Edgefield Community Unites as Linemen Battle Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath

Edgefield Residents Rally Together as Linemen Work Tirelessly After Hurricane Helene

In the small town of Edgefield, tucked away in western South Carolina near the Georgia border, a sense of community has never been more important. Residents are grappling with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has torn through this quaint area, leaving devastation in its wake. Power lines droop like weeping willows, and wooden beams have been splintered and strewn across roads, making it hard to navigate what used to be familiar neighborhoods.

A Shocking Morning Routine

Waking up on a cot in an office-turned-barracks is a new reality for Garret Hammond. For days now, he has been living in makeshift accommodations while he helps restore power to his hometown—something he never envisioned. A lineman for the Aiken Electric Cooperative, Garret has spent the last four years fixing standard issues like utility poles and power lines. Now, however, he faces a much bigger challenge. “I never expected to see anything like this,” he shares, with a mix of disbelief and determination.

As of Wednesday morning, nearly half a million power outages were still active statewide, with Edgefield County alone reporting 8,875 customers without power. Like Garret, many coworkers and linemen are camping out at the cooperative’s headquarters, thankful for warm showers and a roof over their heads.

The Buzz of Restoration Efforts

The sound of machinery fills the air as the crew works tirelessly. Ellis Crawford, wearing a white hard hat, stands below Garret, who is 30 feet in the air in a bucket truck, inspecting a new power line installation. “Hold up,” Ellis shouts, focused on the job while trying to ensure the cable is positioned just right. It’s a tricky balance of making sure the line is both tight but not taut. They are all focused on details that are easy to overlook in the hustle of daily life.

“It’s been long days,” admits Dilan Havird, who is baking under his hard hat. He should be at the beach celebrating his third wedding anniversary, but instead, he dedicates himself to helping families regain their power. His home has power, and he’s made it a haven for other linemen needing a place to rest.

Understanding Damage and Resilience

The damage from Hurricane Helene goes beyond what meets the eye, according to Gary Stooksbury, CEO of the Aiken Electric Cooperative. The destructive nature of the storm means that instead of simple repairs, many systems will need to be completely rebuilt. More than 300 utility poles in Edgefield suffered various fates—from breaking in half to being completely uprooted. The utility has employed around 500 contractors from out of state to assist with the workload, and this number is expected to rise to 1,000 as additional help arrives this weekend.

Despite prior experiences with storms, Ellis notes, “This level of damage is unheard of.” Hurricane Helene has caused significant loss across the region, tragically resulting in at least 36 deaths in South Carolina alone.

A Community Coming Together

While crews are hard at work, they’re also met with support from their community. As the linemen break for lunch, the sound of a cheering truck rolls by, filled with residents shouting praises and love. The gratitude they receive not only fuels their spirits but also reminds the crew why they do what they do. They are here to help.

When volunteers stop by with hot meals, the crew doesn’t keep it all for themselves. Instead, they generously invite a family without power to share the food, bringing warmth not just in the form of hot dogs and Gatorades, but also in the sense of community and kindness.

A Call for Patience

Convincing friends and family to remain patient is challenging, considering the frustrations that arise during such a crisis. Linemen are used to working through the long hours—each power pole takes around three hours to replace, not including the time to reconnect and test the lines. They understand the frustrations but ask for understanding during this arduous process.

As the sun sets on Edgefield, shadows of fallen trees and power lines linger. Yet, despite the challenges, the linemen remain committed to restoring power to their friends, family, and neighbors. They work with pride and heart, pushing through each obstacle, determined to bring light back to their community.