Helene Reminds Us to Count Our Blessings
As I’m writing this column, we are less than a week past Hurricane Helene’s landfall in Florida’s Big Bend area.
Authorities are still determining the full scope of devastation. In our area, we are thankfully able to count our blessings. I watch in utter amazement and profound sadness the video footage of the impacted areas, especially in the Carolinas. Helene has reminded us in dramatic fashion that hurricanes can impact far more than just the coastline.
While forecasters predicted the storm would deliver record rainfall, especially to those areas in the path and to the east of Helene’s track, I don’t know anybody who expected what happened. Being on the western side of the storm, we saw relatively little impact. Those in the path and to the east witnessed what’s been described as “biblical” devastation.
When Helene came ashore in Florida, she completely or nearly completely wiped out several communities including Fish Creek, Steinhatchee, Horseshoe Beach, and Cedar Key. In Perry, about 14 miles inland, the powerful storm pummeled homes and businesses with winds gusting to nearly 140 mph. As she trekked north, Helene hammered nearly the entire state of Georgia.
In the western Carolinas and eastern Tennessee, record rainfall swelled rivers and creeks beyond their banks. Massive mudslides crashed down mountains. Reservoirs filled fast, and dams failed. Flash floods inundated towns and villages. Bridges, roads, highways, and even a section of Interstate 40 became impassable as they were washed away. Who could’ve imagined that in this day and age, we would have entire communities cut off from the world?
When the full toll is calculated, Hurricane Helene is destined to be 1 of our most devastating natural disasters.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency and other relief agencies have responded, working to get aid into those worst-hit areas. But the struggle at this point is just getting the relief supplies in. As you are reading this, you will have the benefit of knowing how successful those efforts have been.
Electric cooperatives from 18 states sent help to Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas. Alabama contributed 175 linemen and right-of-way workers to efforts throughout the “Peach State” as well as South Carolina.
CVEC first sent crews to north Georgia to help restore services. They then redeployed to southeastern Georgia near the Okefenokee Swamp. The cooperative serving that area suffered tremendous winds and rain, losing some 2,000 poles. They are estimating it will be at least a month to fully restore service to those who can take it.
This response is a big part of what electric cooperatives are about. 7 principles help guide our actions. When natural disasters such as hurricanes strike, there are 2 principles that stand out: concern for the community and cooperation among cooperatives.
This is because electric cooperatives are about more than just delivering and selling electricity. We contribute to the communities we serve to help them grow and prosper. We do that through economic development, donations, and sponsorships and by providing high-quality, reliable services. That is why CVEC provides reliable electric, propane, and now broadband services.
We also cooperate with our fellow cooperatives around the state and the country. When natural disasters strike, we have trained and skilled workforces ready to jump in and help restore. For daily business, we collaborate on a number of things, especially where technology is concerned. This cooperation allows us to benefit from years of experience and different perspectives.
The 7 cooperative principles are truly 1 of our greatest strengths. As you gather with family and friends to give thanks, please remember those whose lives have been upended by disaster and provide help if you can.
We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.