During the latter months of the year, the Charleston community takes notice of events happening out at sea. While no one in Charleston wants to see a hurricane heading our way, it is amazing to see how storms bring out the best in people. The most recent storm that impacted Charleston was Hurricane Dorian. Dorian did massive damage in the Bahamas, virtually leveling many areas, but fortunately, the storm was not nearly as destructive in Charleston. In the damage the storm caused, it demonstrated how friends and neighbors support each other in difficult times.
Before Hurricane Dorian reached the Charleston coast, I heard from people offering childcare help for those impacted by school closings, assistance with protecting homes from wind and flooding, and help with general storm preparation. My neighborhood has its own Facebook page to aid in communication between neighbors. On it I saw two unique requests in the fear of losing power. One woman recently had a baby and requested help in preserving breast milk should the power go out, and another parent was requesting help to preserve a child’s insulin. The response was swift from many who had generators, offering to help. Fortunately, the storm caused little flooding, but it did result in debris and downed trees and limbs. A gentleman in my neighborhood organized a group and asked for volunteers to assist with the cleanup. These volunteers helped anyone who requested assistance, but also helped with any home they saw with an issue. The group cleared more than 75 trees from more than 50 homes, all neighbors helping neighbors.
It is well known that Charleston is a beautiful place to live, though living on the ocean requires that the community be mindful when unique weather issues arise. However, the aftermath of storms shows the goodness of the people that make up the Charleston community; ready to lend a helping hand before, during, and after storms.
