ of rain but that was about it. A mere eighty miles east of here it was an entirely different story.
Knoxville is fine. Greene county and Cocke county are in terrible shape. Some small towns are totally gone. Parts of Sevier county in East Tennessee , is also affected. All these areas are located on or near our major waterways.
True, it is. Many areas in NE TN were hit very hard.
Yes, the state line runs through the mountains and there is devastation on both sides.
Yes we are. Many small towns have been wiped off the map.
How is TN dealing with the disaster? They have a Repub governor and I believe a Republican majority state senate and house (and congressional delegation). I really haven’t heard much about TN. Is the TN governor’s response better than that of NC?
Macon County, NC. We’re about 70 miles SW of Asheville (50 as the crow flies). Cell coverage is intermittent but people are able to communicate some. It’s still cash only at the stores in town and gas stations are running out of gasoline. Some have had deliveries, so we are limping along.
Grocery stores are running out of meat, milk, bread, and produce. I walked past some managers having an impromptu meeting in the middle of the aisle, but they were talking about normal management topics like labor hours, so I don’t think the shortages are a huge concern, just a matter of figuring out how to get supply lines going again. I think these shortages have been self-fulfilling prophecies as yesterday the grocery stores were simply crushed with people panic-purchasing. It was nuts. I went to three stores, and it was the same in each one. So, I think the shortage is a temporary thing…I hope I’m right.
We are situated next to the Georgia border, so we have access to the south. The road that way isn’t mountainous and wasn’t hit hard. We can get to supplies; it just will take some time to go and bring them back.
Electricity is being restored, but it’s a slow process. It’s not a simple matter of driving up to the problem area and fixing it. There may be massive damage to dig through to get to the problem. Reports from friends are that the Highlands power sub-station is underwater and there’s no telling when power will be restored. Same friends report that they don’t have water or sewer in town. I don’t know what the official word is on the situation, if there even is one at this point.
Schools are closed. I haven’t heard when they’ll reopen.
Having said all that, we dodged the bullet. Asheville is trashed. Our hearts go out to them. I can’t imagine the trauma they are going through.
Any word on how it is over in Murphy, Nc or Hiawassee, Ga areas?
I have not heard anything about them. I do know that the county below us (Rabun Co., GA) seems to be okay. They had power and cell service. I don’t know if they lost it at all, but people were driving down there for supplies and to get cell/internet service. Murphy and Hiawassee are west of there, with similar topography, but I don’t dare guess or assume that they have the same conditions as Rabun County. I’ve asked and nobody I spoke to has had a report from there.
I checked a Georgia news channel for updates on Georgia counties and Towns County, where Hiawassee is located, wasn’t listed as having any problems at the moment.
Good, thank you windbag
State and Federal emergency officials need to hire some of these truck drivers and crane operators that are on strike to move the debris.
f your home has been affected by Hurricane Helene
Listen up this is going to help you with your insurance claim
I’ve been handling hurricane claims for 9 years and following these steps will save you time and stress
Share this with anyone you know who’s had damage to their property
Here’s a list of steps an insured should take after experiencing wind or water damage to their property following a hurricane to help expedite their insurance claim:
1. Ensure Safety First
– Make sure the property is safe to enter. If there are downed power lines, gas leaks, or severe structural damage, wait for authorities to declare it safe.
2. Document the Damage Immediately – Take detailed photos and videos of all visible damage to your property, both inside and outside, including structural damage, water intrusion, damaged personal belongings, and landscaping.
– Document the date and time of the damage to establish a timeline.
3. Prevent Further Damage
– Make temporary repairs to prevent additional damage (e.g., covering broken windows or damaged roofs with tarps, boarding up openings).
– Keep all receipts for materials and labor used for these temporary repairs to submit as part of your claim.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company- Contact your insurance company or agent as soon as possible to report the damage and begin the claims process. Provide a brief description of the damage and be ready to share your documentation.
– Ask for next steps and claim numbers, and record all communication with your insurer.
5. Review Your Insurance Policy- Go through your homeowner’s or flood insurance policy to understand your coverage limits, deductibles, and any special provisions regarding wind or water damage.
6. Create an Inventory of Damaged Items
– Make a detailed list of all damaged or lost items, including descriptions, original purchase prices, and estimated current values.
