1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,640 Welcome back everybody to another deep dive. 2 00:00:02,640 --> 00:00:04,760 Today we're looking at the long road to recovery 3 00:00:04,760 --> 00:00:08,720 in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene. 4 00:00:08,720 --> 00:00:12,000 Even months later, there's still so much devastation 5 00:00:12,000 --> 00:00:14,560 and thousands of folks are trying to rebuild their lives 6 00:00:14,560 --> 00:00:15,920 with winter coming in. 7 00:00:15,920 --> 00:00:17,280 It's really a tough situation. 8 00:00:17,280 --> 00:00:19,060 And you know, it's really about more 9 00:00:19,060 --> 00:00:20,600 than just rebuilding houses, right? 10 00:00:20,600 --> 00:00:22,320 You're talking about putting communities back together 11 00:00:22,320 --> 00:00:24,040 and that's a whole lot more complicated. 12 00:00:24,040 --> 00:00:24,960 It really is. 13 00:00:24,960 --> 00:00:28,400 And speaking of amazing coverage of extreme weather, 14 00:00:28,400 --> 00:00:31,800 I gotta give a shout out to meteorologist Rob Jones. 15 00:00:31,800 --> 00:00:34,520 If you wanna stay up to date on all things weather, 16 00:00:34,520 --> 00:00:36,720 you can find him on Instagram at meteorologist 17 00:00:36,720 --> 00:00:39,560 and on TikTok at TV meteorologist 18 00:00:39,560 --> 00:00:42,400 and over on YouTube, follow Hurricane Rob Jones. 19 00:00:42,400 --> 00:00:43,520 You can also find all of the 20 00:00:43,520 --> 00:00:45,960 Meteorology Matters podcast there too. 21 00:00:45,960 --> 00:00:47,720 Okay, back to Helene. 22 00:00:47,720 --> 00:00:49,960 Can you just give us a sense of just how bad things are 23 00:00:49,960 --> 00:00:52,000 for folks in western North Carolina right now? 24 00:00:52,000 --> 00:00:55,480 Imagine a whole town's worth of people without homes. 25 00:00:55,480 --> 00:00:57,520 That's what over 12,000 residents 26 00:00:57,520 --> 00:00:58,960 are dealing with even now. 27 00:00:58,960 --> 00:01:01,280 And it's not just like a few houses here and there. 28 00:01:01,280 --> 00:01:05,240 We're talking estimates of damage to between 121,000 29 00:01:05,240 --> 00:01:09,840 and 132,000 homes just in western North Carolina alone. 30 00:01:09,840 --> 00:01:11,800 Wow, those are some serious numbers. 31 00:01:11,800 --> 00:01:16,420 So with so much damage, FEMA must be super involved, right? 32 00:01:16,420 --> 00:01:18,280 But I've heard kind of mixed things 33 00:01:18,280 --> 00:01:20,000 about how they've been handling things. 34 00:01:20,000 --> 00:01:21,440 What's your take on all that? 35 00:01:21,440 --> 00:01:22,760 Yeah, it's a mixed bag for sure. 36 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:24,740 You got some politicians pointing fingers 37 00:01:24,740 --> 00:01:26,600 at FEMA's flood zone regulations saying 38 00:01:26,600 --> 00:01:27,880 they're slowing down the whole process 39 00:01:27,880 --> 00:01:29,760 of getting people housing assistance. 40 00:01:29,760 --> 00:01:31,240 But then you got FEMA pushing back saying, 41 00:01:31,240 --> 00:01:32,800 hey, it's not that simple. 42 00:01:32,800 --> 00:01:35,280 They gotta think about construction timelines 43 00:01:35,280 --> 00:01:37,680 and site requirements and making sure 44 00:01:37,680 --> 00:01:39,440 other housing options are available to. 45 00:01:39,440 --> 00:01:40,400 It's complicated. 46 00:01:40,400 --> 00:01:42,440 So it sounds like there's a lot of back and forth going on. 47 00:01:42,440 --> 00:01:43,440 Can you explain a little bit more 48 00:01:43,440 --> 00:01:44,880 about these flood zone regulations 49 00:01:44,880 --> 00:01:46,480 and why they're such a big deal? 50 00:01:46,480 --> 00:01:47,480 Well, they're super important, 51 00:01:47,480 --> 00:01:49,780 especially in areas that are prone to flooding 52 00:01:49,780 --> 00:01:51,840 like western North Carolina. 53 00:01:51,840 --> 00:01:53,840 And FEMA takes them very seriously. 54 00:01:53,840 --> 00:01:56,200 They have this whole eight step process they go through 55 00:01:56,200 --> 00:01:59,760 to decide if construction is even allowed in a floodplain. 56 00:01:59,760 --> 00:02:01,440 It's not just a yes or no thing. 57 00:02:01,440 --> 00:02:02,280 I see. 58 00:02:02,280 --> 00:02:04,160 They have to consider all the risks 59 00:02:04,160 --> 00:02:05,640 and if there are other options 60 00:02:05,640 --> 00:02:07,560 and if anything they do build 61 00:02:07,560 --> 00:02:09,840 can withstand future flooding. 62 00:02:09,840 --> 00:02:12,440 So yeah, it takes time and a lot of back and forth. 63 00:02:12,440 --> 00:02:16,040 So it's not necessarily that FEMA is dragging their feet. 64 00:02:16,040 --> 00:02:17,280 It's more like they're working 65 00:02:17,280 --> 00:02:19,000 within a really complex system 66 00:02:19,000 --> 00:02:21,320 that's supposed to protect people and their property. 67 00:02:21,320 --> 00:02:22,160 Yeah. 68 00:02:22,160 --> 00:02:23,000 In the long run. 69 00:02:23,000 --> 00:02:23,840 Exactly. 