In the pages of Vol. 82 of Make: magazine, Tim Deegan, a long-time contributor, featured an Emergency Prep mini manual that was adorned with a cover boldly declaring, "We’re All MacGyvers Now." This insightful piece included a captivating article about the iconic character Angus MacGyver, who has become synonymous with clever problem-solving. The manual presented practical prep techniques and prompted readers to consider critical questions during emergencies: How devastating could the situation be? Where can one find shelter? What essential items should be gathered? And, crucially, for whom are you preparing? Deegan’s underlying message—and the magazine's intent in publishing his guide—was clear: individuals equipped with inventive thinking and hands-on skills can play a vital role when crises arise.

Fast-forward to September 27, 2024, when residents of Asheville, North Carolina, and its neighboring areas faced these very questions as Hurricane Helene slammed into a region ill-prepared for such a catastrophic event. While reading about disaster response strategies in a magazine is one thing, experiencing the reality of such a disaster is an entirely different challenge. The aftermath of the hurricane has been documented extensively, with a wealth of alarming images and footage illustrating the extensive damage inflicted upon this mountainous region. Christa Flores, the producer of Maker Faire Asheville and a Maker Educator, noted the ongoing cleanup efforts, stating, "We’re still cleaning up," indicating the long road ahead for recovery.

Asheville is home to a vibrant and diverse maker community, and with their fifth Maker Faire approaching on April 5, the event’s producers are eager to highlight the resilience they witnessed during the immediate aftermath of the storm. The stories that emerged from this crisis resonate on a universal level: each emergency of such magnitude requires individuals and communities to unite and strive to restore normalcy while providing essential services. The spirit of resilience, community, and the ability to improvise have been integral to the culture of Western North Carolina and the broader Appalachian region, which still retains elements of remoteness characteristic of its history.

This resourcefulness manifested in various ways, and two local makers, Ian Baille and Ben Hanna, stepped up to offer essential services and restore a sense of normalcy when their community needed it most.

What Would You Do If the Lights Went Out…For a Month?

In late September 2024, as warnings were issued regarding the second major storm of the Atlantic hurricane season, residents braced themselves for what was predicted to be a storm with an unusually wide path. Hurricane Helene made landfall near Tampa, Florida, on September 26th. Despite the advance notice and the deployment of the National Guard to the area—typical precautions for such storms—Western North Carolina was caught off guard by the unprecedented flooding that followed in Helene's wake. The region, known for its picturesque mountains and rural charm, was suddenly transformed into a scene of devastation, characterized by mudslides and debris. By September 27th, essential services such as power, water, and communications were rendered non-operational, and roads became either washed away or blocked by fallen trees. Although local and federal relief services were present, they were unprepared for the scale of destruction that unfolded in the days that followed.

Ian Baille, a lifelong resident of the Asheville area, epitomizes the local spirit of ingenuity. A self-described "hillbilly," his family's roots in the region run deep. With a diverse skill set honed from a lengthy career in the automotive industry, Ian now serves as a regional planner for the Land of Sky Regional Council, a multi-county organization focused on local government development. While his official title may not capture the complexity of his role, his problem-solving skills have equipped him to respond effectively to the needs of communities throughout the region—a crucial asset in the wake of the storm.

Baille embodies the maker ethos: he disassembles and reassembles things, exploring how they can work together and innovating with unconventional parts. In addition to being a mechanic and organic gardener, Ian is also a ham radio enthusiast—a skill set that proved vital when communications systems and the power grid were crippled by Hurricane Helene. Recognizing the challenges posed by the storm, he quickly mobilized to establish an unofficial switchboard using shortwave radios, enabling communication between families in the region and those outside, despite limited cell signal availability. His efforts were bolstered by local amateur radio clubs located on Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the Eastern US, approximately 50 miles from Asheville. Through Project Helene, an initiative that connects ham radio operators with the internet, Ian helped bridge communication gaps, ensuring that crucial information and assistance could be shared.

In collaboration with Project Footprint, a non-profit organization from New Orleans dedicated to environmentally sustainable disaster response, Ian worked tirelessly to enhance relief efforts. Their motto—#BuildBackGreener—reflects their commitment to innovative recovery solutions. Together, they focused on restoring communication systems for both relief agencies and residents; Ian sourced batteries and set up mobile charging stations, creating community power depots equipped with rented commercial solar units. This effort allowed individuals reliant on electricity, such as those using medical devices, to regain access to power, while also fostering community collaboration as the arduous cleanup began. A significant challenge faced by all power systems is the ability to store energy, underscoring the need for community-wide solutions.

Never Underestimate the Privilege of a Hot Shower

For many around the globe, the availability of running water—and hot water, in particular—is a privilege often taken for granted. One of the most profound impacts of Hurricane Helene in Asheville and its surrounding counties was the total disruption of the water supply. The region, bisected by rivers and streams, is deeply influenced by its waterways. However, when rivers overflow, and landslides occur, the clean water becomes contaminated with mud. The cleanup process in Asheville in the weeks and months following the storm has been anything but clean, especially without access to drinking or bathing water.

Ben Hanna made the move to Asheville in 2021 with his young family, seeking a healthier environment away from the poor air quality and wildfires of California. A passionate outdoorsman, he conducts wilderness retreats and is skilled in creating off-grid solutions, having previously built essential amenities on his land in Nevada City, California. His experience at large community gatherings, such as Burning Man, equipped him with valuable skills for navigating resource-limited situations. When he noticed the need in his neighborhood post-storm, he organized outdoor movie screenings, bringing neighbors together as they began the laborious task of clearing fallen trees and debris.

Realizing he had the materials necessary to construct a shower for his family—many salvaged from his previous home—Ben set to work building a simple shower system using a 300-gallon water cube and a solar-powered on-demand hot water heater. Recognizing the collective need for hot showers, he extended access to neighbors and quickly mobilized to create a second unit for the area.

In the aftermath of the storm, he provided Mobile Community Shower Solutions throughout Asheville, particularly in communities hit hardest. His team set up mobile water trailers offering both drinking water and shower facilities, illustrating the innovative ways to maximize limited resources. Additionally, he initiated "Dry Toilet" workshops to teach residents how to create simple composting toilets using five-gallon buckets, underscoring the importance of adapting to the challenges at hand.

Within a month, Ben also reestablished running water and a mini power grid at his children’s small school, making it the first to reopen in Asheville following the storm. His resourcefulness and proactive approach exemplify the spirit of community resilience.

Prepared, Not Prepping

Six months after the hurricane, Asheville and its surrounding areas are still in the process of recovery and rebuilding. Fortunately, the month after the storm was relatively mild, which aided in the recovery efforts and alleviated some of the suffering experienced by the community. Christa, Ian, and Ben all emphasized the incredible support that emerged as the community rallied together in mutual aid. Just as during the pandemic, makers harnessed their skills to devise solutions to pressing problems using available resources. They plan to share these inspiring stories at the upcoming Maker Faire Asheville.

At the Maker Faire, Ian and the Land of Sky Regional Council will showcase how they mobilized resources to restore essential communications infrastructure in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Ultimately, the key takeaway from Ian and Ben’s experiences, along with those of their neighbors, is the importance of adaptability, resourcefulness, and community action during times of crisis. Vicki Barnes of Project Helene aptly summed it up: "Imagine if… you stepped up during a crisis, without formal training, and made a difference." Join us at Maker Faire Asheville this weekend for a deeper look into these incredible stories of resilience.

For those interested, be sure to check out Maker Faire Asheville’s 2024 promotional video for a glimpse of what to expect on Saturday, April 5th!

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