One Year Later: Lessons Learned from Hurricane Helene

Nearly a year has passed since Hurricane Helene left an indelible mark on our region, yet the lessons we learned from that experience remain as urgent and valuable as ever. In an interview with Lukas Ray, Communications and Engagement Officer for Mountain Housing Opportunities, we dive into the realities of hurricane preparedness. Lukas shares invaluable insights drawn from their firsthand experiences before, during, and after Helene's landfall, offering practical advice on navigating the chaos of a storm and executing swift, effective actions in its aftermath.

• Before a storm hits, property managers can take steps that make a major difference in safety and recovery. What are the most important steps property managers and residents should take to prepare their buildings and communities during hurricane season?

MHO works with Partnership Property Management (PPM) to manage all affordable housing properties. Before a storm hits, property managers and residents work together to ensure all property items are secure. PPM works to maintain the property and inspect areas that could cause damage, including inspecting roofs, windows, and doors for vulnerabilities, and ensuring emergency supplies such as water, non-perishable food, and first- aid kits are stocked and accessible to all residents. PPM also establishes clear communication systems, keeps resident contact lists updated, outlines evacuation routes, designates safe shelter areas, and reviews emergency plans with residents. Residents prepare their individual units by storing or securing outdoor belongings, safeguarding important documents, charging devices, and stocking their own emergency supplies, including water, food, and an emergency kit. They stay informed through official weather updates, follow community safety instructions, and are ready to evacuate if directed by the property manager or an official with the city, county, or state. All residents are encouraged to take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families, including evacuation if they feel that is necessary. By taking these proactive measures, both property managers and residents can reduce risks, protect lives, and speed up recovery after the storm. If able, both residents and the property manager should check in on elderly, disabled, or vulnerable residents before and after the storm. MHO supports both PPM and residents to ensure they have what they need to prepare for any storm.

• Clear communication is critical when severe weather approaches. Knowing how to reach residents can save time and potentially save lives. In what ways do your property managers communicate with residents before, during, and after the storm?

Clear communication is essential before, during, and after a storm to ensure residents receive timely updates and instructions. Property managers often use multiple channels to reach everyone, including phone calls, text alerts, email notifications, and building-wide announcements. PPM and MHO work together to ensure all residents are aware of potential storms, hurricanes, and threats to each property. If power knocks out all communication systems (like it did during Helene), paper messages, posting to community bulletin boards, and door-to-door visits may be vital to ensuring information can be shared. Before the storm, messages typically include safety reminders, evacuation routes, and preparation checklists. During the storm, communication focuses on real-time updates about conditions, shelter-in- place instructions, and emergency contacts. In rare cases, evacuation orders may come through. After the storm, property managers share information about building inspections, repair timelines, access restrictions, and available community resources for residents. MHO and PPM also note communities that have residents who don't readily speak English, and we employ translation tactics on posters and communications to ensure no resident is left in the dark during any part of a critical weather event. During Helene, MHO worked with PPM to make sure all residents heard about assistance programs, where food/water was readily available, and safeguarded each property.

• From roofs to mechanical systems, storm damage can quickly become costly; however, preparation can help reduce the risk. What measures should be taken to protect common areas and mechanical systems from storm damage?

Disaster mitigation is vital to secure a building before the next storm. MHO and PPM work throughout the year to ensure that vital structural areas are secure, strong, and up to code when dealing with hurricane-force winds. We take proactive measures to ensure all remediation from previous storm damage is met with proactive measures to ensure it can survive the next storm. We work to protect common areas and mechanical systems from storm damage, starting with proactive maintenance and smart upgrades well before severe weather arrives. Disaster preparation has become a part of regular maintenance each property goes through each year. Roofs should be inspected regularly to ensure they are watertight, and gutters and downspouts should be kept clear to prevent water buildup. Mechanical systems such as HVAC units, boilers, and generators should be elevated above potential flood levels, when possible, securely anchored, and protected with weatherproof enclosures. Electrical panels, wiring, and essential controls should be sealed or relocated to higher floors to reduce water damage risk. In common areas, windows and doors should have proper seals or storm shutters, while exterior furniture, signage, and decorative elements should be secured or stored before a storm. Backup power sources should be tested and fueled in advance, if the property has this resource. Finally, drainage systems and backflow preventers should be inspected to ensure they can handle heavy rainfall, and emergency access routes should be kept clear so repairs can begin quickly if damage occurs. Each property is unique and should be addressed as such when developing a disaster mitigation plan. MHO works with PPM to ensure each property is prepared.

• When the skies clear, the work of assessing the damage and assisting residents begins. What are the first actions property managers should take once it is safe to return to the property post-hurricane?

Once it is safe to return after a hurricane, flood, or other disaster, PPM and MHO work together to obtain official clearance from local authorities before entering any potential disaster site, checking for hazards such as downed power lines, gas leaks, standing water, or unstable structures, and wearing protective gear. The next priority is to account for residents and staff, confirm their safety, and communicate updates, while identifying any urgent needs such as medical attention, temporary shelter, food, or water. MHO and PPM work together to ensure each property receives the help they need. During Helene, MHO and PPM staff delivered food, potable water, and set up non-potable water tanks to help flush toilets at each property. If a property is damaged, all damage should be documented immediately with detailed photos and videos before any cleanup, covering structural, mechanical, and landscape impacts for insurance and relief purposes. This should be coordinated with the MHO, who should contact insurers promptly to initiate claims and coordinate with FEMA or local disaster relief agencies if applicable. MHO and PPM work to support the residents by sharing information on available assistance, shelters, and food distribution is essential, and setting up a temporary communication hub can help keep everyone informed. A 90-day eviction moratorium was self-imposed by MHO for all properties following Hurricane Helene. Ensuring all residents are safe, secure, and having access to their homes in a safe manner is the top priority post-storm.

• Every storm offers lessons in what worked and what didn't work. What were some of the lessons learned from dealing with the preparation and aftermath of Hurricane Helene?

First, we were reminded, though we already knew, just how resilient and strong our community is. No matter what disaster strikes, we come together and look out for one another. The road to recovery is long and filled with uncertainties, but even amid devastation, we found ourselves envisioning a more resilient region with abundant, safe, and secure affordable housing. We also witnessed the power of our extraordinary network of mutual aid partners, who led heroic efforts to shuttle water, food, and supplies, and to establish a non-potable water distribution system to meet the essential needs of residents in MHO-owned properties. This spirit of service was made possible by our own staff and PPM team members, who worked to ensure every resident was safe. Most importantly, this experience taught us how to better prepare for the future. We have developed systems that will enable MHO and PPM to respond quickly and effectively to any disaster that impacts our properties. We will continue to work and grow from this disaster, and ensure many systems remain in place in case something like this happens again.

• Any additional comments?

Since Hurricane Helene impacted Asheville, Mountain Housing Opportunities has remained deeply committed to supporting our staff, residents, partners, and neighbors as we navigate the complex and often challenging path to recovery. While uncertainties persist, our dedication to this mission remains unwavering. We are here for the long term, focused on rebuilding stronger communities, fostering healing, and ensuring that all individuals have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.