How’s our southern members?

[kpinnc 11,979]

I have a friend in the mountains that not only

lost his entire homestead, but he literally hung onto a log in the water for hours until someone found him. There are entire towns that are no longer there. The last news I saw still had over 600 people missing. 
 

There is a lot of aid coming into the area now, but folks will be recovering from this for a long time. 

[Lee1977 6,655]

Some of the stupid law was turning away people with privet helicopters and threating to arrest them if they didn't leave. Most areas up there the roads are washed out and not accessible. There one area that was using mules to get to people who lost everything. These reports were on Monday and Tuesday five days after the storm and very few government helicopters were in the area. Some of national guard units could not get orders to go help. The locals people up there were reporting that any food, water or money should be donated to local churches so it would get to the people who needed it. I-40 is closed in Tennessee until the end of next year and I-26 until the middle of next year. Local roads about all bridges and culverts are washed out, The road and towns were built along streams and rivers these areas were completely washed out. This is also happened in the Tennessee mountains.

Edited October 3 by Lee1977

[953 nut 55,155]

@Lee1977,           You are over one hundred miles from the storm's impact so I guess you are doing alright. This thread was started to see how members in the storm's path are doing and help those who have family in the area get information about conditions in the area from those who live there.

    Please don't spread rumors or stories you don't have first hand knowledge about, that isn't helpful to anyone. The internet and "NEWS" has plenty of that going on.

Thank you and stay safe.

[19richie66 17,500]

 

Interesting watch. Big respect for all these guys. 
 

 

[rjg854 11,356]

It's really amazing what people have been doing to help.  God bless them!

And then to tell others not to help, you'd think that they would want any help they could get considering the needs.

[kpinnc 11,979]

15 hours ago, 953 nut said:

Please don't spread rumors

I don’t think that was what Don was saying. There are dozens of firsthand reports of local law enforcement and other agencies making questionable calls. 
 

There are some awful reports that defy reason, but details aren’t important here. The entire situation is heartbreaking regardless. 
 

This thread was to check on our members, and is greatly appreciated. That being said, many of us are angry about the situation. I for one am not bothered by folks venting a little frustration. I believe it’s rooted in concern for fellow Americans. Nothing more. 
 

 

[Lee1977 6,655]

I've been praying for you Richard along with Formariz  and Jay and I still will. If you think our State and Federal Governments have been doing a good job you haven't  been paying attention.

[953 nut 55,155]

7 hours ago, Lee1977 said:

If you think our State and Federal Governments have been doing a good job you haven't  been paying attention

The bigger the organization the less nimble they can be. FEMA and the Florida National Guard were staged and ready to help where Helene came ashore, they have been getting better at that over the years. I seriously doubt that anyone could have accurately predicted and adequately prepared for the flooding in North Carolina and Tennessee. 

9 hours ago, kpinnc said:

There are dozens of firsthand reports of local law enforcement and other agencies making questionable calls. 
 

There are some awful reports that defy reason, but details aren’t important here. The entire situation is heartbreaking regardless.

Having been through Hurricane Andrew (1992) and the aftermath that seemed to take forever I am sensitive to "snapshot" coverage the news media gives anything that doesn't seem right to them. Turning away help seems difficult to understand but we don't know the entire story. The time it took FEMA to begin delivering meaningful assistance seemed ridiculously long in 1992 as it does now. Local church groups, grocery stores and Kmart (remember them) provided whatever they had as soon as the winds died down. Locals helping locals, that is the best that can be expected in a massive time of need.

Looking back on Andrew it wasn't as bad as Helene because everything in Homestead, FL, was accusable and the roads, water lines and bridges were all useable as soon as they were cleared. Most of that was accomplished by locals before the National Guard arrived. 

The NASCAR community with a small armada of privately owned aircraft has been working to obtain and deliver supplies to inaccessible locations and many other groups are doing likewise. That is wonderful and they are filling a need that the National Guard couldn't due to the size of their helicopters. Hopefully their efforts will be organized enough to prevent accidental injuries or interference with other relief efforts.  

