Preparing for the Unexpected: Lessons from Hurricane Helene
When a disaster strikes, we all face unique challenges—not just in terms of property damage, but in continuing to care for patients, protecting staff, and maintaining operations.
Hurricane Helene left our Western North Carolina practice without power, water, or internet for over two weeks; we learned firsthand how unprepared even the most organized practice can feel.
In this article, I will share what we have learned and what we are currently doing to prepare in case this type of event occurs in the future.
Ensuring Water Access When Normal Operations Are Disrupted
All the disruptions were inconvenient, but the most crucial concern was access to water.
Most of us have experienced periodic losses of power or internet, but the lack of running water was shocking. Officials did not expect to restore potable water for at least three months. Although this was only an estimate, we had to prepare for the worst-case scenario.
As any dental professional knows, clean running water is essential for everything from sterilizing instruments to handwashing. So, even if we had power and internet, we would not have been able to operate as usual.
We responded by outsourcing an emergency delivery of 350 gallons of potable water, which allowed us to prepare for a safe reopening.
This experience made it clear that we must be proactive about water storage. We’re now putting plans in place to maintain an on-site emergency water reserve, including enough water for seeing patients, washing hands, and drinking water for employees for at least one work week.
Strengthening Resilience by Upgrading to a Dry Vacuum System
Another consideration is upgrading to a dry vacuum system.
In the event of a water disruption, a traditional wet vacuum system can leave a practice completely inoperable. Unlike these older systems, modern dry vacuums do not rely on plumbed water to function, allowing dental teams to continue providing care even when water service is unavailable.
Upgrading to a dry vacuum system can significantly improve your office’s ability to recover quickly after a disaster.
Maintaining Communication When Internet Access Fails
The immediate issue we faced was the complete loss of internet connectivity throughout the community. We lost all communication with each other and our patients without access to our server, patient records, email, social media, and basic cell service. Reassurance and providing information to our patients were critically important.
Thankfully, we quickly pivoted by utilizing mobile hotspots in the town, enabling us to stay connected through updates on our website, social media, and patient communication software. We’re investing in Starlink satellite internet, which offers an independent and reliable connection.
Last but not least, the loss of power was a problem. Without power, we lost the ability to operate lights, compressors, suction units, and other essential equipment, which brought everything to a halt. Although we made the best of the situation, we recognized how crucial backup power is in our work.
We are researching commercial generators that would allow us to keep critical systems running during future outages, even if only on a limited basis. By having backup power, even for a limited time, one could access their server to retrieve necessary patient records.
Building a Strong Business Continuity Plan Before Disaster Strikes
The key lesson from this experience is establishing a detailed business continuity plan before it is required. We are creating a thorough strategy encompassing vendor contacts, supply checklists, communication protocols, and a well-defined chain of command. We advise this step to all practices since clarity and preparation are paramount in times of crisis.
You can’t prevent natural disasters—but you can decide how prepared you’ll be when they happen. Our experience during Hurricane Helene taught us the value of foresight, flexibility, and clear communication.
By sharing our experience and lessons, I hope to help other practices build resilience before they’re tested.
About the Author
Kate Ross, DAADOM
Kate graduated from Appalachian State University and is currently the Office Manager at Gillespie Dental Associates in Asheville, NC. She has spent the last 12 years eagerly pursuing her career in dentistry.
She’s been a member of AADOM since 2020. She received her FAADOM in 2023, her MAADOM in 2024, and achieved her DAADOM in 2025.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Kate takes pride in being a loving mother to her two grown children.
