The US, on average, reports ten tropical storms formed along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico each year. So, how do citizens in the southeast cope with the intense climate? They check the inventory of their local Waffle House to reap the benefits of cuisine and community in trying times.
Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton have devastated Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and other areas in the region. As of Oct. 27, more than 250 people have been confirmed dead, dozens of people are missing, and nearly 50 tornadoes have been reported. Gas stations have been left without fuel, houses have been left without power, and entire towns, such as Chimney Rock, North Carolina, have been left barren. Many were left unable to evacuate, and those who were able to evacuate are now left without homes. Hurricane warnings are nothing new to the South, but it is difficult for the residents to determine when the situation is truly dire. However, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, has found a way to assess the damage with the help of locals.
Waffle House is a 24/7/365 restaurant chain that is a staple to those living in states affected by hurricanes. Simply put, it’s the South’s version of Wawa. Due to the hurricanes that plague the South, they’ve become a way for the government to calculate the money needed for recovery efforts.
According to FEMA’s website, the “Waffle House Index,” as it’s been dubbed, “…isn’t just about whether or not you can get pralines on your waffles or if you can get waffles at all, but rather about the damage in a neighborhood.”
If the Waffle House can serve a full menu, the damage is minimal. If the menu is limited to foods requiring gas, they may lack water and electricity. If the Waffle House isn’t open at all, it’s either been flattened or heavily flooded.
This index doesn’t just apply to Waffle Houses, but also hardware stores and postal systems. If a person needs shelter, tools, or a means of communication, they can figure out if these services can be provided based on their local diner. Support from businesses like these is all that citizens have when organizations like FEMA can’t reach them, and it can be essential after some of the most devastating hurricanes in the US. In times of crisis like these, a plate of waffles can make an excellent source of motivation.
Now that the Biden-Harris Administration has given FEMA $860 million for recovery, places like Waffle House can go back to being full-time facilities. However, without the help of local businesses like Waffle House and Home Depot, Appalachians would be left in a much worse state than they already are. It is a long and winding road to recovery after Helene and Milton, but if you’d like to help as well, visit the American Red Cross for details on how to donate to survivors.
