Aiken County Leaders Review Lessons Learned from Tropical Storm Helene to Enhance Future Emergency Preparedness

Finding Lessons in the Aftermath: Aiken County Reflects on Tropical Storm Helene

As the folks in Aiken County continue to pick up the pieces after the hefty rainfall and strong winds of Tropical Storm Helene, local leaders are coming together to reflect on the event to ensure that the community is better prepared for future storms.

Gearing Up for Better Emergency Responses

Last week, community leaders gathered at the Aiken County Government Center to dig deep into their recent experiences with Helene during an after-action review. Aiken County Administrator Brian Sanders led the discussion and emphasized some important lessons learned from the storm’s impact.

“One of our biggest takeaways was our heavy reliance on the American Red Cross for distributing food and water,” Sanders explained. “It took them eight days to get here after Helene hit, and frankly, we didn’t have a backup plan. In past disasters, we hadn’t faced such challenges, but this storm was a game-changer.”

A Collaborative Effort

The review included various stakeholders—all hands on deck! Representatives from state agencies, local law enforcement, Aiken Regional Medical Centers, utility companies, and volunteer groups participated in the session. Even a representative from the Red Cross made an appearance to acknowledge the enormity of the storm’s impact.

“It was a significant storm, and the Red Cross’s resources were stretched thin,” Sanders said, recognizing the struggles faced by the organization. “But on a local level, we need a safety net of our own, and that’s something we’ll be working diligently to develop moving forward.”

Improving Post-Disaster Communication

Another vital takeaway from the session was the need for improved communication with the public following such disasters. After dealing with Helene, Sanders noted that the county’s notification efforts could have been better. But, there’s hope on the horizon!

Plans are already in motion to create a communications team early next year that will focus on providing the community with timely and accurate information concerning everything from emergencies to county events. “They’ll be taking charge of all types of county information to keep our citizens informed!” Sanders exclaimed. “Social media will play a big role in how we communicate with everyone.”

Keeping Residents Informed and Prepared

To bolster disaster preparedness moving forward, Sanders noted that the county needs to help residents understand how to get ready for a storm. Ideas floating around the table include push notifications reminding folks to fill their gas tanks, stock up on bottled water, and have some non-perishable foods on hand.

And let’s talk about the post-storm debris situation! Sanders shared that some residents had piled storm debris on the roads, which hampered cleanup efforts. “We need to create a handy flyer on our social media platforms for everyone that tells them how to handle storm debris,” he said with emphasis. “The last thing we want is for people to get confused about where to place their debris!”

A Look Back at Helene

Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on September 26, bringing with it a wave of devastation even as it weakened slightly before hitting Aiken. While the storm knocked down trees and powerlines, the county was somewhat ready for its aftermath.

“We did one thing right by having a debris management company under contract before the storm hit,” Sanders recalled, praising their preparedness. “One quick call, and we were off and running with recovery.”

Looking Ahead

Aiken County is looking toward the future with a renewed sense of purpose to enhance their response strategies and public communication. “We’re determined to learn from this experience. We want our community to feel confident and informed when it comes to disaster preparedness,” Sanders concluded optimistically.

As the sun sets on another day, the residents of Aiken County can take comfort in knowing that their leaders are working hard to keep the community safe in the face of any storm that may come their way!