A November 5 posthurricane meeting at Southern Crown Partners in the industrial park was led by Pierce County Family Connection Executive Director Stephanie Bell. Workers from many service agencies analyzed strengths and weaknesses of the local response to Hurricane Helene, especially for the area’s most vulnerable citizens.
Southeast Health District, Memorial Satilla Health, Action Pact, Unison, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office and Public Safety Dept. and a variety of others evaluated what to do next time.
The meeting began with a 15 minute brainstorming exercise and a questionnaire titled “Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts Lessons Learned”. Topics included which resources were not available after the storm to which groups were most successful at distributing supplies.
An open forum followed. Memorial Satilla Health Marketing Director Sarah Gove, cited complacency as a problem, “Helene had a mean left hook and socked us in the jaw.” There was agreement throughout the room.
Bell praised how various organizations helped one another, “We sent out a message and within 15 minutes people responded so overwhelmingly.”
“If possible, we will have a standing protocol to operate our own shelter if anything like this ever happens again,” said Public Safety Director Blake James.
“I second that,” said Ambie Bess of the Southeast Health District, saying she wished Ware County had opened one of their own.
“Prepping is not a poor man’s sport,” said Bell. “How do we help people prepare for events like this?”
“I have been telling people ever since I became sheriff, you need to be set to be self-sustaining for five-seven days before you can expect any help to get to you,” said Bennett.
All on hand agreed a dry-run exercise to practice coordinating future emergency response efforts should be on the agenda for 2025.
