Hurricane Helene

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 10/3/24 at 10:52pm

Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc in the southeastern US especially in western North Carolina where a town was actually wiped off the map. States like Florida, SC, Georgia and Tennessee had incredible flooding and damage, I believe over 100 lives have been lost. I did notice that there was not one mention of this hurricane and a thread about supporting the people who are struggling to survive in these states on this site. I did not see one mention of Broadway shows trying to raise money to help people in those states. If I am wrong, please correct me. 

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 10/4/24 at 8:00am

I think the best way to help victims of climate change is to live responsibly and vote wisely.

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 10/4/24 at 11:52am

"I think the best way to help victims of climate change is to live responsibly and vote wisely."

Great platitude Jay. I am sure the people who have lost their homes and business will be thrilled to hear your words of wisdom. Tell that to people who have lost loved ones in this horrible storm. Wonder if you would be saying these same words if part of your family or a friend was affected by a hurricane. 

My wife showed be a great "Tik-Tok" clip yesterday. It was done by a regular guy who is in his 50's and lasted about 10 minutes. He calmly explains how government has failed the people in his city (Asheville, NC) and the reports being told that are untrue. Government is telling people they could not get supplies in the city to help them meanwhile he had a friend who flew out of the Asheville airport last Saturday. He said he drove roundtrip from Asheville to Charlotte last weekend so people can get to the city. He said it took a lot longer, but it could be done. He ends clip by saying how great local people have been helping others in their time of need. Also mentioned local businesses that have been able to assist have also been wonderful.

[Jay Lerner-Z]

Posted: 10/4/24 at 1:25pm

Of course I’d be saying the same thing if I was personally impacted by Helene. My words are genuine, heartfelt, and true!

Obviously I am mostly referring to future victims, my words are now too late for recent events. We should learn from our mistakes.

 

[Lavieboheme3090]

Posted: 10/4/24 at 8:29pm

Broadway Cares has stepped up in a big way, sending over $300,000 to hurricane relief efforts. The work they do is astounding!

Great news! The Biden administration has announced that over 4,800 federal personnel are already on the ground, helping states impacted by Helene. Even Governor DeSantis is pitching in and sending help, despite North Carolina having a Democratic governor—it’s all hands on deck! In the past, the North Carolina governor could take certain emergency actions on their own, but after the Covid-19 pandemic, the rules changed. Now, the Republican-led state legislature requires the Council of State to approve these actions. Fortunately, Governor Cooper’s recent Helene-related request received unanimous support, with the only exception being Lt. Gov. Robinson, who didn’t respond. No worries though—state law counts a non-response as a “yes,” so Cooper’s plan moved forward smoothly! Happy to share this update! 😊

I noticed there weren’t any links with information on where to donate, so I wanted to help out! If you’re looking for a trustworthy place to contribute to hurricane relief, I recommend checking out Charity Navigator’s page on Hurricane Helene 2024. It’s a great resource for finding organizations that are making a difference!

Charity Navigator

[Lavieboheme3090]

Posted: 10/4/24 at 9:00pm

Lol, I’m replying to myself—just one more thing to add! As someone who grew up right in the middle of Tornado Alley, here are some important things to keep in mind:
 

With all the wildfires, tornadoes, hurricanes, and other weather emergencies happening lately, it’s a good time to talk about disaster preparedness. These things can affect any of us, and having a plan in place can make a huge difference in keeping you and your family safe. Whether you live in an area prone to hurricanes, wildfires, or something else, it’s always better to be prepared.

Let’s be real—emergencies usually happen without warning, and the aftermath is often chaotic it’s not going to matter who is in office. Having a plan can help you stay calm and act fast, instead of scrambling in the moment. It’s not just about personal safety either. A solid plan can help protect your home, belongings, and even assist your neighbors. Think of it as a way to take control during a situation where it’s easy to feel powerless.