– Cross-reference your list with your home inventory (if one was previously made) to support your claim.
7. Save All Receipts for Additional Living Expenses
– If you need to relocate due to the damage, keep all receipts for expenses such as hotels, meals, transportation, and temporary housing. These may be reimbursed under the “loss of use” provision of your policy.
8. Meet with the Adjuster
– Prepare to meet the insurance adjuster. Have your photos, videos, inventory lists, receipts, and repair estimates ready to present.
– Ensure that the adjuster inspects every area that was damaged and document the visit.
9. Get Repair Estimates:
– Obtain written estimates for permanent repairs from licensed contractors. Provide these to the adjuster or claims handler as part of the claim submission.
10. Stay Organized- Keep copies of all documents related to your claim (e.g., emails, letters, receipts, estimates, and photos). Create a file for easy access and follow-up.
11. Follow Up Regularly
– Regularly check the status of your claim with your insurance company to ensure it’s moving forward. Take notes of each call, including the names of people you speak to and what was discussed.
12. Negotiate If Necessary:
– If you believe the settlement offer is insufficient, don’t hesitate to negotiate or ask for a second opinion from a public adjuster or independent contractor.
https://x.com/StephenStorey/status/1840568653705621842
Same here,.. handled hundreds of Home Owner insurance claims in NOLA with a Law Firm (no, I am not an attorney), post Katrina, for several years, as well as having been a Sub Contractor to FEMA for disaster home inspections for six months after Katrina (never again).
1st. Be sure to contact FEMA ASAP,…and request an inspection of your property by their Contractor and be Sure to get a copy of their FEMA report to use with your insurance claim.
2nd. You must have your insurance policy Declarations page that defines your coverage. If not found or lost in the storm, contact your agent (if possible, they can be devastated too) or your Insurance Carrier to get a copy, asap.
3rd. Many home owner policies include coverage for living/travel/lodging expenses following a disaster, so be sure to keep all your receipts for these expenses in order to be compensated, if the policy covers it,… cuz most don’t have lots of extra cash available after a storm, your bank may be devastated and closed (no funds available) and these expenses mount up quickly.
4th. If your carrier offers a quick “chump change” settlement for your damage repairs/losses,…. immediately hire a Law Firm with experience in disaster recovery and have them sue immediately (there is a one year statute of limitations to sue in many states) and then have the lawyer Demand a settlement meeting in Mediation, if your state’s Insurance Commissioner is wise/good enough to create a Mediation program.
We recovered over 300 hundred home owner insurance claim settlements at Mediation in downtown New Orleans and didn’t have to go to court Once in three years, post Katrina.
We received about 90% of the $ we demanded for repairs, with some companies cutting us a check then and there at the conclusion of the Mediation.
5th. Then have your attorneys Fight your Mortgage Service Company to release the funds for repairs, if you have a mortgage on your residence, cuz the insurance carrier will make the mortgage service company a co-payee on the check.
Some Service Companies like to delay the payment for ever. Let your lawyer earn his fee by dunning them politely and persistently until their check release is received. The lawyer may even have to threaten a law suit to force the issue and your State AG or Ins Commissioner’s office may be able to help, as well.
6th. Be very careful with your insurance rebuild funds,… you wont get a 2nd chance for these valuable funds,… so be extremely careful in hiring a contractor to do your repairs/rebuild.
Some are known as out of state, “Storm Chasers” who are notorious for ‘rip and skip’ and you’ll be SOOL if you get burned. Try to hire local contractors, if possible, cuz every body wants them. OR, tell your new contractor that you will set up a 3-way checking account for all payments for materials/labor that will include yourself, your lawyer and the contractors as signatories at the bank account.
This will smoke out the Cheaters quickly as they will refuse this arrangement. Good,… you just discovered their true intentions to rip you off. No, the FBI and local DA wont bother to help, if you get clipped. Please be careful, you’ll only get paid once by your carrier.
7th. Be safe, be calm and resolute to rebuild your family, home and life. Best of Luck,… prayers are a mighty help and comfort, as well.
There are many areas in NE TN that have been hit very hard too with lots of people isolated and missing. Keep them in your prayers as well because everyone needs help.
