Following the devastation Hurricane Helene left behind in western North Carolina, the state’s Emergency Management Services reached out to county governments requesting EMS officials, law enforcement, emergency managers, and government administrators. Those counties, in turn, sent their manpower to the mountains to provide help where needed.
From Beaufort County, two paramedics, a fire marshal, an emergency manager and Beaufort County Government’s Public Information Officer, Brandon Tester traveled to various locations in the mountains. They didn’t go all at the same time, but signed up for week-long assignments when they were able. In addition, Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and multiple volunteer fire departments in the county have held supply drives and have delivered those supplies in several locations in western NC.
Tester was assigned to help Buncombe County Government’s Communication Team disseminate accurate information on storm recovery efforts, and where hurricane victims could access basic necessities, as well as internal and external communication. His assignment was seven days long from Oct. 26 to Nov. 2.