70 00:02:23,840 --> 00:02:25,560 But when you're in the middle of a disaster 71 00:02:25,560 --> 00:02:27,480 and you just need a place to live, 72 00:02:27,480 --> 00:02:29,680 all that longterm stuff can be frustrating. 73 00:02:29,680 --> 00:02:31,360 Oh yeah, for sure. 74 00:02:31,360 --> 00:02:32,800 It's easy to lose sight of the fact 75 00:02:32,800 --> 00:02:35,020 that there are real people with real stories 76 00:02:35,020 --> 00:02:37,440 behind all these policies and regulations. 77 00:02:37,440 --> 00:02:39,260 Any specific examples that come to mind? 78 00:02:39,260 --> 00:02:40,560 Well, there's this couple in Marshall. 79 00:02:40,560 --> 00:02:42,520 They lost their home in the hurricane 80 00:02:42,520 --> 00:02:45,240 and they're living in a FEMA funded apartment right now. 81 00:02:45,240 --> 00:02:47,160 And while they're grateful for the help 82 00:02:47,160 --> 00:02:49,680 they're living with so much uncertainty, 83 00:02:49,680 --> 00:02:51,800 just waiting for the next step 84 00:02:51,800 --> 00:02:53,640 for things to get back to normal. 85 00:02:53,640 --> 00:02:54,880 It's heartbreaking to think about 86 00:02:54,880 --> 00:02:56,000 what they're going through. 87 00:02:56,000 --> 00:02:57,080 It really makes you realize 88 00:02:57,080 --> 00:02:58,880 this isn't just about rebuilding houses. 89 00:02:58,880 --> 00:03:00,680 It's about rebuilding lives. 90 00:03:00,680 --> 00:03:01,760 Absolutely. 91 00:03:01,760 --> 00:03:04,240 And that leads us to the next big challenge, 92 00:03:04,240 --> 00:03:06,000 temporary housing. 93 00:03:06,000 --> 00:03:07,720 We always hear about FEMA trailers, 94 00:03:07,720 --> 00:03:10,480 but are those really the only option? 95 00:03:10,480 --> 00:03:11,720 Well, it turns out it's not that simple. 96 00:03:11,720 --> 00:03:14,320 There's actually a whole mix of solutions happening 97 00:03:14,320 --> 00:03:16,960 and each one comes with its own set of challenges. 98 00:03:16,960 --> 00:03:19,600 Like FEMA has this transitional 99 00:03:19,600 --> 00:03:21,040 sheltering assistance program 100 00:03:21,040 --> 00:03:23,080 and they've been putting people up in hotels. 101 00:03:23,080 --> 00:03:23,920 Right. 102 00:03:23,920 --> 00:03:25,640 And if those have deadlines 103 00:03:25,640 --> 00:03:27,200 and it's not clear if everyone's gonna 104 00:03:27,200 --> 00:03:28,360 qualify for an extension. 105 00:03:28,360 --> 00:03:30,600 Yeah, that's a huge concern. 106 00:03:30,600 --> 00:03:32,040 It's one thing to offer shelter, 107 00:03:32,040 --> 00:03:35,040 but it has to last and actually meet people's needs over time, 108 00:03:35,040 --> 00:03:37,720 you know, especially with winter coming in. 109 00:03:37,720 --> 00:03:39,680 Yeah, the cold weather definitely adds another layer 110 00:03:39,680 --> 00:03:41,880 of urgency to the situation. 111 00:03:41,880 --> 00:03:44,440 And it's not just FEMA stepping up either. 112 00:03:44,440 --> 00:03:46,160 North Carolina went ahead and bought 113 00:03:46,160 --> 00:03:49,520 a thousand travel trailers to help address the shortage. 114 00:03:49,520 --> 00:03:50,680 Wow, that's good. 115 00:03:50,680 --> 00:03:52,080 Yeah, and you've got amazing groups like 116 00:03:52,080 --> 00:03:56,000 Hope for Crisis coming in to provide and winterize campers. 117 00:03:56,000 --> 00:03:58,600 It's incredible to see everyone coming together to help out. 118 00:03:58,600 --> 00:04:02,080 Yeah, you can really see how different levels of government 119 00:04:02,080 --> 00:04:04,760 and all kinds of organizations are working together 120 00:04:04,760 --> 00:04:07,160 and sometimes separately trying to fill in the gaps 121 00:04:07,160 --> 00:04:09,040 and help those who need it most. 122 00:04:09,040 --> 00:04:11,640 It shows how important it is to be able to adapt 123 00:04:11,640 --> 00:04:15,560 and to work together when it comes to disaster recovery. 124 00:04:15,560 --> 00:04:17,120 But let's get real for a minute. 125 00:04:17,120 --> 00:04:18,960 What's it actually like for folks living 126 00:04:18,960 --> 00:04:20,240 in this temporary housing? 127 00:04:20,240 --> 00:04:22,320 Well, take Vicky Rivas, for example. 128 00:04:22,320 --> 00:04:24,880 She lost her home along the Suananoa River 129 00:04:24,880 --> 00:04:27,440 and she's living in a donated RV now. 130 00:04:27,440 --> 00:04:29,440 And get this, her furnace isn't working properly, 131 00:04:29,440 --> 00:04:31,880 so she's been using pine needles for insulation 132 00:04:31,880 --> 00:04:33,200 to try and stay warm. 133 00:04:33,200 --> 00:04:34,200 Oh my gosh. 134 00:04:34,200 --> 00:04:36,400 You know, it's easy to forget that these are real people 135 00:04:36,400 --> 00:04:39,160 with real lives behind the statistics. 136 00:04:39,160 --> 00:04:41,640 Exactly, and sometimes those personal experiences 137 00:04:41,640 --> 00:04:43,840 highlight challenges that no one even thought of. 138 00:04:43,840 --> 00:04:44,960 Like the propane problem. 139 00:04:44,960 --> 00:04:45,920 Yeah, exactly. 