Lessons from Hurricane Helene

Surviving & Supporting in Times of Crisis

As Hurricane Helene swept across the southern U.S., it left behind a trail of destruction—flooded towns, power outages, and lives turned upside down. For many, the pain is still raw. Families are displaced, homes destroyed, and in some cases, entire communities have been washed away. While some were fortunate enough to evacuate, many were not, underscoring the harsh realities of resource disparity during disasters.

In times like these, survival preparation isn’t just about being lost in the woods or the collapse of society—it’s about being ready for real, everyday crises. Whether it’s a hurricane, wildfire, or any event that disrupts power and communication, knowing how to survive without modern comforts can mean the difference between life and death. Our modern preparations, when combined with ancient skills, can not only help us survive but also allow us to be a pillar of strength for our communities in their darkest hours.

The Realities of Modern Natural Disasters

Hurricane Helene serves as a grim reminder of how vulnerable even the most developed regions are when Mother Nature strikes. The storm’s aftermath revealed the fragility of our infrastructure: power grids that couldn’t withstand the winds, roads and bridges washed away by rising waters, and dams and rivers that overflowed, sweeping entire towns off the map. Emergency services were stretched thin, leaving many to fend for themselves in the chaos.

As the storm subsided, communities were left grappling with the destruction. Power outages lasted for days, if not weeks. Communications were cut off. Clean drinking water became a rare commodity. While some had the means to evacuate, many more stayed behind, unable or unwilling to leave their homes and livelihoods behind.

This is the reality of modern natural disasters: it’s not about running into the wilderness with a backpack; it’s about surviving right where you are, when the comforts of modern life are stripped away.

The Intersection of Modern Survival Preparation & Ancient Skills

We often think of survival skills as something only useful in the wilderness or during a societal collapse, but the truth is that these skills are just as vital when faced with a natural disaster like Hurricane Helene. Having an emergency kit—complete with food, water, medical supplies, and tools—is essential, but it’s also important to understand that modern conveniences may fail when we need them most.

That’s where ancient skills come in. Fire-starting, water purification, shelter-building, and even basic foraging can make the difference between comfort and hardship when systems break down. Knowledge passed down through generations—how to collect rainwater, build a temporary shelter, or even preserve food using time-tested methods—becomes incredibly valuable in times of crisis.

In the aftermath of a storm like Helene, those with survival knowledge not only take care of themselves but often become pillars of support in their communities. People with the skills and tools to stay calm, provide resources, and offer guidance can help restore order and hope when everything feels lost.

Practical Survival Strategies for Major Weather Events

When preparing for a major weather event, the basics of survival remain the same, but with a focus on specific challenges presented by storms, flooding, and power outages:

1. Emergency Kits: Make sure to have at least a week’s worth of supplies, including non-perishable food, bottled water, first-aid kits, flashlights, and portable power sources like solar chargers or hand-crank radios.
2. Water Management: Clean water is often one of the first things to run out after a disaster. Rainwater collection, basic filtration techniques, and boiling water are ancient skills that can supplement modern water reserves.
3. Communication: When cell towers and power lines are down, having a battery-powered or hand-crank radio can be invaluable. Learn how to use old-school methods, like CB or Ham radios, to communicate with others during a blackout.
4. Finding and Preparing Food: Stockpiled food is essential, but if resources run thin, knowing how to forage or identify local edible plants becomes crucial. Preservation methods like salting or drying food can extend your supplies, too.
5. First Aid and Community Health: Medical supplies are a critical component of any emergency kit, but knowledge of basic first aid and even ancient herbal remedies can help in situations where professional care isn’t immediately available.

Lessons Learned from Hurricane Helene

One of the clearest lessons from Hurricane Helene is the power of preparation. Communities that were ready for the storm—those with emergency supplies, knowledge of how to manage resources, and the ability to take care of themselves—fared better in the aftermath. They weren’t just surviving; they were helping others survive, too.

When roads are flooded and help is days away, those with skills in water purification, food storage, and first aid become critical to their neighborhoods. It’s a reminder that being prepared isn’t just about self-preservation; it’s about community preservation. Sharing knowledge of survival techniques, both modern and ancient, before disaster strikes can create a stronger, more resilient society.

At the same time, we must recognize the privilege of preparation. Not everyone has the means to stockpile supplies or evacuate when needed. Those of us who do have a responsibility to help others, using our skills not just to survive but to lift up those around us.

Becoming a Pillar of Support in Your Community

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, we saw countless examples of people stepping up to support their communities. Individuals who had prepared for the worst weren’t just using their resources for themselves—they were offering food, water, and shelter to those in need. Discussions of politics and social differences went away as people answered the call of their inner humanity aand began helping those in need.

This is where preparation and community intersect. Being ready for a disaster doesn’t just help you survive; it puts you in a position to help others. From sharing supplies to teaching survival skills, there are countless ways you can be a pillar of support when your community needs it most.  Ideally, this starts before disaaster occurs, but even in the wake of the storm, there is knowledge to be shaared tactically as needs arise.

For instance, if you know how to filter water, you can ensure your neighbors have access to clean drinking water. If you understand basic foraging or gardening, you can help provide fresh food. Even something as simple as offering a place to charge phones or radios can make a world of difference when communication lines are down.

Hope, Healing, & Action

Though Hurricane Helene has caused immense suffering, it has also reminded us of the importance of preparation and resilience. Natural disasters will happen, and while we cannot stop them, we can be ready. By combining modern survival preparation with ancient skills, we not only increase our chances of surviving but also position ourselves to be leaders in times of crisis.

Now is the time to take action. Learn the skills that will help you navigate these challenges—whether it’s building an emergency kit, learning how to filter water, or mastering first aid. And don’t keep this knowledge to yourself. Share it with your family, your neighbors, and your community. Together, we can build a more resilient, self-sufficient society, ready to face whatever challenges the future may hold.

Survival isn’t just about making it through the storm—it’s about becoming a source of hope and support for others when they need it most.

Author: Michael A. Evans

.Michael A Evans is a passionate advocate for preserving and reviving ancestral knowledge through modern applications. As the founder of Forgotten Skillz, he is dedicated to teaching the skills of self-sufficiency, bushcraft, and sustainable living, drawing inspiration from historical practices to empower individuals in today’s world. Michael’s work extends beyond survival skills; he also leads Vision Martial Arts in Patchogue, NY, where he guides both adults and children in realizing their potential through martial arts. Additionally, Michael contributes to the educational field as a collaborator on the “Little Laurie Science Stories” book series and the Ninja Née Science Education Program. With a background in therapeutic massage from the NY College of Health Professions, Michael continues to provide holistic care as the lead therapist at Massage LI.