Hurricane Helene’s Aftermath: A Community Unites in Clinton
In the heart of Clinton, South Carolina, life has been a bit chaotic since Hurricane Helene swept through Laurens County. With the winds howling and the rain pelting down, the storm left a trail of destruction in its wake. But thanks to the relentless efforts of the community and numerous first responders, a sense of normalcy is slowly returning.
The Immediate Response
When Helene struck, one of the primary concerns was the loss of electricity. Many of us take our daily conveniences for granted, like being able to flip on a light switch or run our refrigerators. Without power, daily living becomes challenging. The first responders quickly sprang into action, clearing roadways, assisting families with damaged homes, and distributing essential food and water supplies.
However, it was clear that restoring electricity was a top priority. Thankfully, line crews from several states came to the rescue, bringing their expertise to help restore power. Local lineman TJ Burke from Clinton shared, “The storm wiped our whole system out. We worked for seven or eight days straight, for 16 hours a day.” Burke admitted that while he was hustling to restore power for others, he himself was without power at home, which made his work even more meaningful.
The Life of a Lineman
Burke elaborated on the dedication of his small crew. “Our crew knows how to do it all out in the field. It’s a lifestyle,” he explained. Their commitment means that while they may have a smaller crew compared to others, each member is trained to handle all sorts of situations. Burke also highlighted the sacrifices involved in being a lineman, like missing out on celebrations with family. “I am married and have two kids and I’ve missed Christmas mornings and birthdays, but it’s rewarding to get the power back on because people are waiting for you,” he stated.
Wiring homes and restoring power comes with its risks. In fact, being a lineman is known to be one of the top ten most dangerous jobs in the country. With various safety protocols in place, Burke shared, “There are a lot of safety steps you have to take. It requires a lot of physical work but coordination too.” It’s clear that every job is crucial, but linemen face unique risks that require skilled expertise and extreme caution.
Returning the Favor
Once the power was restored to Clinton and Laurens County, the team was quickly called to continue their work in Orlando, Florida, following Hurricane Milton. Burke recounted, “So, we got to return the favor. We spent about four days there, and some parts were hit pretty bad.” During that time, they joined tens of thousands of linemen working to restore power throughout the state, forging bonds with fellow first responders from across the country.
“They treated us really well,” Burke noted with pride, reflecting on their experience. “We had access to all the material we needed and we got power back on for residents.” The teamwork and camaraderie were palpable, reinforcing the idea that during tough times, communities come together to support each other.
A Community Effort
The efforts of first responders and linemen showcase the spirit of resilience and the strength that comes from unity. As the Clinton Fire Department rightly stated, “Just neighbors helping neighbors.” In the face of adversity, Clinton residents have shown how determined they are to come back stronger, proving that even in the aftermath of a storm, hope shines bright.
As Clinton continues to rebuild, the community’s heart remains resilient and united, ready to face whatever challenges may come next. The combination of warm weather, support from neighboring areas, and the infectious spirit of teamwork paint a hopeful picture for the days ahead.