140 00:04:45,920 --> 00:04:47,760 Propane isn't something you'd immediately think of 141 00:04:47,760 --> 00:04:48,720 as a major issue, 142 00:04:48,720 --> 00:04:50,600 but in Western North Carolina, 143 00:04:50,600 --> 00:04:52,320 a lot of people rely on it for heating, 144 00:04:52,320 --> 00:04:54,120 so it's become a huge bottleneck. 145 00:04:54,120 --> 00:04:56,200 Okay, so what are the specific problems 146 00:04:56,200 --> 00:04:58,120 people are facing with propane? 147 00:04:58,120 --> 00:04:58,960 Well, first of all, 148 00:04:58,960 --> 00:05:00,920 there just isn't enough propane in the area 149 00:05:00,920 --> 00:05:02,600 to meet the demand. 150 00:05:02,600 --> 00:05:04,240 And even if you can find it, 151 00:05:04,240 --> 00:05:06,000 transporting it to where it needs to go 152 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:08,600 is a whole other challenge because of the mountains. 153 00:05:08,600 --> 00:05:10,200 So you've got people like Kathy Varvel, 154 00:05:10,200 --> 00:05:11,560 who's trying to work and also make sure 155 00:05:11,560 --> 00:05:13,080 her camper stays warm. 156 00:05:13,080 --> 00:05:14,960 It's gotta be incredibly stressful. 157 00:05:14,960 --> 00:05:16,960 Absolutely, it's like a whole other disaster 158 00:05:16,960 --> 00:05:19,560 on top of everything else they've already been through. 159 00:05:19,560 --> 00:05:22,640 Has the government done anything to help with this? 160 00:05:22,640 --> 00:05:24,120 Thankfully, yes. 161 00:05:24,120 --> 00:05:26,680 Governor Stein issued an executive order 162 00:05:26,680 --> 00:05:29,960 to ease some of the restrictions on transporting propane, 163 00:05:29,960 --> 00:05:32,640 which is a good sign that they're trying to be proactive. 164 00:05:32,640 --> 00:05:33,760 That's great to hear. 165 00:05:33,760 --> 00:05:36,840 But it really highlights just how much goes into 166 00:05:36,840 --> 00:05:39,120 recovering from a disaster like this. 167 00:05:39,120 --> 00:05:41,640 It's so much more than just providing immediate shelter. 168 00:05:41,640 --> 00:05:42,480 That's right. 169 00:05:42,480 --> 00:05:44,840 It's about rebuilding lives and communities, 170 00:05:44,840 --> 00:05:48,040 and that takes a lot more than just a roof over your head. 171 00:05:48,040 --> 00:05:50,080 We were talking about folks like Randy Staggs 172 00:05:50,080 --> 00:05:51,960 coming in and building tiny homes. 173 00:05:51,960 --> 00:05:53,720 It's amazing how people step up to help, 174 00:05:53,720 --> 00:05:55,720 but when we talk about long-term recovery, 175 00:05:55,720 --> 00:05:57,880 it's gotta be about more than that, right? 176 00:05:57,880 --> 00:06:00,000 Yeah, it's about building back in a way 177 00:06:00,000 --> 00:06:02,920 that actually makes communities stronger and more resilient. 178 00:06:02,920 --> 00:06:05,760 That's what people mean when they say building back better. 179 00:06:05,760 --> 00:06:08,520 Exactly, it's not just replacing what was lost, 180 00:06:08,520 --> 00:06:09,960 but actually creating a future 181 00:06:09,960 --> 00:06:12,240 that can better withstand the next storm. 182 00:06:12,240 --> 00:06:13,840 Okay, so how do you actually do that? 183 00:06:13,840 --> 00:06:16,400 How do you build back better after something like Aleen? 184 00:06:16,400 --> 00:06:19,680 Well, one place to start is with the infrastructure. 185 00:06:19,680 --> 00:06:21,960 How can we make sure homes and communities 186 00:06:21,960 --> 00:06:24,600 are better able to handle future storms? 187 00:06:24,600 --> 00:06:27,680 So that could mean things like elevating structures, 188 00:06:27,680 --> 00:06:29,520 using stronger building materials, 189 00:06:29,520 --> 00:06:31,960 and making sure building codes are really enforced. 190 00:06:31,960 --> 00:06:33,360 That makes sense, especially in a place 191 00:06:33,360 --> 00:06:36,520 like Western North Carolina that's so prone to flooding. 192 00:06:36,520 --> 00:06:38,720 But I'm guessing building back better 193 00:06:38,720 --> 00:06:41,120 is about more than just the physical stuff, right? 194 00:06:41,120 --> 00:06:42,760 Oh, absolutely. 195 00:06:42,760 --> 00:06:45,760 You also have to think about the people and the economy. 196 00:06:45,760 --> 00:06:48,960 Like, how do you help businesses 197 00:06:48,960 --> 00:06:51,000 that were affected by the storm? 198 00:06:51,000 --> 00:06:52,600 How do you bring back jobs 199 00:06:52,600 --> 00:06:55,000 and help these communities get back on their feet? 200 00:06:55,000 --> 00:06:57,240 It's about creating a future that's sustainable, 201 00:06:57,240 --> 00:06:59,320 not just putting a band-aid on the problem. 202 00:06:59,320 --> 00:07:02,200 Exactly, and that takes real collaboration. 203 00:07:02,200 --> 00:07:06,120 You need government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, 204 00:07:06,120 --> 00:07:08,240 and most importantly, the communities themselves 205 00:07:08,240 --> 00:07:09,920 all working together. 