It’s imo one of the most beautiful areas in America and has some of the best people. The great film “Last Of The Mohicans” was filmed there
Based on what they said yesterday, this is actually Day #6 for these folks. They said the rain started heavy on Wednesday last, plus Thursday, plus Friday when the hurricane hit, and even more after that. They are in Day 6.
Hank WIlliams, JR. – “A Country Boy Can Survive”:
“The preacher man says it’s the end of time
And the Mississippi River, she’s a-goin’ dry
The interest is up and the stock market’s down
And you only get mugged if you go downtown
I live back in the woods, you see
My woman and the kids and the dogs and me
I got a shotgun, a rifle and a 4-wheel drive
And a country boy can survive, country folks can survive!…
‘Cause you can’t starve us out and you can’t make us run
‘Cause we’re them old boys raised on shotguns
We say grace, and we say ma’am
If you ain’t into that, we don’t give a damn
We’re from north California and south Alabam’
And little towns all around this land
And we can skin a buck, and run a trotline
And a country boy can survive, country folks can survive!”
Forget those “Rich Men North of Richmond”,… rely on your self, your family and help your neighbors,… it’s the Traditional American Way for hundreds of years,… before that woke joke, FEMA.
What we are seeing here is not unlike Maui. An alignment of a “confluence” of events which could be either mitigated, or exploited..
I can say first hand, with certainty, that there is another dimension. Intentional neglect and avoidance of stormwater engineering, infrastructure, and lake/reservoir management combined with high density development which combined, compounds uncontrolled runoff. The variables that can be controlled are huge, both upstream and downstream.
Think of willful and incompetent neglect of all the above much the same way land management practices lead to devasting fires. The floods of Ellicott City Maryland were the pilot/case studies that opened my eyes to it. What the fascists learned there was then built into federal flood and insurance policy/regulations and pushed into the state and local levels via Agenda21/ICLEI. I was able to expose one such project in NC that was set to flood over 200 homes. Both I and my family were harassed and threatened by local police – one even arrested on bogus charges.
In the process of reversing the intentional neglect, I was connected to an engineering committee. A white-hat municipal engineer let me use their stormwater modeling software. It was incredible. Storms like this from the highest hill, to the streams, rivers and reservoir lakes, to the ocean, can be modeled in detail. In this particular city, he had various storm event flooding modeled to 1/4″. He confirmed my warnings about the homes.
Create a crisis (or greatly aggravate one through neglect and management). It is always then blamed on climate change to take our property and livelihood.. Yes, storms are unpredictable but these evil bastards have simulations and modeling tools to predict, prepare and exploit them.
Notice who in America this sh’t is hitting the hardest?
A: Those who own land around or near the quartz mine.
To my Friends of the North Carolina Mountains: Bart Ehrman, a professor of religion at UNC CH is raising money for the disaster in North Carolina. He is hosting a free seminar as a part of the fund raising project. I am going to attend his seminar on Monday night, Oct 7, because I want to know what the bible says about why we have natural disasters Please join me and make a donation for disaster relief. https://ehrmanblog.org(one time donation at bottom of page)
Laurie Thomas Vass
Email from Bart Ehrman:
In light of the overwhelming damage and hardship facing the community, Bart is eager to contribute to the recovery efforts. On Monday, October 7 at 7:30 PM ET, he will be hosting a special webinar, and we invite you to join the event in support of this important cause. Event Details Date: Monday, October 7 at 7:30pm ET Topic: Why Do Disasters Hit? The Bible’s Views Suggested Donation: $50 (Any amount—large or small—makes a difference.) Steps to Register & Attend Step 1 — Make a Donation: Visit the Bart Ehrman Blog Homepage, scroll to the bottom, and make a one-time donation. We suggest $50, but any amount is appreciated. Please end your donation with $.01 (e.g. $50.01) so we can easily identify it. Step 2 — Register for the Webinar: Click here to register by Saturday, October 5, 2024 at 11:59pm ET. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jyc_OfVyR5GLMrPsEyuttA#/registration…
Register with the same first name and last name that you used to make your donation. Late registrations may not be accepted. Step 3 — Confirmation: After your donation is confirmed, Zoom will send you a link to join the webinar. If you do not receive the email from Zoom within one business day, please respond to this message with your donation information (method, name, amount) so we can ensure you receive your join link. Where Your Donation Goes We are raising funds for the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina’s Emergency and Disaster Response Fund, supporting recovery efforts for communities affected by Hurricane Helene.