 

[Sailman 1,291]

Here in north Georgia we really dodged the bullet with minor damage. Didn't even lose power at our house although I was expecting it and had generator and lights ready. Seems we may have been in the eye and it was fast moving. Honestly wished we would have gotten more of the brunt if it would have minimized the damage in NC and TN. Its heart breaking to see the devastation, loss of life and poor government response. Glad all the folks listed here are doing OK. Trucking company aligned with our church has sent multiple tractor trailers with supplies. I took a pickup load of water, food and clothing over yesterday and they are still loading trucks. It will be years and years before things are back to normal. Praying for folks who lost everything and families washed away in their houses. Keep supporting church drives, Samaritans Purse and other groups getting supplies to those in need. Can't understand why TN sent national guard to the middle east, not to the areas impacted, FEMA

has money for illegals but says they are running out of $$ for hurricane victims. All rescue operations were paused for the governor of NC to fly in by helicopter to shake a few hands while all airspace was stopped to let Biden and Kamala fly over. It's Americans helping Americans doing the best job. I can understand folks frustration....

[Handy Don 12,201]

1 hour ago, Sailman said:

 FEMA has money for illegals but says they are running out of $$ for hurricane victims. All rescue operations were paused for the governor of NC to fly in by helicopter to shake a few hands while all airspace was stopped to let Biden and Kamala fly over.

Please go back and do some more research before echoing these rumors. Governors and others have praised the institutional responses and debunked the FEMA money claims.

Had the leaders NOT flown in to be visible, I strongly suspect the hue and cry of “you don’t care about us” would have been raised even louder.

Not ALL rescue operations were halted, only some and only in certain areas and only for a short time. Please avoid hyperbole.

 

1 hour ago, 953 nut said:

Turning away help seems difficult to understand but we don't know the entire story.

It is hard to comprehend the extent of damage to the road, power, water, sewage, and communications systems over a wide area. Taken together, they create tremendous logistical challenges both to those in the area and those trying to help. Reporters and influencers looking at small parts of the “elephant" and extrapolating to get looks and likes are adding to the confusion.

Every vehicle and aircraft and person heading into a disaster area adds to the load of local administration and can add additional strain on local resources. If not coordinated, they become a burden not a help. The urge to help is understandable. Folks just want to DO something.

 

Edited October 5 by Handy Don

[kpinnc 11,979]

3 hours ago, Handy Don said:

Please go back and do some more research before echoing these rumors.

 
This may get me into trouble, but Don’s post was accurate.
 

Hundreds still unaccounted for. There are no military field hospitals,  no chow halls. No temporary shelters. No engineers clearing or building roads. It’s nearly all civilians doing the work. It’s been 8 days now…
 

National Guard (sadly most from other states) has made attempts to assist. But not nearly

enough are here. This state has one of the largest Guard presence in the nation. They are not here. 
 

The civilian population is flying supplies and feeding people. They are sacrificing and doing it right. They are paying for it. The state and federal government are not. Their largest contribution has been to stand in the way. Most air rescues are civilian as well. Restaurants are feeding folks on their own dime from all over the state. 
 

I am so proud of the civilian outreach and sacrifices. They have shown that the American people are still good and selfless. We take care of our own regardless of our differences. 
 

I am disgusted with the emergency agencies response, as are many more. You should be too. 
 

And one last thing: This isn’t a political rant. Nobody cares which party you’re a member of. These are Americans helping Americans. Power companies and first responders are coming from all over the country. There are more than 50 private helicopters in use that cost thousands of dollars a hour to operate, and civilians are footing the bill. State and Federal agencies have the capability and resources to literally move Heaven and Earth, but they haven’t. There is no excuse. 
 

 

 

Edited October 5 by kpinnc

[rmaynard 15,434]

Kevin, you can never get in trouble for telling the truth.

I wish that there was something that could do to help other than send money. Agencies such as the Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, local churches and charities, along with private groups are trying to carry the load, but they are overwhelmed. I'm old enough to remember when Ronald Reagan said this. "I think you all know that I've always felt the nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help." Looks like his words are truer than ever.

[kpinnc 11,979]

3 hours ago, rmaynard said:

Kevin, you can never get in trouble for telling the truth.

I wish that there was something that could do to help other than send money. Agencies such as the Red Cross, Samaritan's Purse, local churches and charities, along with private groups are trying to carry the load, but they are overwhelmed. I'm old enough to remember when Ronald Reagan said this. "I think you all know that I've always felt the nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I'm from the Government, and I'm here to help." Looks like his words are truer than ever.

Thank you sir. 
 

And you are correct: I failed to mention all the charitable organizations that are helping. They are doing an exemplary job. 
 

But it also solidifies my point. Government agencies have once again failed its citizens. There is no excuse. 
 