206 00:07:09,920 --> 00:07:11,880 It's been incredible to see how resilient 207 00:07:11,880 --> 00:07:15,360 and strong people have been in the face of this disaster. 208 00:07:15,360 --> 00:07:17,440 Oh, it's remarkable how people come together 209 00:07:17,440 --> 00:07:20,000 to support each other, sharing resources, 210 00:07:20,000 --> 00:07:21,120 rebuilding their lives. 211 00:07:21,120 --> 00:07:21,960 It gives you hope. 212 00:07:21,960 --> 00:07:22,800 Yeah, it does. 213 00:07:22,800 --> 00:07:25,800 You see it in the volunteers, the nonprofits, 214 00:07:25,800 --> 00:07:27,800 and even just the everyday acts of kindness 215 00:07:27,800 --> 00:07:29,040 that people show each other. 216 00:07:29,040 --> 00:07:31,800 It just shows you that even when things are at their worst, 217 00:07:31,800 --> 00:07:34,200 the human spirit can really shine through. 218 00:07:34,200 --> 00:07:36,000 It really does, and that spirit is gonna be 219 00:07:36,000 --> 00:07:38,760 what fuels the long-term recovery effort. 220 00:07:38,760 --> 00:07:40,520 You know, it makes me think about another aspect 221 00:07:40,520 --> 00:07:42,920 of recovery that we haven't really touched on yet. 222 00:07:42,920 --> 00:07:44,200 Mental health. 223 00:07:44,200 --> 00:07:45,760 I can't imagine what people are going through 224 00:07:45,760 --> 00:07:47,920 emotionally after something like this. 225 00:07:47,920 --> 00:07:50,280 Yeah, that's a really important part of the conversation, 226 00:07:50,280 --> 00:07:52,360 and it's often overlooked. 227 00:07:52,360 --> 00:07:55,000 The trauma of going through a hurricane losing your home 228 00:07:55,000 --> 00:07:57,040 and all the uncertainty that comes after 229 00:07:57,040 --> 00:07:59,920 can have a huge impact on people's mental wellbeing. 230 00:07:59,920 --> 00:08:00,840 Absolutely. 231 00:08:00,840 --> 00:08:03,200 So are there any resources available 232 00:08:03,200 --> 00:08:06,160 to help people who are struggling with these kinds of things? 233 00:08:06,160 --> 00:08:07,640 Thankfully, yes. 234 00:08:07,640 --> 00:08:10,120 There are organizations that focus specifically 235 00:08:10,120 --> 00:08:13,800 on providing mental health support for disaster survivors. 236 00:08:13,800 --> 00:08:14,880 Yeah, that's good to hear. 237 00:08:14,880 --> 00:08:17,000 They offer things like counseling support groups 238 00:08:17,000 --> 00:08:19,480 and other resources to help people process 239 00:08:19,480 --> 00:08:20,760 what they've been through. 240 00:08:20,760 --> 00:08:22,520 You know, it's important to remember that recovery 241 00:08:22,520 --> 00:08:25,600 isn't just about rebuilding physical structures. 242 00:08:25,600 --> 00:08:27,600 It's about addressing the emotional 243 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:29,200 and mental scars as well. 244 00:08:29,200 --> 00:08:30,720 Exactly. 245 00:08:30,720 --> 00:08:32,880 You need a holistic approach 246 00:08:32,880 --> 00:08:34,560 that considers the whole person. 247 00:08:34,560 --> 00:08:36,840 Their physical needs, their economic needs, 248 00:08:36,840 --> 00:08:38,000 and their mental wellbeing. 249 00:08:38,000 --> 00:08:39,240 It's all connected. 250 00:08:39,240 --> 00:08:41,200 So looking ahead, what are some of the big lessons 251 00:08:41,200 --> 00:08:42,760 we can learn from Helene? 252 00:08:42,760 --> 00:08:44,560 Things that will help us be better prepared 253 00:08:44,560 --> 00:08:46,080 for future disasters. 254 00:08:46,080 --> 00:08:47,400 I think one of the most important things 255 00:08:47,400 --> 00:08:49,680 is investing in mitigation efforts. 256 00:08:49,680 --> 00:08:51,920 Anything we can do to make ourselves less vulnerable 257 00:08:51,920 --> 00:08:53,960 to future disasters is key. 258 00:08:53,960 --> 00:08:56,920 That could mean things like strengthening our infrastructure, 259 00:08:56,920 --> 00:08:59,560 making smarter decisions about land use, 260 00:08:59,560 --> 00:09:02,680 and having good early warning systems in place. 261 00:09:02,680 --> 00:09:06,240 So it's about trying to prevent as much damage as possible. 262 00:09:06,240 --> 00:09:08,280 But of course, even with the best planning disasters 263 00:09:08,280 --> 00:09:09,720 that are still going to happen, 264 00:09:09,720 --> 00:09:11,880 how can we make sure our response systems 265 00:09:11,880 --> 00:09:13,360 are up to the task? 266 00:09:13,360 --> 00:09:15,000 That's a great question. 267 00:09:15,000 --> 00:09:17,480 We need to be able to get help to people quickly 268 00:09:17,480 --> 00:09:19,360 and efficiently while also thinking 269 00:09:19,360 --> 00:09:21,000 about the long-term recovery. 270 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:24,880 So our systems need to be robust, but also adaptable, 271 00:09:24,880 --> 00:09:26,560 like we saw with the whole propane issue. 272 00:09:26,560 --> 00:09:28,280 Right, it's like you have to be able to think on your feet 273 00:09:28,280 --> 00:09:29,880 and adjust to whatever challenges come up. 274 00:09:29,880 --> 00:09:30,720 Exactly. 