Not now.”Stories and images of the flooding in western North Carolina last year and the Texas hill country this July were horrific. It’s been a year since Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina on Sept. 27, 2024. Rescue and recovery workers poured into New York to help after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, but communication was a challenge. Some Caswell County commissioners and residents grumbled about the time and resources “wasted” as public safety, public health and other local government employees attended training and tabletop exercises. Luckily, our local public safety, public health and emergency service leaders stood firm.