Since Riverwind’s beginnings in the 1990s, we have enjoyed a quiet existence near the foothills of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. In September of 2024, multiple days of continuous rain followed by the arrival of Hurricane Helene caused unprecedented flooding in Western North Carolina. Like most surrounding communities, we were without local utilities, including electricity, telephone landlines, cell phone service and internet service for four days. Although we were only 15 miles from the larger communities of Hendersonville and Brevard, we were completely isolated due to road flooding and downed trees.
The community drew together to provide assistance and support for each other where needed. Some neighbors provided a place to sleep for other neighbors while others helped to provide meals for those without a means to prepare them. In short, Riverwind residents looked after their neighbors.
We learned two valuable lessons as a result of the disaster: first, we are a caring community willing to assist each other in times of need and second, we were ill-prepared for this disaster or any disaster as far as that goes. As a result, forward-thinking members of the Riverwind Home Owners Association (RHOA) Board of Directors (BOD) deemed it necessary to draw up a plan to prepare for the next disaster whether it’s a hurricane, fire or other natural disaster.
To this end, two RHOA BOD approved documents (with links below) have been developed to assist with future disasters. While the documents have been approved by the board, they may be modified as necessary as circumstances require. Also included is the Emergency Manual with guidance on how to prepare for future emergencies, whatever they may be.
- Emergency and Safety Operations Plan (ESOP). This plan identifies actions to be taken by the Riverwind BOD, the Emergency and Safety Operations Team (ESOT) and resident volunteers, to prepare for and respond to disasters and emergencies.
- Emergency and Safety Block Captains’ Guidelines. Block Captains are resident volunteers whose primary function is to facilitate communications between the RHOA BOD and residents in times of emergency.
- Resident Emergency Manual. This manual provides important phone numbers, recommended actions and tips to prepare for emergencies. Included is an evacuation checklist that will help guide the resident in the event evacuation is necessary.
Residents are encouraged to become familiar with the documents and provide suggested updates. Additionally, those qualified to be Block Captains are encouraged to assist by contacting a BOD member.
The American Red Cross provides an Emergency Preparedness Checklist to assist you in protecting yourself and coping with disaster by planning ahead. Click on the link to view this document.