275 00:09:30,720 --> 00:09:32,440 And you also need that collaboration 276 00:09:32,440 --> 00:09:35,480 between different levels of government non-profits, 277 00:09:35,480 --> 00:09:38,280 businesses, and the communities themselves. 278 00:09:38,280 --> 00:09:39,840 Everyone has to work together. 279 00:09:39,840 --> 00:09:41,480 We've seen some great examples of that 280 00:09:41,480 --> 00:09:42,720 in the response to Helene. 281 00:09:42,720 --> 00:09:43,560 We have. 282 00:09:43,560 --> 00:09:45,080 It shows what can happen when everyone 283 00:09:45,080 --> 00:09:47,000 pulls together towards a common goal. 284 00:09:47,000 --> 00:09:48,800 And of course, we can't forget 285 00:09:48,800 --> 00:09:51,720 the power of community resilience. 286 00:09:51,720 --> 00:09:53,080 The people affected by Helene 287 00:09:53,080 --> 00:09:54,880 have shown incredible strength, 288 00:09:54,880 --> 00:09:56,800 compassion, and determination. 289 00:09:56,800 --> 00:09:57,640 Absolutely. 290 00:09:57,640 --> 00:09:58,840 They're the ones who will rebuild their lives 291 00:09:58,840 --> 00:09:59,880 and communities. 292 00:09:59,880 --> 00:10:02,120 Our job is to support them however we can. 293 00:10:02,120 --> 00:10:03,360 Exactly. 294 00:10:03,360 --> 00:10:05,720 You know, we've talked a lot about the practical stuff, 295 00:10:05,720 --> 00:10:08,880 the rebuilding effort, the logistical challenges. 296 00:10:08,880 --> 00:10:10,560 But I think it's important to take a step back 297 00:10:10,560 --> 00:10:12,720 and think about our relationship with nature. 298 00:10:12,720 --> 00:10:15,200 Hmm, that's an interesting thought. 299 00:10:15,200 --> 00:10:19,440 As we rebuild, how do we acknowledge the power of nature 300 00:10:19,440 --> 00:10:21,800 and the fact that we have to coexist with it, 301 00:10:21,800 --> 00:10:23,600 especially with climate change, 302 00:10:23,600 --> 00:10:26,600 making these kinds of extreme weather events more common? 303 00:10:26,600 --> 00:10:27,640 It's a tough question. 304 00:10:27,640 --> 00:10:29,600 How do we protect ourselves from these events 305 00:10:29,600 --> 00:10:31,640 while also respecting and preserving 306 00:10:31,640 --> 00:10:32,960 the natural environment? 307 00:10:32,960 --> 00:10:34,280 It's a balance, isn't it? 308 00:10:34,280 --> 00:10:35,120 It is. 309 00:10:35,120 --> 00:10:36,760 I think it means making smart decisions 310 00:10:36,760 --> 00:10:39,520 about where and how we build embracing 311 00:10:39,520 --> 00:10:42,800 sustainable practices and investing in natural solutions 312 00:10:42,800 --> 00:10:44,840 that can help soften the blow of storms. 313 00:10:44,840 --> 00:10:46,360 What do you mean by natural solutions? 314 00:10:46,360 --> 00:10:47,600 Are there specific things we can do 315 00:10:47,600 --> 00:10:49,960 to work with nature instead of against it? 316 00:10:49,960 --> 00:10:50,840 Oh, definitely. 317 00:10:50,840 --> 00:10:53,640 Things like restoring wetlands and coastal forests 318 00:10:53,640 --> 00:10:56,520 can help buffer against storm surge and flooding. 319 00:10:56,520 --> 00:10:58,280 And incorporating green infrastructure 320 00:10:58,280 --> 00:11:00,240 into our communities can help manage 321 00:11:00,240 --> 00:11:02,440 stormwater runoff and erosion. 322 00:11:02,440 --> 00:11:04,840 So it's all about recognizing that our built environment 323 00:11:04,840 --> 00:11:06,640 is connected to the natural world. 324 00:11:06,640 --> 00:11:07,200 Right. 325 00:11:07,200 --> 00:11:08,760 And that working with nature can help 326 00:11:08,760 --> 00:11:12,160 create a more resilient and harmonious future. 327 00:11:12,160 --> 00:11:14,200 It's a really fascinating concept. 328 00:11:14,200 --> 00:11:16,640 But as we talk about building back, 329 00:11:16,640 --> 00:11:18,960 we can't forget about the impact these disasters have 330 00:11:18,960 --> 00:11:19,840 on the economy. 331 00:11:19,840 --> 00:11:20,360 You're right. 332 00:11:20,360 --> 00:11:22,720 The economic consequences of something like Helene 333 00:11:22,720 --> 00:11:23,960 could be huge. 334 00:11:23,960 --> 00:11:26,360 And they last a lot longer than the immediate damage. 335 00:11:26,360 --> 00:11:27,280 Exactly. 336 00:11:27,280 --> 00:11:29,280 Think about all the businesses that had to close, 337 00:11:29,280 --> 00:11:31,120 some of them maybe for good. 338 00:11:31,120 --> 00:11:33,960 The jobs that were lost, the tourism industry 339 00:11:33,960 --> 00:11:36,040 that was disrupted, it all adds up. 340 00:11:36,040 --> 00:11:36,360 Yeah. 341 00:11:36,360 --> 00:11:38,360 That's like a ripple effect that touches everything. 342 00:11:38,360 --> 00:11:39,240 It is. 343 00:11:39,240 --> 00:11:41,800 So how do you even begin to recover from that kind 344 00:11:41,800 --> 00:11:43,160 of economic shock? 345 00:11:43,160 --> 00:11:44,200 It's not easy. 346 00:11:44,200 --> 00:11:45,000 No, it's not. 347 00:11:45,000 --> 00:11:48,240 Well, you start by providing immediate financial assistance 348 00:11:48,240 --> 00:11:51,240 to businesses and individuals who lost income. 