The good news? It’s not as overwhelming as it might seem. A great place to begin is by building a disaster kit. The Red Cross has an awesome guide on what to include. You can check out their full list here, but here are some basics to keep in mind:

    •    Water (at least 3 days’ worth—1 gallon per person per day)
    •    Non-perishable food (enough for 3 days)
    •    First-aid kit (bandages, meds, etc.)
    •    Tools & flashlight (plus extra batteries)
    •    Important docs (ID, insurance, etc.)
    •    Sanitation supplies (think wipes, trash bags, etc.)

Make a Family Plan

Beyond having a kit, talk with your family about what to do in an emergency. Make sure everyone knows how to stay in touch and where to meet if you get separated. Also, know your evacuation routes and keep the gas tank at least half full during high-risk seasons. Trust me, being stuck in a line at the gas station is not how you want to spend your evacuation.

Get Involved Locally

It’s also smart to get involved with your community. Connect with neighbors or local emergency services so that if disaster strikes, you have a network to rely on. The more people looking out for each other, the better.

Weather emergencies are becoming more common, so it’s a good idea to be prepared. It doesn’t take much time, but it can make a world of difference. Start with a kit, make sure your family knows the plan, and check out resources like the Red Cross to guide you along the way. The more prepared we all are, the better we can handle whatever comes our way!

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 10/5/24 at 8:26am

"Broadway Cares has stepped up in a big way, sending over $300,000 to hurricane relief efforts. The work they do is astounding!"

Thanks for the information, glad to hear it.

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 10/5/24 at 8:29am

"Let’s be real—emergencies usually happen without warning, and the aftermath is often chaotic it’s not going to matter who is in office. Having a plan can help you stay calm and act fast, instead of scrambling in the moment. It’s not just about personal safety either. A solid plan can help protect your home, belongings, and even assist your neighbors. Think of it as a way to take control during a situation where it’s easy to feel powerless."

Excellent idea and I know my family has an emergency kit with items you mentioned.

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 10/5/24 at 8:32am

"I noticed there weren’t any links with information on where to donate, so I wanted to help out! If you’re looking for a trustworthy place to contribute to hurricane relief, I recommend checking out Charity Navigator’s page on Hurricane Helene 2024. It’s a great resource for finding organizations that are making a difference!"

Once again, thanks for the information. I hope it gives options to people looking to help.

Updated On: 10/5/24 at 08:32 AM

[Zeppie2022]

Posted: 10/5/24 at 8:49am

"Even Governor DeSantis is pitching in and sending help, despite North Carolina having a Democratic governor—it’s all hands on deck."

Nice to see that DeSantis is more concerned with helping people than playing politics. Kind of like Governor Christie thanking President Obama for his help years ago.

[Lavieboheme3090]

Posted: 10/5/24 at 1:30pm

Biden wrote to Congress because the powers of the executive branch are limited. We can take a moment to contact Senator Schumer and Speaker Mike Johnson’s offices to show our support for action.

Contact Information:

    •    Senator Chuck Schumer:
Phone: [phone]
Email: Schumer Contact Form
    •    Speaker Mike Johnson:
Phone: [phone]
Email: Mike Johnson Contact Form

In President Biden’s letter to Speaker Johnson and Leaders Schumer, McConnell, and Jeffries he addresses the federal response to Hurricane Helene and the broader need for disaster relief across the country. Biden emphasizes that communities devastated by the hurricane in the Southeast are relying on federal support during this urgent time. After visiting affected states like North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia, Biden describes meeting with survivors and officials, stressing the importance of federal resources to aid in recovery. He highlights the coordinated efforts of FEMA and the Department of Defense in the immediate response but warns that the Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster loan program is at risk of running out of funds soon. Biden had previously alerted Congress to this shortfall and urges immediate action to restore funding, emphasizing the importance of SBA loans for businesses and individuals in disaster recovery. While FEMA currently has the resources to meet immediate needs, Biden warns of a shortfall by the year’s end without additional funding. He urges Congress to provide support not only for Hurricane Helene recovery but for communities affected by other disasters, including wildfires in Maui and tornadoes in Mississippi, Iowa, and Oklahoma. Biden calls for comprehensive disaster relief and urges Congress to ensure no programs run out of funding during recess. Finally, he highlights the need for long-term rebuilding and resilience efforts to prepare for future extreme weather events.

