Freshman recognized for creating disaster communication packs after Helene
By Gracie Palmer
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FAIRVIEW, North Carolina (WLOS) — A local high schooler was recognized on Sunday, May 24, for earning her Girl Scout Gold Award, but her project is making an impact far beyond the ceremony.
A.C. Reynolds High School freshman Chloe Button created emergency communication packs for the Fairview Fire Department and nearby churches to help communities stay connected during future disasters.
The packs include radios, chargers, flashlights, and other emergency supplies.
“So, there are radios in there, the charger for the radios, a flashlight if power goes out,” Button said.
Button handed out the packs during her Girl Scout Gold dedication ceremony.
Fairview Fire Department Battalion Chief TJ Hill says the project addresses a major issue the department faced during Hurricane Helene.
“It’s very, very important to us because one of the reasons Hurricane Helene, we ended up, everybody was kind of trapped in their own place and no communications,” Hill said.
One of the most meaningful items in each pack is a card honoring Chloe’s late brother, Nathan Button.
The project was inspired by Nathan, who was killed by a distracted driver the night before Helene hit the area.
Chloe says that when her mother was flown to Charlotte for organ donation surgery, the storm made communication impossible.
She says that tragedy motivated her to help others avoid the same fear and uncertainty during emergencies.
“I hope people feel safer knowing that they have somewhere to go to and somewhere that we’ll be able to communicate and get them the help that they need,” Button said.
The radios at the fire department will serve as a backup communication system. Emma’s Grove Baptist and Oak Grove Baptist churches each received two emergency packs.
“[It will leave] a big impact on the community for sure, especially as many as she spread throughout the community,” Hill said.
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