349 00:11:51,240 --> 00:11:52,880 That could be things like grants loans, 350 00:11:52,880 --> 00:11:54,280 unemployment benefits. 351 00:11:54,280 --> 00:11:55,840 It's about getting people back on their feet 352 00:11:55,840 --> 00:11:57,080 as quickly as possible. 353 00:11:57,080 --> 00:11:57,360 OK. 354 00:11:57,360 --> 00:11:58,640 So that's the immediate relief. 355 00:11:58,640 --> 00:11:59,920 But I imagine there's also a need 356 00:11:59,920 --> 00:12:01,240 to invest in the future too. 357 00:12:01,240 --> 00:12:02,000 Absolutely. 358 00:12:02,000 --> 00:12:03,800 Investing in infrastructure projects 359 00:12:03,800 --> 00:12:06,520 can create jobs and boost the economy. 360 00:12:06,520 --> 00:12:09,200 Rebuilding roads bridges and other essential things 361 00:12:09,200 --> 00:12:12,120 not only improves transportation and connectivity, 362 00:12:12,120 --> 00:12:13,840 but it also puts people to work. 363 00:12:13,840 --> 00:12:15,800 So it helps in the short term and the long term. 364 00:12:15,800 --> 00:12:16,400 Right. 365 00:12:16,400 --> 00:12:17,800 And we can't forget about industries 366 00:12:17,800 --> 00:12:20,960 like tourism that are so important to certain regions. 367 00:12:20,960 --> 00:12:23,080 Getting visitors back to these areas 368 00:12:23,080 --> 00:12:25,040 is key for the local economy. 369 00:12:25,040 --> 00:12:28,160 So it's about showcasing that the community is resilient 370 00:12:28,160 --> 00:12:31,080 and that there's still a reason to visit even after a disaster. 371 00:12:31,080 --> 00:12:32,080 Exactly. 372 00:12:32,080 --> 00:12:34,280 And long term recovery also means supporting 373 00:12:34,280 --> 00:12:36,680 entrepreneurship and innovation. 374 00:12:36,680 --> 00:12:38,880 Helping small businesses recover and encouraging 375 00:12:38,880 --> 00:12:40,920 new industries can create a more diverse 376 00:12:40,920 --> 00:12:42,320 and resilient economy. 377 00:12:42,320 --> 00:12:45,080 You can actually turn a crisis into an opportunity. 378 00:12:45,080 --> 00:12:46,760 That's a really interesting way to look at it. 379 00:12:46,760 --> 00:12:49,480 But it takes vision and everyone working together. 380 00:12:49,480 --> 00:12:50,120 It does. 381 00:12:50,120 --> 00:12:52,040 It takes government support, private investment, 382 00:12:52,040 --> 00:12:54,320 and communities coming up with creative solutions. 383 00:12:54,320 --> 00:12:56,960 And it's important to remember that economic recovery 384 00:12:56,960 --> 00:12:58,560 is about more than just numbers. 385 00:12:58,560 --> 00:13:00,480 It's about people, their livelihoods, 386 00:13:00,480 --> 00:13:01,920 and their hopes for the future. 387 00:13:01,920 --> 00:13:05,200 It's about creating a future where businesses can succeed 388 00:13:05,200 --> 00:13:06,920 and communities can flourish. 389 00:13:06,920 --> 00:13:07,800 Exactly. 390 00:13:07,800 --> 00:13:09,640 And those are just a few of the many things 391 00:13:09,640 --> 00:13:11,320 that go into the long road to recovery 392 00:13:11,320 --> 00:13:14,120 after a disaster like Helene. 393 00:13:14,120 --> 00:13:16,960 As we move on to the next part of our deep dive, 394 00:13:16,960 --> 00:13:19,520 I think it's important to think about the role of policy 395 00:13:19,520 --> 00:13:21,080 in planning and all of this. 396 00:13:21,080 --> 00:13:21,480 You're right. 397 00:13:21,480 --> 00:13:24,400 We can't just react to disasters as they happen. 398 00:13:24,400 --> 00:13:29,560 We need to be proactive and try to anticipate and reduce risks. 399 00:13:29,560 --> 00:13:30,360 Exactly. 400 00:13:30,360 --> 00:13:33,040 And that means having good policies and plans in place 401 00:13:33,040 --> 00:13:35,840 at every level of government from local communities 402 00:13:35,840 --> 00:13:37,520 all the way up to the federal level. 403 00:13:37,520 --> 00:13:39,160 It's about working together to make sure 404 00:13:39,160 --> 00:13:40,720 we're as prepared as possible. 405 00:13:40,720 --> 00:13:43,440 So what are some of the key areas that need to be addressed 406 00:13:43,440 --> 00:13:44,400 to make that happen? 407 00:13:44,400 --> 00:13:46,480 What are the big things we need to be thinking about? 408 00:13:46,480 --> 00:13:48,800 One of the most important things is to make sure our building 409 00:13:48,800 --> 00:13:51,800 codes are strong enough to withstand extreme weather. 410 00:13:51,800 --> 00:13:54,840 That might mean requiring things like hurricane straps, 411 00:13:54,840 --> 00:13:57,920 impact-resistant windows, and building foundations higher 412 00:13:57,920 --> 00:13:59,600 up in areas that flood a lot. 413 00:13:59,600 --> 00:14:02,280 So basically building things smarter and tougher. 414 00:14:02,280 --> 00:14:04,320 But it also seems like we need to think about where we're 415 00:14:04,320 --> 00:14:05,480 building in the first place. 