Western North Carolina and I will be more ready for the next tropical storm disaster. Lessons were learned, and equipment was acquired. More than a month after the storm, I still overhear conversations about disaster prep in grocery aisles and hardware stores. The community hasn’t forgotten, and neither have I.
Before this disaster, “prepping” conjured images of stockpiling survival gear like guns and dehydrated food. But now, I’ve learned that preparedness is more about having the right tools, information, and resources at your fingertips. If there’s one thing I’ve discovered, the genuinely prepared person is armed with Starlink, a whole-house generator, and gas and cash reserves.
Let me take you on a journey through some of my most eye-opening realizations from this experience—things that would have made life much easier during the storm and its aftermath.
The Morning After (9 AM):
Friday, September 26th, 9 AM—the day after Storm Helene. Power, water, and all forms of communication went down instantly. We were cut off from the world. In that eerie silence, I was having the same conversation with my wife that so many families were having: Are our friends and family safe? How can we let them know we’re okay? What’s the damage? Where do we go from here?
We didn’t have answers, and I made the mistake of venturing into the unknown, desperate for information and supplies. Not having a satellite communication device is my NUMBER ONE REGRET.
Without satellite communication, I was isolated in those critical early hours, and over the next few weeks, I was at a severe disadvantage. I couldn’t file for disaster relief, apply for unemployment, or even contact loved ones. People who had Starlink? They were lightyears ahead of me.
#1: Satellite Communication
- Best Option: Starlink or a similar service
- Other Options:
- Portable satellite communicators like Garmin inReach or ZOLEO
- Long-range walkie-talkies, Ham radios (licensed)
- Weather radio, Satellite TV/radio
The Morning After (10 AM):
Once the storm passed, many—like me—instinctively hit the road to gather information or check on loved ones. But fallen trees and downed power lines blocked many roads. I was one of the lucky ones who could drive out, but many cars were trapped in driveways or streets.
In those first few hours, the true heroes were not utility workers (who we wouldn’t see for days) but regular guys with chainsaws in the backs of their trucks. These unsung first responders cleared paths so we could all move, and I wished I had been better equipped.
#2: Chainsaws
- Best Option: 16-18” gas chainsaw
- Also Recommended:
- Battery-powered chainsaws
- Pole saw
- Chain oil, sharpening tools, spare chains, gas
The Next Day (1 PM):
Driving around to gather supplies, it became clear that gas would soon run out. I had a couple of gas cans in my shed, but it wasn’t enough to power my vehicles, generator, and chainsaw. If I had anticipated this, I would have stockpiled far more fuel. Propane camp stoves were essential to those without power or with undersized generators. Most of the generators for sale are bi-fuel (gas/propane), so having both fuel types on hand is helpful.
#3: Fuel Storage
- Best Options:
- Multiple 5-gallon gas cans (aim for 25 gallons or more)
- 250-500 gallons or more of propane for homes with whole-house generators
- Multiple 30 or 40-gallon propane tanks for smaller households with portable propane appliances
- Also Recommended:
- Fuel stabilizers (to extend gas shelf life)
- Siphon or transfer pumps
- Propane connection hoses (or permanently installed gas lines)
The Next Day (3 PM):
By Friday afternoon, we were clearly facing a long-term power outage. Fortunately, I found a generator, but I didn’t anticipate the logistical nightmare of acquiring the necessary accessories, like compatible cords and switches. Power dominated my thoughts day and night.
#4: Emergency Power
- Best Options:
- Whole-house propane generator with automatic transfer switch
- Solar with battery storage (if grid-tied, has microinverters that provide power when the grid is down)
- Option for smaller households:
- Portable bi-fuel generators with 50 amp receptacle and manual transfer switch
- A 6500 Watt or a more powerful generator is recommended for homes with private well
- Also recommended
- Ample fuel storage,
- Spare parts
- Drop cords and extension cords
- Generator engine oil
The Next Day (4 PM):
I had filled the bathtubs and some 5-gallon containers with water, but I forgot to tell my 11-year-old, who thought someone left the tub water after a bath and drained it. We needed more water quickly. Drinking water wasn’t the problem, but we needed much more than I anticipated for basic things like flushing toilets.
#5: Emergency Water
- Best Option:
- 275-gallon IBC tote or other large container or cistern
- Hose attachment
- RV/Drinking Water hose
- Electric transfer pump to move water or provide pressure to the home
- Recommended for smaller households with limited storage:
- 5-gallon jugs, 5-gallon buckets, camp water bags
- Solar showers, camp water heaters
- Rain collection containers or barrels
- Transfer pumps or siphon equipment
In the Early Days After:
Short bursts of terror and long periods of boredom best describe our first week. With two children under twelve, we quickly realized we needed something to break up the monotony. Keeping them calm and entertained during a disaster was no easy task. Board games, craft supplies, and puzzles became essential.
#6: Games & Entertainment
- Recommended:
- Cards, puzzles, board games
- Craft supplies, gardening tools
- Any supplies for hobbies or entertainment that keep your family sane over the weeks
The Days and Weeks After:
The financial impact hit hard. Credit cards were stretched thin, and cash was king. Without enough cash, we were limited in where we could get supplies. Many places couldn’t take credit, and personal checks were rejected outright. A solid emergency fund in cash and savings would have spared us a lot of stress.
#7: Emergency Funds
Best Option: At least $800 in cash, plus one month’s salary saved in a bank account
Other Helpful Items
Propane camp stoves were essential for households without power or with undersized generators for cooking. It’s odd how useful different-sized containers are in a disaster situation. Tubs, buckets, and oversized contractor bags are essential. Other items are more crucial for special cases: dehumidifiers and propane heaters for water damage and drying. I’m grateful we didn’t have freezing temperatures, but we might not be so lucky next time.
#8: Other Helpful Items
- Gas Camp Stove: for cooking for households without power or with undersized generators
- Water damage control: Dehumidifiers, propane heaters
- Emergency heat: Propane heaters, wood stoves
- Emergency Water filtration like camp or gravity filters were necessary for some remote households.
- Cleaning solutions, tubs, and rainwater collection systems
Conclusion:
This experience taught me that true disaster preparedness isn’t just about the immediate aftermath—it’s about sustaining yourself and your family for weeks, often without external help. The right tools, like satellite communication and emergency power, can mean the difference between hardship and survival.
The next storm is inevitable, but I feel more confident and prepared to weather it. I hope these lessons help you prepare, too.