 

Edited October 6 by kpinnc

[SylvanLakeWH 25,524]

Anyone who has gone through FEMA training (NIMS etc.) will know that they live in an alternate reality... Incredibly complicated procedures, protocols, systems that are supposed to be used during these events to insure smooth and efficient provision of emergency resources... Hours of training just to understand the multiplicity of FEMA acronyms, command structure, online reporting etc.

 

Interestingly the whole FEMA world rests on the immediate need for electricity and the internet in order to fill out the myriad of forms mandated to run up the chain... typically neither of which is available in these situations...

 

The focus is on documenting everything so you can get reimbursed... grants, grants and more grants.

 

Sad reality...

[c-series don 8,677]

I’m not trying to get political, but $750 ? Really? As was previously said, after all the money that’s been given away to non United States citizens and other countries and then to our own people that truly need it $750? That’s a slap in the face and a kick in the balls. I was refraining from saying this but like @rmaynard said, you can’t get in trouble for telling the truth. My prayers go out to the injured and those who lost loved ones. 

[Horsin'round 74]

1 minute ago, c-series don said:

My prayers go out to the injured and those who lost loved ones

 

 

100%

[squonk 41,051]

Rumor: FEMA will only provide $750 to disaster survivors to support their recovery.

Fact

---

This is false.

This is a type of assistance that you may be approved for soon after you apply, called Serious Needs Assistance. It is an upfront, flexible payment to help cover essential items like food, water, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, medication and other emergency supplies. There are other forms of assistance that you may qualify for to receive and Serious Needs Assistance is an initial payment you may receive while FEMA assesses your eligibility for additional funds. As your application continues to be reviewed, you may still receive additional forms of assistance for other needs such as support for temporary housing, personal property and home repair costs. If you have questions about your disaster assistance application and what you qualify for, contact us at 1-800-621-3362 to speak with a FEMA representative in your language.

 

https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20241004/fema-launches-web-page-respond-rumors-and-confirm-facts-related-hurricane

 

Edited October 6 by squonk

[kpinnc 11,979]

Calling something false while explaining that it is in fact true is how we define truth these days? My apologies, I slipped and accidentally read the fine print. 

 

“May”

 

When disaster strikes, it only takes dozens of forms, multiple proofs of ID, and only a few weeks to approve-IF you qualify. “We are the government, and we’re here to help”…

 

Meanwhile, the civilians who decide to help will do so at their own peril. They risk their livelihood and even personal safety. They do it without hesitation. As it should be. 
 

And when our government helps people from another country? They don’t even ask who they are. 
 

Make no mistake- I don’t expect my government to give handouts for nothing. Even more so for other countries. But basic minimal emergency assistance for our own citizens should be the reason for a $30 BILLION annual budget. Not after we put people who illegally cross our border into 5-star hotels with a free cell phone and $9,000 in their pockets. 
 

If you don’t think it’s wrong, then you must be ok with it. I am not. 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 6 by kpinnc

[Handy Don 12,201]

I’m not sure that 

20 hours ago, kpinnc said:

Government agencies have once again failed its citizens. There is no excuse. 

is a sufficiently well-informed opinion.

 

In @squonk’s post, he included the link to the source of his information. In yours, you did not. Even if the figures shown are from a recognized fiscal authority, they come with no supporting explanation of when, where, how, or why this money was disbursed. Further, you give no explanation of why citing these numbers has any bearing whatsoever on the current situation. Absent this, they are useless. I read of homeowners in Florida whose homes were damaged in earlier hurricanes rebuilding, with government assistance, in areas known to be at risk for repeated damage. I’ve also read of IRS relief available to many of these same homeowners.

 

I can fully understand and readily accept the frustration, even anger, at seeing so many of our fellow citizens in distress and facing such calamitous outlooks. I also note that the government gave many strenuous warnings about the approaching storm that were simply downplayed or even outright ignored by the populations of many of these areas. Are not we, as citizens, able to bear any responsibility for our own safety? Must it be “the government” that many decry as too much interfering in our lives anyway that is suddenly in complete ownership of protecting us from ourselves?

 

There is a great deal of assistance being provided through and by governments and the military. Still, I read today of an individual who took his own helicopter to just fly around and see if something needed doing rather than attempt to coordinate in advance with local folks. He was vexed at being ordered to leave under pain of arrest. Yes, he was able to help one person, but at the cost of being a significant distraction. His justification was that the FAA had not closed the area to pilots. Ok, but landing in a dangerous area and then later on field being used to stage and manage rescue operations without calling ahead forced local responders to invest time accommodate his view of “what needed doing.” He glossed over that. 