416 00:14:05,480 --> 00:14:06,880 You got it. 417 00:14:06,880 --> 00:14:09,720 We need to do a better job of planning land use so that we're 418 00:14:09,720 --> 00:14:12,040 not building in high-risk areas. 419 00:14:12,040 --> 00:14:15,040 That means protecting natural barriers like wetlands 420 00:14:15,040 --> 00:14:17,960 and coastal forests and steering development away 421 00:14:17,960 --> 00:14:20,920 from places that are especially vulnerable to storms. 422 00:14:20,920 --> 00:14:23,680 It's about working with nature, not against it. 423 00:14:23,680 --> 00:14:26,120 And of course, making sure people have enough warning 424 00:14:26,120 --> 00:14:28,280 when a storm is on the way is crucial. 425 00:14:28,280 --> 00:14:29,360 Absolutely. 426 00:14:29,360 --> 00:14:31,240 Investing in early warning systems 427 00:14:31,240 --> 00:14:34,520 and having good evacuation plans can give people more time 428 00:14:34,520 --> 00:14:36,280 to prepare and get to safety. 429 00:14:36,280 --> 00:14:38,680 All of those things are really important for minimizing 430 00:14:38,680 --> 00:14:40,800 the impact of future disasters. 431 00:14:40,800 --> 00:14:42,840 So prevention is a big part of it. 432 00:14:42,840 --> 00:14:45,400 But what about after a disaster strikes? 433 00:14:45,400 --> 00:14:49,160 What can we do to improve our response and recovery efforts? 434 00:14:49,160 --> 00:14:51,200 For one thing, we need to make it easier for people 435 00:14:51,200 --> 00:14:52,880 to get federal assistance. 436 00:14:52,880 --> 00:14:55,320 We need to make sure that the aid is getting to the people who 437 00:14:55,320 --> 00:14:58,440 need it most and that it happens quickly and smoothly. 438 00:14:58,440 --> 00:15:00,920 And it's not just about the immediate response either. 439 00:15:00,920 --> 00:15:03,520 It's also about providing support for the long-term recovery 440 00:15:03,520 --> 00:15:04,320 process. 441 00:15:04,320 --> 00:15:06,000 It sounds like we need a system that's 442 00:15:06,000 --> 00:15:08,160 both responsive and built to last. 443 00:15:08,160 --> 00:15:09,320 Exactly. 444 00:15:09,320 --> 00:15:12,400 We need a comprehensive and coordinated approach 445 00:15:12,400 --> 00:15:15,680 that takes care of both the immediate and long-term needs 446 00:15:15,680 --> 00:15:18,560 of communities that have been hit by a disaster. 447 00:15:18,560 --> 00:15:21,680 It's a big job, but all these policy considerations 448 00:15:21,680 --> 00:15:24,320 are going to determine how well we can handle and recover 449 00:15:24,320 --> 00:15:26,760 from disasters in the future. 450 00:15:26,760 --> 00:15:29,000 We've talked a lot about the big picture stuff, 451 00:15:29,000 --> 00:15:30,320 but I think it's important to remember 452 00:15:30,320 --> 00:15:32,880 that the heart of every disaster are the people 453 00:15:32,880 --> 00:15:33,720 who are affected. 454 00:15:33,720 --> 00:15:34,480 Absolutely. 455 00:15:34,480 --> 00:15:37,360 Their stories make the disaster real in a way 456 00:15:37,360 --> 00:15:40,080 that numbers and statistics just can't. 457 00:15:40,080 --> 00:15:42,840 They're what connect us to the human impact of these events. 458 00:15:42,840 --> 00:15:44,760 They remind us of how resilient people 459 00:15:44,760 --> 00:15:47,960 can be, the power of community and the importance of being 460 00:15:47,960 --> 00:15:49,360 kind and compassionate. 461 00:15:49,360 --> 00:15:51,400 We've heard stories of loss and heartbreak, 462 00:15:51,400 --> 00:15:53,320 but also stories of hope resilience 463 00:15:53,320 --> 00:15:55,360 and people coming together to help each other. 464 00:15:55,360 --> 00:15:59,240 Those stories really show the strength of the human spirit. 465 00:15:59,240 --> 00:16:01,920 They remind us that even when things are really tough, 466 00:16:01,920 --> 00:16:04,920 there's still strength, hope, and a way forward. 467 00:16:04,920 --> 00:16:07,280 And it's those stories that we'll explore in more detail 468 00:16:07,280 --> 00:16:09,640 in the final part of our deep dive. 469 00:16:09,640 --> 00:16:11,800 We've covered a lot of ground in this deep dive 470 00:16:11,800 --> 00:16:14,040 from the immediate impact of Haleen 471 00:16:14,040 --> 00:16:16,840 to the long road to recovery that's ahead. 472 00:16:16,840 --> 00:16:19,160 But as we wrap things up, I keep thinking 473 00:16:19,160 --> 00:16:20,440 about the human side of it all. 474 00:16:20,440 --> 00:16:22,280 Me too. 475 00:16:22,280 --> 00:16:25,040 It's easy to get caught up in all the numbers and policies 476 00:16:25,040 --> 00:16:29,280 and logistics, but it's the personal stories that really 477 00:16:29,280 --> 00:16:31,000 make this disaster hit home. 478 00:16:31,000 --> 00:16:31,720 Absolutely. 479 00:16:31,720 --> 00:16:34,680 Earlier, we talked about Vicky Rivas living in that donated 480 00:16:34,680 --> 00:16:37,160 RV after her house was destroyed. 