Propane industry rallies to help storm-ravaged region
I can’t begin to imagine their struggle.
I can’t begin to imagine what the people of western North Carolina and other parts of the Southeast have experienced since back-to-back hurricanes hit the region in late September and early October.
Those of us living away from the coasts are left to learn about the immediate aftermath of these severe weather events only from news reports, photos and videos that appear on our televisions and other digital devices, and through limited communication with those in the affected areas.
“The devastation is truly worse than it looks,” one propane industry member living in Asheville, North Carolina, emailed to us in the days after Hurricane Helene hit Florida and moved north into the southeastern states. “There have been some unspeakable tragedies around the community, and I am so grateful we are OK.”
Coming together
The propane industry is unique.
When natural disasters strike, propane companies respond – because they have the portable, versatile fuel that can bring immediate relief to people living and working in hard-hit areas of the country. But it’s also unique because the people in this industry – so many people – want to help others. And as the days and weeks have passed, stories of gratitude have emerged.
In western North Carolina, ravaged by floodwaters, “a ripple effect of generosity” has taken place. Stringer Oil & LP Gas President Reagan Bonnette has spearheaded a grassroots effort to get propane supplies to locations in need.
After Bonnette responded to a Facebook request regarding propane gauges, others in the industry took notice. Warner Jones from Harper Industries and Ty Denham from F.W. Webb collaborated to raise funds to secure 43 propane cylinders. Christian Battle of Battle Propane donated four 30-pound cylinders along with heaters and hoses. Dan Richardson, president and CEO of Conger LP Gas, contributed cash for sleeping bags for adults and children. Bergquist provided regulators.
“This initiative has evolved far beyond one individual,” says Bonnette, whose company is based in South Carolina. “It’s been incredible to witness everyone come together to support our neighbors in need. The outpouring of generosity has been inspiring, and we are grateful for every contribution.”
Welcome deliveries
Help also arrived from the north.
New York-based Paraco Gas deployed nine tractor trailers filled with more than 12,000 propane cylinders for communities across Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The cylinders were used to provide power to appliances for lighting, cooking and generators. The company’s efforts were even recognized by local legislators.
“The visit from these officials underscores the vital role propane plays in disaster recovery, demonstrating that propane is more than just fuel; it’s a lifeline,” Paraco Gas COO Christina Armentano shares. “In moments of crisis, it delivers comfort, reliability and hope.”
Virginia-based Foster Fuels, with a team known for its emergency response abilities, sent 150 trucks and 200 personnel to affected areas, dispatching more than 500,000 gallons of propane and other fuels to power critical relief operations, according to the Propane Education & Research Council.
With their vast resources, national retailers AmeriGas and Ferrellgas shared stories of delivering propane to the region, including to those hard-to-reach locations.
The National Propane Gas Association (NPGA) and the Southeast Propane Alliance, as well as their member companies, joined in recovery efforts as well. Certainly, other companies have lent their help and prayers along the way. We tell a detailed story about these efforts, including those of Blossman Gas, in our November feature.
Steve Kaminski, president and CEO of NPGA, might have said it best when he penned a letter from the association following Helene.
“In a few days, the hurricane will be out of the headline news. But our propane family is committed to lessening the burden on those impacted by Helene and to supporting long-term recovery efforts in the Southeast.”
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