Gavin Stewart, Gaston County’s digital media specialist, helped provide public information throughout Hurricane Helene relief and management efforts.
Stewart provided field response and trustworthy public information throughout Buncombe County and the Western North Carolina region after Hurricane Helene’s destruction.
“I was eligible because I am a certified Basic Public Information Officer through the state. I filled out a form on Oct. 1 and was contacted by the state the next day. They wanted me to respond to Buncombe County,” said Stewart. “I reported to Buncombe County’s Emergency Operations Center in downtown Asheville the morning of Oct. 3. I learned that social media response was a huge need. The Buncombe County Facebook inbox was overwhelmed with messages, so I started by responding to them and getting residents information through that channel. ”
During his time in Buncombe County, he monitored social media, created social media graphics and posted to Buncombe County channels. Additionally, he assisted with community briefings (these are similar to press conferences but geared toward directly informing residents), took photos/video in the field of the Helene response, coordinated rental cars for the communications staff/PIO team, designed printable materials and coordinated delivery to shelters and relief stations.
“I relied heavily on my experience in the news, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic was unfolding while I was a reporter at the Gaston Gazette,” said Stewart. “Information would change rapidly and there was a large demand from residents for updates. Buncombe County’s Joint Information Center felt very much like the combo of a newsroom and Wall Street. To work in that environment, you have to stay focused but also be ready to adapt to a new normal.”
Proper public information release was vital to the restoration and safety of the community. Hurricane Helene wiped out major infrastructure in Western North Carolina, and for many, word of mouth and radio were the only types of communication available to provide trustworthy information.
“Our number one goal was updating survivors and other Buncombe County residents on available relief resources, food and water distribution, and critical infrastructure recovery,” said Stewart.
Stewart was grateful for the opportunity to help the community that helped shape so many of his memories.
“Western North Carolina holds a special place in my heart,” said Stewart. “So many of my memories are in those mountains. Some of my best friends live in Haywood County, who I met around 2014 when I started at Western Carolina. I took countless day trips to Asheville, Waynesville, and the surrounding areas. My wife and I still visit at least once a year. I only lived there for four years, but the WNC region had such a profound impact on me as I developed from a student into a professional.”