481 00:16:37,160 --> 00:16:39,560 She was dealing with a broken furnace and using pine needles 482 00:16:39,560 --> 00:16:40,320 to keep warm. 483 00:16:40,320 --> 00:16:42,160 It's incredible what people can do when they have to. 484 00:16:42,160 --> 00:16:42,920 It really is. 485 00:16:42,920 --> 00:16:44,360 And her story isn't unique. 486 00:16:44,360 --> 00:16:47,000 Remember Kathy Varvel, she's in a camper that 487 00:16:47,000 --> 00:16:49,040 Hope for Crisis provided, but she's constantly 488 00:16:49,040 --> 00:16:51,600 having to worry about keeping her propane tanks filled. 489 00:16:51,600 --> 00:16:53,400 It's like a whole other layer of stress 490 00:16:53,400 --> 00:16:54,800 on top of everything else. 491 00:16:54,800 --> 00:16:56,600 And then you have someone like Randy Skaggs, who 492 00:16:56,600 --> 00:17:00,000 drove all the way from Illinois to help build tiny homes for people 493 00:17:00,000 --> 00:17:01,000 who lost everything. 494 00:17:01,000 --> 00:17:02,760 Oh yeah, talk about inspiring. 495 00:17:02,760 --> 00:17:05,280 It really shows you that there are people out there who care 496 00:17:05,280 --> 00:17:08,520 enough to go above and beyond to help others in need. 497 00:17:08,520 --> 00:17:10,640 He's not just putting a roof over people's heads. 498 00:17:10,640 --> 00:17:12,400 He's giving them back a sense of hope. 499 00:17:12,400 --> 00:17:15,320 It's a powerful reminder that even one person 500 00:17:15,320 --> 00:17:17,080 can make a difference. 501 00:17:17,080 --> 00:17:21,040 But it's important to remember, Vicky, Kathy, and Randy 502 00:17:21,040 --> 00:17:23,600 are just three of the thousands of stories out there. 503 00:17:23,600 --> 00:17:26,080 Yeah, every single person affected by Helene 504 00:17:26,080 --> 00:17:29,080 has their own story of lost resilience and hopefully 505 00:17:29,080 --> 00:17:29,880 recovery. 506 00:17:29,880 --> 00:17:31,840 And it's those individual stories that really 507 00:17:31,840 --> 00:17:35,240 help us understand the true scale of this disaster. 508 00:17:35,240 --> 00:17:36,240 Absolutely. 509 00:17:36,240 --> 00:17:39,040 But it's not enough to just hear these stories, right? 510 00:17:39,040 --> 00:17:40,800 We have to learn from them and find 511 00:17:40,800 --> 00:17:43,160 ways to support these communities as they rebuild. 512 00:17:43,160 --> 00:17:43,800 You got it. 513 00:17:43,800 --> 00:17:45,320 It's not about thoughts and prayers. 514 00:17:45,320 --> 00:17:47,040 It's about actually taking action. 515 00:17:47,040 --> 00:17:50,960 So what can we do as individuals and as a society 516 00:17:50,960 --> 00:17:53,320 to help these communities recover and thrive? 517 00:17:53,320 --> 00:17:55,520 Well, there are a lot of ways to get involved. 518 00:17:55,520 --> 00:17:58,120 You can donate to relief organizations, 519 00:17:58,120 --> 00:18:00,600 volunteer your time, speak up for policies 520 00:18:00,600 --> 00:18:03,600 that support disaster preparedness and recovery, 521 00:18:03,600 --> 00:18:07,280 even just showing empathy and compassion can go a long way. 522 00:18:07,280 --> 00:18:09,200 Yeah, sometimes the smallest gestures 523 00:18:09,200 --> 00:18:10,600 can have the biggest impact. 524 00:18:10,600 --> 00:18:11,520 That's right. 525 00:18:11,520 --> 00:18:12,960 And it's also important to remember 526 00:18:12,960 --> 00:18:15,120 that the effects of a disaster like Helene 527 00:18:15,120 --> 00:18:17,880 are felt long after the initial event. 528 00:18:17,880 --> 00:18:20,360 Recovery is a long and difficult process, 529 00:18:20,360 --> 00:18:23,160 and it requires us to stay engaged even when it's not 530 00:18:23,160 --> 00:18:24,160 in the news anymore. 531 00:18:24,160 --> 00:18:25,720 That's so important. 532 00:18:25,720 --> 00:18:27,560 So as we end this deep dive, let's all 533 00:18:27,560 --> 00:18:29,160 keep these stories in mind. 534 00:18:29,160 --> 00:18:31,600 Let's remember the resilience of the human spirit, 535 00:18:31,600 --> 00:18:33,680 and let's commit to being part of the solution. 536 00:18:33,680 --> 00:18:36,240 Let's work together to build back better and create 537 00:18:36,240 --> 00:18:39,400 a future where all communities are stronger and more prepared 538 00:18:39,400 --> 00:18:40,720 for whatever comes next. 539 00:18:40,720 --> 00:18:42,280 Couldn't set it better myself. 540 00:18:42,280 --> 00:18:44,040 Thank you for joining us on this deep dive 541 00:18:44,040 --> 00:18:46,120 into the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. 542 00:18:46,120 --> 00:18:48,200 We hope you've learned something and that you feel 543 00:18:48,200 --> 00:18:51,040 inspired to support the people and communities affected 544 00:18:51,040 --> 00:18:52,800 by this devastating storm. 545 00:18:52,800 --> 00:18:55,000 Every act of kindness, every donation, 546 00:18:55,000 --> 00:18:58,040 every voice raised in support can make a real difference. 547 00:18:58,040 --> 00:18:58,880 That's right. 548 00:18:58,880 --> 00:19:01,960 Together, we can help these communities rebuild, recover, 549 00:19:01,960 --> 00:19:04,240 and ultimately thrive. 550 00:19:04,240 --> 00:19:09,800 Thanks for listening.