Oklahoma sends more help to Hurricane Helene victims

State Resources Deployed to Support Hurricane Helene Recovery In North Carolina - Texas Border Business

Oklahoma is doing more than supplying electrical line repair crews from utility companies to help with power restoration in the southeast following the death and destruction of Hurricane Helene.

While PSO crews are coming home after helping in a handful of states, others are heading to the devastated areas of the country.

The State Health Department just sent a ten-person emergency response team this week to North Carolina to offer help as well.

With the death toll at 230 and expected to climb, North Carolina asked for help through an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a national interstate mutual aid agreement that enables states to share resources during disasters, over the weekend.

LAKE LURE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 28: The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and overflows the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024, in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Approximately six feet of debris piled on the bridge from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, blocking access. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

Areas of aid from the OSDH team will include:

  • Public health support in the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
  • Public health nurse shelter support
  • Environmental health support

“A critical part of public health is responding to disasters and emergencies,” said Commissioner of Health Keith Reed. “Our team is well-trained and prepared to respond to a multitude of situations within Oklahoma and other states when needed. I am very proud to work alongside these dedicated individuals who have put their lives on hold to help others in need.”

“We are praying for the people of North Carolina and those across the Southeast that were impacted by Hurricane Helene,” said Gov. Stitt. “When our fellow Americans are facing a tough situation, Oklahomans are first in line to lend a hand. That’s the Oklahoma Standard. I’m grateful for each person who has offered to step up and help those impacted by this devastating storm.”

The team is slotted to support for 15 days, starting upon arrival on Wednesday.

Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) workers are coming home after spending more than a week helping restore power to hundreds of thousands of Hurricane Helene victims across several states.

PSO crews were released Sunday by Appalachian Power Company (APCO) following their massive effort to bring the lights back on for 282,000 customers in Virginia, West Virginia and Tennessee. PSO line crews, servicers, assessors, fleet mechanics and other personnel joined thousands of workers from across the country to rebuild and repair the energy grid, overcoming challenging terrain and devasting flooding.

In total, 7,360 personnel from 27 states faced everything from fallen trees and debris to road and bridge closures.

“Restoring power to so many people in such challenging conditions is an impressive accomplishment. We are very proud and appreciative of our employees’ contributions to these
efforts,” said Dwayne Apple, PSO Distribution vice president.

“The mutual assistance provided by PSO helped speed along the recovery and relief to APCO customers.”

In total, crews helped replace 1,455 poles, 214 miles of wire and 438 transformers. As crews return home this week, PSO is monitoring the threat of Hurricane Milton making its way toward Florida’s west coast. PSO is prepared to send mutual aid if the need arises.