Wonder if Longshoreman strike have an impact
President Trump has authorized a Go Fund Me account to raise money for the relief effort.
Samaritan’s Purse is also raising funds, as well as doing the work on the ground to rescue and rebuild. More is needed.
Clearly, government at all levels is inept, incompetent and corrupt. Government won’t save us.
Pray continually, donate if you can, and participate in the relief and recovery efforts.
And God Bless President Trump for his leadership.
Our Transportation Secretary is busy prepping Tampon Tim Walz for the debate.
Amen on President Trump.
It really is not that difficult to do the right thing and he shows them how it can and should be done.
The US Army’s 18th Airborne Corps (82nd – Ft Bragg and 101st – Ft Campbell Divisions as well as Corps Support Troops) has multiple Aviation Brigades (100’s of LIFT Helicopter) and Air Mobile Logistical Assets (organized lifted by Helicopter, C-130, et al) that can set up Bases at local airports to get relief into the impacted areas. Even the USMC in NC has Air Mobile assets that could have contributed to support the 18th Corps.
It is inexcusable that these assets had not at least been put on alert as well as organized into contingent task forces (ready to be activated) before the storm hit and have not been ordered into action. The combined National Guard Air Mobile and Aviation (even NC based USMC) assets of the impacted states are minuscule when compared to the assets of the 18th Corps.
It is utter BS, any stories expressing “Government Authority” surprise at the devastation of the storm. There is now LADAR, All sorts of Radar, all sorts of satellite as well as ground based instrumentation … which tracks and models these storms very accurately in near real time … sure the common person may: believe, doubt or ignore the reports …. but that is NO EXCUSE for Government at all levels not to be prepared and have at least activated or alerted contingency assets that could cope with the challenge of the environment.
When several feet of water are dumped onto rugged mountain country in less than 24 hours, “LIDAR” and so forth will only tell you that it’s coming. Massive floodwaters moving at high speed will destroy everything in their path. And, that’s exactly what they got.
My former Naval Officer (WWII) father told me as a kid that a rolling wave of water is one of the strongest forces in Nature on Earth. As our Boy Scout temporary stand in Leader he taught us boys the BS Code: “Be Prepared!”
THAT IS THE POINT OF MY COMMENT … they knew what was going to happen, where it it was going to happen and were NOT READY …. despite ALL the forewarning and mountains of assets near the PROJECTED TARGET AREA.
The US Corps of Engineers and TVA have all the data and history to back up what was coming as well as prevailing situation before the storm hit … along side the projected storm’s path and content of the storm.
It is pretty obvious that ‘Government Authority’ desires far fewer independent thinkers with a conscience. I wonder how a thousand Haitians would get by up there?
https://www.usa.gov/us-military
I believe Americans have much to learn about our military, including myself.
The US Military has more than combat operations and missions in it’s assigned roles. There are operational missions and roles called – “Other than combat operations” that include: support and stabilization, support to civil authorities and disaster relief … for both domestic (on-shore) ad foreign areas of operation.
I’ve stayed several times at the Alpine in on 226. It’s an old rustic wood frame building in a curve, over the side of the mountain. When we were there. It was owned by a couple that had bought it as their home. Plan was to take care of it, do some repairs and improvements, and spend their days their.
It was a classic old motor inn type place from another era. 1929 to be exact. The rooms had balconies with astonishing views. We watched an airplane go by. Below us.
The gallery on their website is worth a view. Hoped to be there a couple of days this month.
Alpineinnnc.com
It didn’t make it.
There are a dozen or so HAM operators that have been getting messages out to other operators outside the disaster zone who can make phone calls and let folks know if family is OK.
Sometimes, the County Sheriff’s office in a nearby county that is still up and running can get messages to and from surviving family members still in the no-comms Disaster Zone.
I did this from Houston when Cat 3, Hurricane Elena hit and devastated Gautier, MS on 9/3/’85 in Jackson County.
