Hurricane Helene
It's been a week in the south y'all!
Helene - Thursday is when the storm arrived in Columbia. Very heavy rain! This went on most of the day. We were told on Wednesday that there would be no after school activities and then as the day went on we were told that we would do virtual learning on Friday. At the end of the school day it was still pouring so we delivered students to their cars under big umbrellas. We still got wet but it wasn't too bad. I stayed an extra hour getting things cleaned up and getting what I needed to do virtual school. The rain started to subside.Friday at 3 am the power went out and Mark and I could hear the wind. Then, we heard the pine cones and branches landing on the roof. This is very loud when you don't have the background noise electricity provides. Then, we heard several transformers blow. We moved to the center of the house and waited for morning. Mark made cold brew coffee. We watched emergency crews get to work.
Wow, we are so lucky! In our neighborhood about every 4th house had a tree down. Most missed something major but there were some that landed on cars, houses, and on power lines. Our neighbor lost a tree the last 2 storms and not small trees, big oak trees :( The oaks have a very wide root system but not very deep, so they are the trees that are taking the biggest beating and causing the most damage.
I feel so grateful to police, emergency crews, power company people who have been working tirelessly through all of this!
Our power was restored Friday night. Many still do not have power. In spite of it all people have been out. The storm didn't stop the peanut festival yesterday and it didn't stop our neighbors from having a hurricane party. You realize how much electricity is tied to our lives when you don't have it! Wow!
I am praying for all of the families in neighboring states. It was only a couple of months ago that we visited Blowing Rocks and Boone both of which have been completely flooded by Helene.
We cleaned up our yard and helped neighbors do the same. Things I learned from the storm. Preparation is key.
1. Make sure gutters are clear - thanks Mark
2. Bring in and secure outdoor patio furniture, bird feeders, anything that can go flying - Mark and Jules did this Thursday morning right before the rain.
3. Buy supplies - water and make sure you have food that doesn't require electricity. Keep your gas grill accessible. It's a great way to use food quickly when the power goes out.
4. Charge all electronics and have batteries on hand for flashlights.
As with any emergency - take care of yourself first and then others.
The weather this week will be mid 80's and sun. We need it.
The only scary part now are the rivers that are already so flooded!
Stay Safe and have a good week!
