Wow, what a day it
was on the ground here in Brevard today.
Firstly, some of the
things I’ve learned going forward.
-Posting images from
what conditions were like here in western north carolina anytime
before the present moment isn’t helpful because it’s misdirecting
attention to things that aren’t relevant to today’s recovery
efforts. Sharing is one thing but reposting old images as a new post
is another entirely. Sharing keeps the original time stamp on the
post so we can all see that it’s from days ago.
-Begin to add
today’s date and time when you post new info that way we all can
know how current the information is so we don’t spin our wheels
looking for resources to help those who have already been helped.
-Please take a
moment and fact check what you’re thinking of re-posting or sharing
before you click on “share”. I’m starting to see information
that’s not even relevant or that’s from years ago (also not
relevant)
-Facebook is an
enormously useful resource when it comes to finding real on the
ground information and actual calls for help. Please DO keep sharing
these! And add where it came from and a timestamp so we can know if
is relevant realtime info.
-FB’s algorithms
put things in our feeds that we haven’t seen which are often days
old. I’ve seen posts for the first time today that were from 3 or 4
days ago. I’ve begun looking at the date they were originally
posted so I know to move on and mostly ignore these and move on so I
can help with what’s happening right now.
-There are specific
needs that people are seeking to fill. These seem to be “well-checks”
for family or friends that haven’t been able to be reached through
normal channels (usually by cell phone or email) as cell service and
power outages are still a problem in many areas. Another is “how
can I help” questions. Where can I volunteer or where can I send
supplies. Another is “I need food or shelter or water” where can
I find these. Another is “we have supplies or food or hot meals or
showers available. Here’s where you can come get these things”.
Yet another is “I live in yadda yadda state and have supplies and
will be heading your way”.
Regarding these
things: here’s some of what I’m seeing.
Well-checks are
being handled firstly by local fire departments and they are doing
one HELL of a job connecting families and friends in this way. If you
are seeking to find a family member or friend you can simply post
those requests nearly anywhere and there are those of us who come
across these requests that can coordinate efforts to find these folks
in our area and get word back to you. Or you can reach out directly
to the fire departments that service your family members home. That’s
the quickest way to get the ball rolling. Now that cell service and
internet service and power is coming back online you can try calling
your family member...yet I also know from personal experience that
your family members phone may be dead and they may not realize
this...because they’ve lived without power or cell service for so
many days that they’ve forgotten to check. (this is mostly
happening with the elderly which is why these well-checks are so
important to follow through on.)
The how can I help
questions...please be patient. This is not a sprint. But is a
long-haul operation. Donations and supplies will be needed 6 months
from now and there are trucks and trucks and trucks of supplies
already here and enroute as I write this. The real issue now is how
to get what supplies are here and arriving into the hands of those
that need it most.
Which is where the
air-support comes into play.
There are countless
helicopters, pilots to fly them and other air support here that are
in need of our help to direct them to where they are needed the most.
This is what I spent most of today coordinating. We need to know
where the communities are that are cut-off from road access. THIS is
where the air support is needed. Many communities have bridges washed
out and roads completely destroyed and the only way in is on foot, by
mule (yes there are mule teams here) and so forth. Air support is
proving priceless to these communities!
Regarding “I need
food, shelter, water” questions...that information is getting
disseminated via radio and by churches and fire departments and
communities helping communities. Same goes for “we have food,
supplies, etc to disperse”...word is getting out the same ways.
Regarding “I have
supplies and am heading your way…” well...I’m seeing that this
may simply bog down efforts that are already ongoing and here on the
ground. Lodging is already strained due to destroyed homes and for
workers here like linemen and other infrastructure teams on the
ground. I’d recommend you wait to travel here and help from afar
for now.
Secondly, if you
know of communities that aren’t getting assistance for whatever
reason(s)...please post those locations publicly so help can be
directed your way. Please reach out on Facebook or by texting friends
or family. Help is here!! We just need to know who to contact to
confirm, location to send help to and a list of what is needed.
Coordination efforts
are in FULL swing. And these efforts are improving daily. As
organizers organize we are all learning how to better succeed in
helping one another.
In the meantime, I
have witnessed and experienced an outpouring of human-kindness on
levels that exceed comprehension. I have watched neighborhoods pool
resources, people point the way to available resources, an outpouring
of donations and even just a shoulder to cry on.
Speaking of
shoulders to cry on...one thing I’ve not heard anything about yet
is mental health services. The things that many have witnessed here
are ptsd inducing. Heart-wrenching, aweful things. If anyone can help
begin to coordinate (and maybe this is already being prepared for I
don’t know) mental health providers to plan for this need...please
lead the way!
A very special
thanks from the bottom of my heart to those of you who have assisted
me personally which now is allowing me to pay that forward and assist
others here on the ground.
Onward and upward as
we move forward together here in Western North Carolina.
Please note here
also...I see the actions you are taking from states away to provide
support!
I thank you for
this. And the people of Western North Carolina thank you for this
too!
Stay tuned...