“What I Wish I Knew”

Top 10 Lessons from Hurricane Helene

Hurricane Helene didn’t just bring destruction—it brought lessons that even the most seasoned preppers can take to heart. In the aftermath of the storm, many across the Southeast shared their insights, shedding light on what worked, what didn’t, and what they wish they had known before the storm hit. As we continue to expand our product offerings to better serve your needs, here’s what preppers across the region want you to know.

1. You Never Have Enough Water

No matter how much water you’ve stored, it’s likely not enough. In the wake of Helene, countless families realized their reserves were insufficient to meet their needs for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. Experts recommend storing at least one gallon per person per day—but when disaster strikes, even that can run out quickly.

Solution: Supplement your stored water with a reliable water purification system or tablets. If you opt for tablets, check the ingredients—some contain iodine, which can cause allergic reactions. Make sure they’re safe for you and your family. We’re constantly adding water purification products to help you stay ready.

2. Invest in a Quality Chainsaw

Fallen trees and debris were one of the most significant obstacles during Hurricane Helene. Roads were blocked, properties were damaged, and access to help was delayed. Those who had chainsaws often found themselves better equipped to clear the way—but not all chainsaws are created equal.

What Survivors Say:

"Invest in a good-quality chainsaw. The bigger and more powerful, the better—but make sure you can safely handle it." ~ Melissa, Asheville, North Carolina

• Practice using it before disaster strikes. Operating a chainsaw improperly can be dangerous, especially during a crisis.

3. Generators: Your Power Lifeline

One of the biggest challenges during Hurricane Helene was the widespread and prolonged power outages. Generators became a crucial tool for many households, providing the ability to keep essential devices running, power refrigeration (especially if you store insulin), and maintain some level of normalcy.

Preppers recommend investing in either a gas-powered or solar generator—or both, depending on your needs. Gas generators are powerful but require fuel, which can be scarce during a crisis, so keep plenty on hand, know how to safely store it, and rotate it constantly. Solar generators offer a renewable energy option, but they need sufficient sunlight to stay charged.

Pro Tip: Whichever you choose, ensure you understand how to operate and maintain it safely. Have the necessary accessories, like solar panels, ready and practice connecting them to your generator.

4. Know How to Use Your Gear

Preppers also shared a critical lesson: it’s not enough to own emergency supplies—you need to know how to use them. A water purification system, for example, is useless if you don’t know how it works. Similarly, tools like solar chargers, first-aid kits, and portable stoves can be lifesaving—but only if you’re comfortable using them.

Pro Tip: Practice regularly with your preps. Pretend the internet is down (because in many cases, it will be) and ensure you can operate everything without having to look it up on Google. That brings us to our next point.

5. Don’t Rely on Google

Hurricane Helene knocked out power and internet for weeks in some areas, leaving many unprepared for the reality of no online resources. Preppers emphasized the importance of having offline guides, manuals, and written instructions for all your gear and plans.

Pro Tip: Print out instructions, recipes, maps, and emergency contact lists. Keep them in a waterproof binder so they’re ready when you need them.

6. Mental Preparedness

Mental preparedness is just as important as physical supplies. In a crisis, staying calm and adaptable can make all the difference. Practice stress management techniques, run emergency drills, and educate yourself to build confidence and resilience.

Pro Tip: Start with small daily challenges to train your mind to stay calm under pressure—your mental resilience is your greatest survival tool.

7. Don’t Let Geography Fool You: Be Aware of Every Potential Threat

Just because your region doesn’t typically experience certain weather events doesn’t mean you’re immune to them. Western North Carolina, for example, is tucked away in the mountains and isn’t usually thought of as a hurricane-prone area. Yet, during Hurricane Helene, the region faced flooding, landslides, and other severe impacts as the storm pushed inland.

Natural disasters don’t always follow the “rules,” and unusual weather patterns are becoming more common. Being aware of your area’s risks—even those that seem unlikely—can help you stay better prepared.

Pro Tip: Learn about your region’s history with extreme weather events, even the rare ones. Preparedness isn’t just about what’s most likely—it’s about being ready for the unexpected.

8. Trade Goods: An Overlooked Lifeline

In extended emergencies, trade goods can become invaluable when cash or digital payments aren’t an option. Items like extra fuel, batteries, lighters, water purification tablets, and even hygiene products can be bartered for essentials you might run out of. Preppers who weathered Hurricane Helene noted that having surplus tradeable goods not only helped them but also strengthened community ties when neighbors needed assistance.

9. Cash is King in a Crisis

When power outages knock out ATMs and card readers, cash becomes your only option. Having a stockpile of small denominations—like $1s, $5s, and $10s—is essential for purchasing necessities or trading with others. Large bills may be difficult to use if vendors or neighbors can’t provide change.

Pro Tip: Keep your cash in a secure, waterproof container and ensure it’s well hidden but accessible when you need it most.

10. Community is Everything

One of the most critical takeaways from Hurricane Helene was the importance of community. In areas where neighbors already knew each other, people were able to band together and support one another when emergency workers couldn’t meet the overwhelming demand. In contrast, those without strong community ties found themselves struggling.

Lesson Learned: Building relationships with your neighbors now can make all the difference in a crisis. Community is the first line of defense when outside help is delayed.

Stay tuned for one of our upcoming blogs, “How to Create a Neighborhood Emergency Preparedness Community,” where we’ll share practical steps to strengthen your local network before disaster strikes.

Tell Us What You Wish You Knew

Every crisis brings unique challenges, and we want to hear from YOU!

👉 What do you wish you had known before facing one of life's emergencies? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below. Your insights could help someone else be better prepared for the future.

We’re Here to Help You Stay Ready

At Honey Badger Preps, we are just getting started! So we are adding new products daily to meet your preparedness needs! Whether it’s water purification tools, hygiene supplies, or something else you may not have thought of, we’re committed to helping you stay ready for whatever comes next.

Check back often for the latest products and resources—we’re here to support your journey every step of the way.

Together, we can prepare, support one another, and create stronger, more resilient communities. Stay safe, stay ready, and let’s learn from each other! lf with the tools you’ve invested in so you can rely on them confidently during a crisis. 

Be prepared, not afraid!