Just as fast as Sunday’s deadly and damaging storm system was on us, emergency-response personnel and crews restoring power were on the job.
From emergency-management personnel to dive teams to American Red Cross teams, their responses were swift because they know that quick action can save lives and help prevent a bad situation from becoming worse.
Sadly, two people died in Beaufort County on Sunday as a result of the storm system. Happily, emergency-response personnel pulled a man who fell from his boat from the Pamlico River near the train trestle in Washington, reuniting him with his family (who had been aboard the boat, too) minutes later.
Power crews worked Sunday night into Monday in efforts to restore power, with that work likely to continue today in some areas of the county.
John Pack, Beaufort County’s emergency-management director, and others were assessing damage throughout the county Sunday night and Monday. That assessment will be helpful in helping the county and its residents recover from the storm system.
Because of a concerted effort among paid and volunteer responders, Beaufort County is on the road to recovery. Without them responding Sunday night, the scenario Monday would have been much worse.
So, when you see Red Cross volunteers aiding storm victims or a power crew out working to restore power, take time to thank them. They’ve earned it.