No Comms were available in Jackson County, MS. So, I called the George Cty Sheriff’s office and his deputies drove down fifty miles thru the area to deliver and receive my family’s messages, among others, at my family’s major ice/seafood processing plant.
The very responsible/helpful George Cty sheriff (who knew my father) called me back via telephone,… all were alive and well.
“Whew”,….Was so relieved, as Dan (Fake, but Accurate) Rather was reporting live on CBS TV camera from my younger brother’s front yard on the Gulf Coast beach there that morning,…. and claiming that “everything was destroyed”,…. not so, per the helpful/knowledgeable George Cty Sheriff.
When I went to bed the night before, Elena was about to hit Sarasota, FL,… but overnight, She stalled and then took a left turn bee-line for the MS Gulf Coast where She hit early on 9/3. As Dad taught us, “Be Prepared,… And, think on your feet to be self reliant and resourceful!” Thanks, Dad,… RIP now.
Why am I not surprised?
I’ve run up against dozens of their ilk. Clueless, ideological, rubberstamping puppets spouting off whatever their globalist handlers tell them.
I know right where to look and found this, which among many other things will tell you why the City of Asheville is totally unprepared for any dose of hard reality.
Asheville’s Future Vision Statement. See anything about stormwater?
Top priorities:
> Clean, Safe and Healthy Environment
> Connected and Engaged Community
> Equitable and Diverse Community
> Financially Resilient (public private partnerships)
> Quality Affordable Housing
> Thriving Local Economy (art, culture, DEI and equitable)
> Transportation and Accessibility (Buses and Bikes)
> Well-planned and Livable Community (15 minute city)
btw “Resilient” means: when the floods come too bad, we’ve made sure insurance won’t pay and if you cannot afford to rebuild we will have more empty lots to build high density on.
Read and weep Asheville. Coming soon to an Agenda 2030 city near you.
Council Vision 2036
https://www.ashevillenc.gov/government/council-vision/
Knoxville is eating up every bit of this BS. Why the …. does any one want to live in a high density environment?
I hear you.
It’s disturbing that we are seeing so many of these retarded communists. I think it has to do with people gravitating toward nicer places to live than the ones that have already been ruined by people like themselves.
Some people are talking about the lack of men as part of the problem, if a male retarded communist such as Tim Walz were on that city council it wouldn’t make it better, and if there were a Sarah Palin-type woman running things she’d be getting the job done.
Horrible.
Several years ago a fire swept through Sonoma and Santa Rosa in Northern California. The woke city council got to work even before people could get back in to view the wreckage and they changed the building codes. You could no longer have a wood fireplace, I believe (a while ago so I’m not 100% sure) that they outlawed natural gas at the time too.
Basically, there was no way people could rebuild the houses they had. I never found out how that fared with the insurance companies who want you to rebuild exactly what you had…
But they forced woke on all those devastated home owners. Awful.
It really does matter who you vote for.
The Blind Karens leading the Gullible Blind,…… who have now gotten what they voted for,… complete incompetence,…. but loaded with Feelings.
We are in the process of buying baby/children’s stuff, water and ice to fillup our 4×4 truck and run it over there. We’d like to get them as close to the people who need them.
If anyone has contact info of who/where at the local level we can go, please post here. Thanks.
these are the donation places I’ve gathered from Jeff Childer’s substack from commenters:
https://www.theyallsquad.org/
https://mercuryone.org/
https://samaritanspurse.org/
https://x.com/robbystarbuck/status/1840821376833503535
https://www.cajunnavyrelief.com/donate/
Instead of the Red Cross, Catholic Charities, The Southern Baptists or FEMA, I sent three 18 wheeler truck loads of donated-by-regular Houstonians non perishable canned food, clothing, bedding, etc to several local Church priests and pastors in Moss Point, Gautier and Pascagoula, MS after Hurricane Elena devastated the area on 9/3/85.
My father had sent many truck loads of 10lb ice bags from his big ice plant in Pascagoula to Houston/Galveston a couple of years prior as relief for Hurricane Alicia that hit there.
