Residents of western North Carolina are taking part in power tool training sessions two years after Hurricane Helene, according to reporting by NPR. The initiative is designed to help community members prepare for future natural disasters by building practical skills.
The training comes as the region continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, which struck in 2024. NPR reported on the effort on September 27, 2026, during its Weekend Edition Sunday program.
Participants are learning to safely operate tools such as saws and drills, skills that can be critical when professional help is delayed or unavailable after a storm. The goal is to equip residents to handle repairs and debris removal themselves, reducing dependence on outside assistance in the immediate aftermath of a disaster.
The community-led effort highlights a growing emphasis on disaster preparedness at the local level. By mastering power tools, residents aim to be better positioned to respond to future emergencies and to support their neighbors in recovery efforts.
