Forest Acres, S.C. – A Community Unites After Hurricane Helene
It’s been two months since Hurricane Helene swept through the Midlands, and the lovely community of Forest Acres is still recovering from the storm’s wrath. Streets are lined with debris, and the sound of chainsaws fills the air as residents work together to mend their cherished neighborhoods. Local leaders, along with the warm-hearted folks of Forest Acres, are doing their best to rebuild from the widespread destruction.
What Happened During the Storm?
Lynnsey Baker, the Public Information Officer for the City of Forest Acres, shared insights about the storm’s impact. “Helene was a significant weather event in the city of Forest Acres. We had more than 200 trees fall,” Baker explained. These weren’t just any trees; we’re talking about those towering pines and majestic hardwoods that have stood for generations. The sight of them, ruined and scattered, has been hard for many to bear.
Cleanup Efforts Underway
The damage didn’t stop at fallen trees; homes and properties suffered extensively, leaving families grappling with mounds of debris. Baker highlighted the remarkable scale of the cleanup efforts. “Last October, we picked up about 293 tons of yard debris. Just your typical leaf season, right?” Baker said with a sigh. “This October, thanks to the storm, we went from 293 tons to nearly 750 tons—that’s a whopping 152% increase! And we’re still not done.” Those numbers really illustrate the huge task at hand.
Residents’ Responsibilities
Baker was clear that when it comes to clearing and removing downed trees, the responsibility lies with the residents. “If you have large debris on your property, you need to hire a tree removal company,” she stated emphatically. “Even if you cut those logs into smaller pieces yourself.” She explained how the city’s machinery has struggled to keep up with the sheer volume of debris, with two machines breaking down due the unprecedented demand for cleanup.
Many residents are taking to social media to share their stories and lend each other a helping hand. A community meeting is scheduled next week for those seeking assistance in navigating the complex situation of cleanup and tree removal services.
FEMA’s Support
For those still feeling the sting of the storm’s aftermath, there’s good news! Forest Acres Police have announced that FEMA representatives are actively in the area, visiting homes affected by Hurricane Helene. This is a shout-out for anyone needing assistance to keep their spirits up and reach out. If you’ve been impacted, now is the time to get connected with these valuable resources.
Weathering the Storm Together
Despite the uphill battle that lies ahead, the community has shown incredible resilience and unwavering patience. Baker reminded residents that while the cleanup is daunting, everyone is banding together to face the challenges head-on. “We really appreciate our residents’ understanding during this time,” she said. “It’s really a community effort.”
So, as Forest Acres digs itself out from the wreckage left by Hurricane Helene, it’s heartening to see neighbors helping neighbors, lending a hand, and pulling together to bring their community back to life. This journey may be long, but there’s strength in unity, and the folks of Forest Acres are truly rising to the occasion.
