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Originally Posted by rfuerst911sc
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There is that guy that had good intentions and went out on his own to help. He found himself in a situation where he is now at home and not really helping. It does seem the fire chief handled the situation poorly. Allowing a couple more trips to finish the job sounds reasonable. Advising the pilot of who to get in touch with to get future flights should have also happened.
With that out of the way the situation is clear. There are limited resources at this time. Food, water, housing, and fuel need to basically be rationed. They don't need individuals coming in at this time and using those resources for their own use, even with good intentions. If you have skill, equipment, or supplies that can be used then go though channels and be part of the planned effort like the following copter pilots. Why are these guy flying while the one guy is at home making videos?
They have made it clear that volunteers need to get in touch with rescue and support organizations. If you do not do so you should expect to be turned away.
https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/volunteers-hickory-use-their-helicopters-fly-supplies-helene-victims/4LN4KYT2FBF6REEEGVNPCH5RXM/
Volunteers in Hickory use their helicopters to fly supplies to Helene victims
On Monday morning, Faherty saw more than a dozen helicopters lift off from the Hickory Regional Airport. They were civilian aircraft taking supplies to the mountains and helping people who were trapped or in need of medical help.
“I heard about it through my wife and kids. They heard about it on Instagram,” said pilot Steve Houghton. “It’s great to play some small role. Happy to be a part of it.”
The Carolina Emergency Response Team is overseeing the efforts.
“Think Hurricane Katrina, except in the mountains and with helicopters, not boats,” said Chad Walton. “That’s pretty much where we’re at right now.”
A total of 20 choppers are being used to reach people from Banner Elk to Asheville.
Faherty also saw search and rescue dogs arrive on a private plane from Oklahoma. Those dogs will also be flown to some of the hardest-hit areas west of Hickory.
Faherty could see some of the choppers being loaded Monday morning with all kinds of supplies, from diapers to insulin. He was told that some of the people will be evacuated back to the Hickory Regional Airport, but the majority will be flown to shelters in those counties.
The airport director told Faherty the U.S. National Guard has also been running missions out of Hickory. The Carolina Emergency Response Team said they are taking requests for help on their Facebook page.