[Lavieboheme3090]

Posted: 10/7/24 at 12:16pm

With so much misinformation circulating online, it’s really important that we share the facts whenever we can. Here’s some key information straight from FEMA to help set the record straight about assistance after Hurricane Helene:

1. FEMA Assistance is Mostly Grants, Not Loans: Contrary to popular belief, FEMA generally offers grants that do not need to be repaid. Loans are available but are provided separately by the SBA for specific needs like home repair or small business recovery. Repayment is only required in rare cases, such as when insurance also covers the same expenses.

2. One Application Per Household is Enough: Reapplying multiple times will actually delay processing, not speed it up. Just apply once and track the progress of your application at DisasterAssistance.gov or by calling FEMA’s helpline.

3. Airspace for Helene Operations is Not Restricted: The FAA is working closely with state and local authorities to keep air operations safe. They’re not restricting recovery efforts.

4. No Discrimination in Aid Distribution: FEMA provides aid based on need, not on race, gender, income, or any other demographic factors.

 

5. FEMA is Not Seizing Property: Applying for assistance does not give FEMA the right to seize your property. Inspections are conducted solely to determine the assistance needed to make a property safe and livable.

6. Applications for Housing Assistance are Still Open: FEMA is actively accepting applications in areas affected by Helene. Check DisasterAssistance.gov for deadlines specific to each state.

7. Funding is Not Being Diverted: FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund remains dedicated to disaster response and is not diverted for other purposes.

8. FEMA Does Not Ask for Cash Donations: FEMA isn’t soliciting cash donations or turning away legitimate volunteer help. Beware of scams—FEMA will never ask you for money. Donate only to reputable organizations to make sure your support goes where it’s needed.

9. FEMA Is Not Confiscating Donations for Survivors: There are false rumors about FEMA stopping trucks with donated items or confiscating supplies—these are not true. FEMA doesn’t handle donations; local voluntary organizations manage and distribute them.

Let’s help get the facts out there. Together, we can ensure people receive accurate information about disaster relief efforts. If you have more questions, visit the official FEMA site for Hurricane Helene here.

 This should help counter common rumors and provide clear, actionable information!

[Lavieboheme3090]

Posted: 10/11/24 at 1:47pm

As we are now cleaning up after two major natural disasters it’s important to remember that in just a few weeks, voters will decide which lawmakers will be sent back to Congress — individuals who play a critical role in shaping policies on issues like disaster relief funding. This decision will influence who will oversee FEMA funding and similar emergency resources, directly impacting preparedness and response to future natural disasters.

 

Here are the names of the Senators and Representatives who recently voted against FEMA funding:

 

Senate

 

    •    Senator Marsha Blackburn (Tennessee)

    •    Senator Mike Braun (Indiana)

    •    Senator Katie Britt (Alabama)

    •    Senator Ted Budd (North Carolina)

    •    Senator Mike Crapo (Idaho)

    •    Senator Deb Fischer (Nebraska)

    •    Senator Bill Hagerty (Tennessee)

    •    Senator Josh Hawley (Missouri)

    •    Senator Ron Johnson (Wisconsin)

    •    Senator Mike Lee (Utah)

    •    Senator Roger Marshall (Kansas)

    •    Senator Markwayne Mullin (Oklahoma)

    •    Senator Rand Paul (Kentucky)

    •    Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    •    Senator James Risch (Idaho)

    •    Senator Eric Schmitt (Missouri)

    •    Senator Tim Scott (South Carolina)

    •    Senator Tommy Tuberville (Alabama)

 

House

 

    •    Representative James Baird (Indiana)

    •    Representative Troy Balderson (Ohio)

    •    Representative Jim Banks (Indiana)

    •    Representative Aaron Bean (Florida)

    •    Representative Andy Biggs (Arizona)

