by Radio Ink
October 6, 2024
This week, Radio Ink shared several stories of radio managers whose stations have been affected by the Appalachian floods caused by Hurricane Helene. Yet, to understand the impact that radio has in disasters, sometimes it’s best to speak with someone entirely outside of the industry.
Denise Potter lives 30 minutes south of Asheville in Hendersonville, NC. After nearly a week without reliable cell service, Denise spoke with Radio Ink to share her experience during and after Helene and the difference radio is making in the region.
Denise Potter: Everything started on Friday morning, probably about 5a. My husband works for Advent Health Hospital, so he had to leave at the start of the storm. I was in the house here by myself, and for several hours, we were just getting pounded, I mean pounded. We had a lot of trees that fell behind my house, up against the house. I wasn’t sure really where to stand. I thought that one was going to go right through the roof or through a window.
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How very true. Radio can be very dependable during times of disaster. Provided that the tower has not been destroyed and the station has emergency power, a radio station can be a constant source for news. Unlike a cell phone, a battery-powered radio does not have to be recharged all the time. Furthermore, an AM signal can travel much farther than an FM signal, especially at night.