So,… in ’85, when I went on the local ABC affiliate TV news with outstanding reporter, Susan Starns to ask the public for reciprocal relief items,…. I was inundated with scores of ordinary citizens driving up and dropping off the supplies at a downtown Houston rec center that Mayor Cathy Withmire had designated for relief drop offs. Many said they had received my father’s donated ice and wanted to respond to their fellow Americans in need. It was truly heart warming,… and I couldn’t have done it without Ms Starns and Mr. Mossberg’s assistance.
The MS priests/pastors knew best which of the families in their congregations needed the relief supplies the most,… and there was no Govt/Org Red Tape to delay the delivery. All went smoothly, per my father, where the trucks stopped at his ice plant and the church’s crews unloaded the supplies.
“Give,… and ye shall Receive”,… the milk of human Kindness,… it’s still Real.
Just a thought!
Start here: https://visithendersonvillenc.org/helene-relief
This next link will will take you to a Ham radio portall W4HTP 145.350 Repeater, it’s ground zero. If you’re not a radio operator there is still lots of info to listen to.
https://www.broadcastify.com/listen/feed/43107
Always respect Fire and Water, in excess of normal. This is such a beautiful place in our country to have this happen. They opted for lives of solitude, great communities, and safety. What a tragedy! But what a test of human resilience and neighborliness.
What are we to learn from this? The lessons are many, pray, help, donate, and pray some more. Stay strong! You will soon know who cared for you and who didn’t!
Where is the military ie SEEBEES that provide construction and disaster recovery. They can get the infrastructure repaired so they can get more equipment into these areas.
Found in the bin… 🙁
My father was a Seabee. Those fellas can change the world in 3 days.
Eric Church cancels a concert and points people to the Red Cross
https://www.ericchurch.com/news/StatementFromEric
Nowhere near good enough, bro.
Freakin’ sell out.
And how about that NFL big wig that has (used to have?) the mountain top mansion with the helipad right below Sugar Mountain?
The silence is deafening.
Red Cross is global. Your donations are spread far and wide, and not earmarked toward any one disaster.
To them, “climate change” is the ultimate threat and NGO’s built around this implausible agenda are very well funded.
If anyone hears anything about damage in Transylvania County, NC I’d appreciate it. My sister owns a beautiful little cabin way up in the mountains, unfortunately next to a waterfall. Seemed like a good idea at the time. She’s out of the country right now and I can’t find much info about what’s happening south of Asheville. The media has tunnel vision. They don’t care that there are many people who live and own properties up these small winding roads. It’s a beautiful part of the country. Such a shame.
I’ve heard Brevard has power water internet and gas.
Thanks for the info. Brevard’s a pretty town. She’s closer to Rosman and WAAAYYY up the mountainside on Silversteen Road.
Don’t know where you heard that. I live 5 min from downtown Brevard. Power is limited to certain areas. I was informed today by Duke Energy that we may have power in our area by Oct 4. Because we are on a well, we have no water because the pump doesn’t operate. We were able to get some supplies at Walmart yesterday, but today they were only letting in a certain number of customers at a time. Lines for gasoline stations are long. Not all stations are in operation. Some limit how many gallons you can pump. Ice and water are available but you have to find it early. Things are improving, but the farther you get from the downtown area, the less is available. There are a lot of electrical workers here now and tree service folks. Clearing downed trees is crucial for access to remote areas. Reports I’ve received say that Rosman has not fared as well as Brevard. Helicopters still flying over to assess damaged areas and locate isolated homes and stranded people. Cell service was restored to a lot of the county today. Neighbors are helping neighbors,but it will take a long time to recover from this.
CeeVee:
Current info re: Toxaway according to our son who lives there:
McNeely’s Ace Hardware on HWY 64 has access to Wi-Fi
The Lake Toxaway fire & rescue Dept looks like their contacts are getting established again.
There must be a cell tower temp set up because our son can finally call out as of 10/01 afternoon.
Low gas supply: most anybody on roads are riding their dirt bikes & ATVs (less gas use)
Purchases are ‘cash only’; no electricity; groceries are depleted as you can image.
As you probably know, everyone up there is out & helping each other. I love them.
During a major natural disaster, you are on your own until further notice. Police, fire and rescue personnel will focus first on damage and threat assessement and will prioritize major infrastructure and population centers over your little town, neighborhood, block, or home.
Repeat: You are on your own. Prepare accordingly. You have been warned.