    •    Representative Gus Bilirakis (Florida)

    •    Representative Dan Bishop (North Carolina)

    •    Representative Lauren Boebert (Colorado)

    •    Representative Mike Bost (Illinois)

    •    Representative Josh Brecheen (Oklahoma)

    •    Representative Tim Burchett (Tennessee)

    •    Representative Eric Burlison (Missouri)

    •    Representative Kat Cammack (Florida)

    •    Representative Michael Cloud (Texas)

    •    Representative Andrew Clyde (Georgia)

    •    Representative Mike Collins (Georgia)

    •    Representative Eli Crane (Arizona)

    •    Representative John Curtis (Utah)

    •    Representative Warren Davidson (Ohio)

    •    Representative Byron Donalds (Florida)

    •    Representative Jeff Duncan (South Carolina)

    •    Representative Ron Estes (Kansas)

    •    Representative Mike Ezell (Mississippi)

    •    Representative Randy Feenstra (Iowa)

    •    Representative Brad Finstad (Minnesota)

    •    Representative Michelle Fischbach (Minnesota)

    •    Representative Russell Fry (South Carolina)

    •    Representative Russ Fulcher (Idaho)

    •    Representative Matt Gaetz (Florida)

    •    Representative Tony Gonzales (Texas)

    •    Representative Bob Good (Virginia)

    •    Representative Lance Gooden (Texas)

    •    Representative Paul Gosar (Arizona)

    •    Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene (Georgia)

    •    Representative Morgan Griffith (Virginia)

    •    Representative Michael Guest (Mississippi)

    •    Representative Harriet Hageman (Wyoming)

    •    Representative Andy Harris (Maryland)

    •    Representative Clay Higgins (Louisiana)

    •    Representative Jim Jordan (Ohio)

    •    Representative John Joyce (Pennsylvania)

    •    Representative Trent Kelly (Mississippi)

    •    Representative Darin LaHood (Illinois)

    •    Representative Laurel Lee (Florida)

    •    Representative Debbie Lesko (Arizona)

    •    Representative Greg Lopez (Colorado)

    •    Representative Anna Paulina Luna (Florida)

    •    Representative Morgan Lutrell (Texas)

    •    Representative Nancy Mace (South Carolina)

    •    Representative Tracey Mann (Kansas)

    •    Representative Thomas Massie (Kentucky)

    •    Representative Tom McClintock (California)

    •    Representative Rich McCormick (Georgia)

    •    Representative Mary Miller (Illinois)

    •    Representative Max Miller (Ohio)

    •    Representative Cory Mills (Florida)

    •    Representative Alex Mooney (West Virginia)

    •    Representative Barry Moore (Alabama)

    •    Representative Nathaniel Moran (Texas)

    •    Representative Ralph Norman (South Carolina)

    •    Representative Andy Ogles (Tennessee)

    •    Representative Gary Palmer (Alabama)

    •    Representative Scott Perry (Pennsylvania)

    •    Representative Bill Posey (Florida)

    •    Representative John Rose (Tennessee)

    •    Representative Matt Rosendale (Montana)

    •    Representative Chip Roy (Texas)

    •    Representative David Schweikert (Arizona)

    •    Representative Keith Self (Texas)

    •    Representative Victoria Spartz (Indiana)

    •    Representative Claudia Tenney (New York)

    •    Representative William Timmons (South Carolina)

    •    Representative Jeff Van Drew (New Jersey)

    •    Representative Beth Van Duyne (Texas)

    •    Representative Derrick Van Orden (Wisconsin)

    •    Representative Mike Waltz (Florida)

    •    Representative Randy Weber (Texas)

    •    Representative Daniel Webster (Florida)

    •    Representative Bruce Westerman (Arkansas)

    •    Representative Roger Williams (Texas)

    •    Representative Rudy Yakym (Indiana)

 

If a representative from your state is listed here, consider sharing this with others to help inform voters who may be impacted by decisions on disaster readiness and resilience funding.