The Aftermath of Hurricanes Helene & Milton

When Hurricane Helene tore through nearly 500 miles, homes slid off mountains, and others were swept away. Hurricane Milton brought tornadoes that flipped mobile homes and ripped off roofs. More than 260 people lost their lives. While everyone’s experience was different, many shared the same stories: helping others, needing help themselves, struggling without water, or lacking toilet facilities.

Some were lucky — water services returned quickly, and their property was mostly untouched. But for many, the damage was life-changing, with landscapes and lives altered forever. Across the country, people, including those in the portable restroom industry, came together to provide aid and support in six states.

PROs Help Their Town After Hurricane Helene Destroys Business

Around 15,000 people live in Hendersonville, in Henderson County, North Carolina, which was hit hard by Hurricane Helene. The storm caused over 80 landslides and an estimated 1,000 damaged or destroyed structures. On September 29th, Hendersonville Portable Toilets, a family-owned business, was forced to close when floods swept through and wiped out their operations. Hundreds of portable toilets, vehicles, loading equipment, and supplies were lost.

Despite the devastation, the owners salvaged what they could and volunteered their time to help with Emergency Management Operations. PROs from states away had prepared to respond to emergencies. They made their way with tanker trucks and supplies, pumping units and assisting with relief efforts. Meanwhile, Hendersonville Portable Toilets found some of their restrooms floating in Jackson Park, hoping they could be repaired.

Community Relief Efforts and Challenges

Experts estimate that Hurricane Helene damaged about 6,000 miles of roads, more than 160 water and sewer systems, and over 1,000 bridges and culverts. The storm shifted rivers and widened creek beds by hundreds of feet. People were physically cut off from each other and had no cell service or power.

Anyone with a chainsaw or equipment became a road worker, rescuer, or jack-of-all-trades. In Gerton, Henderson County, NC, community members even sent food across the river using a clothesline. Mules helped carry food, diapers, and water to areas that were impossible for vehicles to reach.

Volunteers and government agencies completed hundreds of helicopter missions as local groups distributed resources. Congressman Chuck Edwards reported that his request for assistance to the White House led to same-day results, with 75 pallets of water and ready-to-eat meals arriving quickly.

While Hurricane Milton didn’t destroy water systems, many households woke up to sewage in their yards and were warned to stop flushing toilets, as main pump stations failed. Local portable restroom companies experienced in operating during hurricane season quickly mobilized to help with the relief effort.

For example, Clean Restroom Rentals deployed porta potties and restroom trailers to emergency shelters, construction sites, and community centers. Its fully-equipped portable hand washing stations also provided sanitary facilities for volunteers, residents, and workers in the affected areas.

A Nation Reaches Out

As the most demanding work continued on the ground, nonprofits, individuals, and businesses offered assistance. The National Guard set up hotlines in North Carolina to coordinate donations and flights. For the first two weeks, much of western NC was under a “Do Not Drive” warning, and NC Emergency Management saw a 300% increase in air traffic.

Like many in the industry, PolyJohn joined relief efforts, including those headed by Head Honcho Portable Restrooms and A.N. Webber Logistics in Kankakee, Illinois. They delivered a truckload of portable restrooms and basic necessities to Asheville, NC. Portable toilets appeared in parking lots of banks and big-box stores. The Orange Peel, a venue known for live music, set up portable restrooms and rinse stations in its parking lot to serve the community.

Volunteers went door to door in low-income independent housing, carrying five-gallon buckets of gray water to residents’ bathrooms so they could flush their toilets. Others distributed non-potable water for flushing. In partnership with Crossroads Church in Asheville, PolyJohn also helped raise funds for a water truck and essential supplies. More than a month later, many southeastern communities still don’t have drinkable tap water or working toilets.

The Road to Recovery

On October 12th, FEMA received a record 250,000 applications for assistance, and recovery efforts are still ongoing. While Western North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Virginia are open for business and visitors, the impact of Hurricanes Helene and Milton has left lasting changes on both lives and landscapes.

In the wake of these disasters, communities have come together to support one another. But the work is far from over. During states of emergency and long after, portable restroom companies play a crucial role in providing sanitary facilities to America’s frontline workers as they rebuild roads, bridges, stadiums, and water treatment plants.

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