 

Sir, my opinion is that you may have misplaced expectations of government. These are humans having a range of value systems (ranging from pure altruism to consuming self-interest) vying to get what they think their country/constituents (or just themselves) want or need. We are a country with a staggeringly wide range of responsibilities in this complex world of ours. I am under no misapprehension that this, or any, government would ever fully align with my personal values. I’m daily reminded of something I read in my late teens: “Any child can choose between black and white. Adults must discern between shades of gray."

 

Signing off this thread.

Edited October 6 by Handy Don

[kpinnc 11,979]

2 hours ago, Handy Don said:

 

In @squonk’s post, he included the link to the source of his information. In yours, you did not. Even if the figures shown are from a recognized fiscal authority, they come with no supporting explanation of when, where, how, or why this money was disbursed. Further, you give no explanation of why citing these numbers has any bearing whatsoever on the current situation. Absent this, they are useless. I read of homeowners in Florida whose homes were damaged in earlier hurricanes rebuilding, with government assistance, in areas known to be at risk for repeated damage. I’ve also read of IRS relief available to many of these same homeowners.

I know individuals who are in this. I have friends and family who have lost the very ground they previously called home. Many have no roof over their heads and no clue where their next meal is coming from. They can’t yet worry about money or homeowners insurance, because survival is the current order of business. A link to a website does not supersede the validity of eyewitness. 
 

Possibly my fault for this thread devolving, so I will say this: Aid is coming in. Much is being done for the people affected. My gripe is with the fact that state and federal agencies are not doing as much as they can and should. If you believe otherwise, then I pray you are never in the current victim’s position. It will be too late to complain for you then. 
 

Maybe I shouldn’t have posted what I did, because very few members here are affected. It wasn’t until Don’s comment was questioned. I guess thought I could talk about what is seen in person versus what little is presented elsewhere. Good people are suffering. I wanted other good people to be aware. That’s what we do: we watch out for each other regardless of ideology. I’m old school, and all other priorities are rescinded when lives are in jeopardy. I expect no less from local, state, and other agencies. So should you. 
 

I won’t post anything else here. Pointless to provide information about “members affected by Helene” to those that are hundreds or more miles away that know more about it than we do. 

[Pullstart 62,829]

I know not all can get along or see things alike.  Never did I ever attempt to place a target on anyone… And never did I ever make for this to become a government affairs order either.  It was just my sincerity and trying to check in with those in the path.  At the time I posted, a I didn’t even fathom the depth of destruction into the Carolinas.  My condolences to those involved, and I pray that some state of calm can evolve in those areas, where travel and commodities are hard to navigate without a road system…

[kpinnc 11,979]

I said I was done. My apologies for not keeping my word on that. You all deserve a better explanation. 
 

2 hours ago, Pullstart said:

and I pray that some state of calm can evolve in those areas,

Same here, not being afraid to point the finger at myself. I am not upset or angry with any members here. My frustration is with what has/ is happening in NC and TN. I can see how my frustrations were poorly conveyed while reviewing my previous posts. 
 

I meant no offense. Not to anyone here on the forum. If you aren’t local, you only know what you’ve been told. 
 

I will stick to tractors from now on. As it should be here on the forum. 

Edited October 7 by kpinnc

[Sailman 1,291]

On 10/5/2024 at 11:00 AM, Handy Don said:

Please go back and do some more research before echoing these rumors.

I take exception to your comment. What I stated was NOT rumor but facts from "people on the ground" who are desperate and witnessed the things I mentioned first hand. We have friends and family in the affected areas who are witnessing the failure of the government so please don't preach to me from a thousand miles away. As most of the others from NC on this thread have confirmed this is a disaster that is overwhelming and quite honestly unimaginable to folks not there. Asheville has NO RUNNING WATER, hundreds of people are still missing, bodies are still being discovered, homes and belongings are washed away and it will take years just to clean up and rebuild. This is the case in NC and TN. No we don't rely on the government for every little thing, but these are hard working folks who need an extra hand. We spend billions on other countries and senseless wars while our Americans in need struggle to survive. Thank God "we the people" are reaching out. Help is coming from some government sectors but the government response has been pitiful. I make no apologies for my tone....its the truth and it's a disgrace.

Edited October 7 by Sailman

[Tractorhead 9,064]

Hear it in the news.

i hope ya all can fix your damages quick  and they be not too disastrous 

and nobody is hurt.

 

 

[Horse Newbie 7,066]