Navigating the Storm: Rutherford County Transit’s Vital Role in Hurricane Helene Evacuations
When Hurricane Helene struck Rutherford County in late September, it brought more than just torrential rain and fierce winds. It delivered a test of resilience, coordination, and community commitment. Among those who rose to meet the challenge was Rutherford County Transit, whose dedication and adaptability played a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of residents during one of the county's most significant natural disasters.
In the early hours of September 27, as the storm's severity became apparent, Emergency Management Director Frankie Hamrick reached out to Rutherford County Transit for immediate assistance. With power and cell service compromised, Transit Director Kerry Giles made the critical decision to grant Emergency Management direct access to Transit vehicles. Emergency personnel quickly mobilized, retrieving three vehicles to begin evacuating residents from areas facing imminent flood threats. These initial evacuations were vital, especially as concerns mounted over the potential failure of the Lake Lure Dam, which threatened to engulf Chimney Rock Village and neighboring communities. The ability to act decisively, even under communication constraints, underscored the importance of preparation and trust in collaborative partnerships.
Later that morning, Giles reported to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to serve as the Public Information Officer, a role that quickly became critical. With the influx of media inquiries and desperate reports from families of missing persons, she ensured the steady flow of timely and accurate information to the public. Her work provided clarity during chaos and hope to those awaiting news of their loved ones. Meanwhile, on September 28, Giles, her husband Bill, Transit Operations Manager Jeff Hill, and County Commissioner Michael Benfield took to the field, joining the evacuation efforts personally. Their journey into Lake Lure was fraught with danger—navigating partially cleared, debris-laden roads—but their determination resulted in the safe evacuation of over 100 residents. Their efforts highlight how leadership grounded in empathy and courage can save lives.
Among the many evacuation stories, one stands out for its poignancy and humanity. Two elderly sisters from Chimney Rock Village, stranded by a section of road obliterated by the Rocky Broad River, faced evacuation challenges that could have easily ended in tragedy. With one sister requiring a walker and the other assisting her, their vulnerability was stark. Transit staff utilized wheelchair lifts and sheer determination to ensure their safe passage to the emergency shelter at RS Central High School. During the journey, the sisters shared stories of loss and resilience, including the destruction of nearby homes and their hopes to process their trauma through simple, meaningful activities like playing Scrabble. These intimate moments remind us that beyond logistics and operations, disaster response is about human connection and compassion.
For Jeff Hill, the challenge extended into the darkest hours after the storm. Dispatched to Chimney Rock Village, he found the designated meeting location abandoned. Refusing to turn back, he pressed deeper into the darkness, crossing a still-intact bridge and locating four adults, six dogs, three newborn puppies, and two cats stranded in the storm's aftermath. With car keys and pet leashes washed away by floodwaters, Hill's determination ensured they made it to safety. His decision to go beyond the initial plan reflects the critical thinking and courage required in disaster response. It also illustrates how public transportation personnel can act as frontline heroes when circumstances demand extraordinary action.
In the days following the storm, Rutherford County faced another pressing crisis: caring for medically fragile residents dependent on oxygen and other essential medical services. Recognizing the need, the EOC established a specialized medical shelter, and Transit took on the critical task of transporting vulnerable individuals to safety. From transferring patients from the general shelter to alleviating pressure on Rutherford Regional Medical Center, Transit played an instrumental role in maintaining continuity of care. The coordination of these efforts showcased not only logistical skill but also a deep sense of responsibility to the community’s most vulnerable.
Rutherford County Transit’s role extended beyond evacuation. As roads remained impassable and resources scarce, Transit ensured residents without transportation could access food distribution sites and medical appointments. They also delivered meals to seniors when the Senior Center temporarily closed to serve as the EOC, ensuring no one was left hungry or isolated. Moreover, their support extended to partnering with the National Guard, who faced significant logistical challenges. Transit provided vehicles, reducing the strain on military resources and allowing for more efficient movement of personnel and supplies. This collaboration exemplified the strength of interagency partnerships and the power of shared solutions.
Public transportation is often not the first resource that comes to mind during an emergency, but as Hurricane Helene demonstrated, it can be a vital asset in moving citizens to safety. A key factor in maintaining Transit as an effective emergency resource is the collaborative relationship with Emergency Management. The Emergency Management Director serves on the Transit Advisory Board, strengthening connections and ensuring that Transit remains a trusted and integrated part of emergency response strategies.
The experiences during Hurricane Helene highlight several lessons for other communities preparing for disasters:
Empower Immediate Action: By authorizing emergency personnel to access Transit vehicles without delay, Rutherford County ensured that critical evacuations were not stalled by communication challenges.
Leadership Requires Flexibility: Kerry Giles’ transition from Transit Director to Public Information Officer exemplifies the need for adaptable leadership in crisis situations.
Prioritize Vulnerable Populations: Specialized evacuations for medically fragile individuals and seniors were vital, underscoring the importance of planning for diverse community needs.
Strengthen Partnerships: Collaborating with organizations like the National Guard enhanced operational efficiency and broadened available resources.
Commit to Compassion: The human stories—like that of the two sisters or the evacuees with their pets—reaffirm the importance of empathy-driven response strategies.
As Rutherford County reflects on its response to Hurricane Helene, the path forward is clear. Investments in resilient transportation infrastructure, ongoing emergency preparedness training, and cultivating robust community partnerships will be critical. Public transportation is not merely a daily convenience but a cornerstone of disaster resilience, capable of saving lives and restoring hope in times of crisis. Rutherford County Transit’s efforts during Hurricane Helene were nothing short of heroic. They demonstrated that even in the darkest of times, dedication, courage, and community spirit can guide the way to safety and recovery. As other communities look to strengthen their disaster response plans, Rutherford County’s example stands as a powerful testament to the essential role of public transportation in ensuring no one is left behind.
Author: Kerry Giles is the Transit Director for Rutherford County with over 14 years in public transportation and 20 years in county government, including roles in EMS, Economic Development, and as PIO during state of emergencies. She holds degrees in Business Administration and Communications, is a certified EMT and graphic designer, and received the NCDOT Western Division Director’s Award (2013) and NACO Excellence in Innovation Award (2015). She chairs the Rutherford Regional Board of Trustees and RHI Legacy Foundation, distributing over $1 million annually in grants for community health.