Emergency Preparedness Special

#24: Although I typically host guests to talk about travel on this show, I wanted to reflect on and share my experience in Asheville, North Carolina during Hurricane Helene.

I also want to acknowledge my privilege. While I was definitely in survival mode, hypervigilant, and facing significant challenges, I know that I was fortunate compared to so many in my community who lost homes or livelihoods or even their lives.

My thoughts are with them as I share what I’ve learned and how I plan to be better prepared moving forward.

10 items everyone should have prepped:

1. Water supply

2. Non-perishable food

3. Hand-crank radio

4. Flashlights and batteries

5. First aid kit

6. Fuel

7. Multi-tool

8. Portable chargers/power banks

9. Cash

10. Important documents (stored safely and waterproofed)

If you'd like to contribute to the relief efforts in West North Carolina, please consider donating to any of the following grassroots organizations:

Beloved Asheville

Open Doors Asheville

Asheville Survival Program

Disaster relief for Latino communities

Stay safe. Happy travels.