I was in Asheville during Hurricane Helene. No matter where you live, prepare now for a natural disaster to hit.

Inspired by another post, I want to give everyone the advice that you should be prepared today for a natural disaster to hit and to be 1) stuck inside your home without utilities and 2) get no help for one week at minimum, preferably two.

I lived in Asheville during Hurricane Helene. One of the reasons why post hurricane was so difficult was the lack of preparedness. Since we are HENRY, we have the money to prepare for what happens after a natural disaster hits ahead of time.

Many of you live somewhere that doesn’t get catastrophic natural disasters. But remember, Asheville didn’t either. It was considered one of the safest climates in the country. Everywhere in the world is at risk for a natural catastrophe at some point. And it’s the places you least expect to have shit that are shittier because people don’t prepare for the shit. Also people talk about how to survive during a natural disaster, like if your house catches fire or starts flooding or a tornado hits. But what about immediately after?

Point #1 - no utilities for two weeks:

Do you have enough shelf stable food? Medication? Drinking water? Energy sources if you have any medical devices? Formula if you have a baby? If you live in a cold climate, do you have a way to heat your home, either by generator, wood stove, or propane tank? Do you have a cooking source, like a camp stove? Toilet flushing water (it takes like 2.5g per flush)? Do you have a radio for when cell service and internet go out? If you are in a vulnerable capacity (like sickly) do you have a radio with a mic to call out for help? Do you have starlink if coms are important? Do you have any phone numbers written down on paper? Do you have a full gas can to top off your car/generator? Do you have cash once you can leave your house if internet is down? Do you have self protection as you can’t call 911 or if you can they likely aren’t coming? Also, definitely get a generator and you have to run it like once a month for 30 minutes.

Point #2 - No help

I also believe you need to prepare to not get any help for a week, preferably two. Before the hurricane I assumed the government can come into any disaster zone with the cavalry immediately, but that is not the case. Whatever problems you have, they are also having. If your road is washed out, their road is also washed out. If you don’t have coms, they don’t have coms. If you don’t have electricity, they don’t. Plus it’s the government so it takes a couple days to get mobilized if they do it by the book. And then, you’re also not the only person they need to help. You are one of millions. It takes time to reach millions.