Specialty Answering Service’s Post

🌪️ In the face of ongoing hurricanes and natural disasters, communication is more critical than ever. As communities brace for the impacts of severe weather, businesses must ensure they remain accessible and responsive to their clients. That’s where an answering service can make a significant difference. 📞 Here’s how: 1. **24/7 Availability**: During emergencies, customers may have urgent questions or concerns. An answering service ensures you’re there for them around the clock. 2. **Call Management**: High call volumes can overwhelm in-house teams. An answering service helps manage calls efficiently, so no one is left waiting. 3. **Compassionate Support**: Trained agents can provide empathetic responses, ensuring that clients feel heard and valued during tough times. 4. **Crisis Communication**: Quickly relay important information about business hours, safety protocols, or service changes, keeping clients informed and reassured. As we navigate these challenging conditions, let’s prioritize clear communication. If you haven’t already considered an answering service, now might be the perfect time to explore how it can enhance your business resilience. Stay safe, everyone! 🌧️💪 #HurricanePreparedness #CustomerService #BusinessContinuity #Resilience #Helene #Milton #SAS

It's been six days since we've had water and power in our home. By now, you've likely heard about the devastation Hurricane Helene has caused across Asheville and the surrounding areas. It's heartbreaking to see so many friends, neighbors, and businesses lose everything. Homes and livelihoods have been washed away. As a company that primarily provides direct B2B service, many of our largest clients have been forced to close indefinitely due to severe flooding, while others are struggling to rebuild. We, too, have faced our challenges. On Saturday morning, we tried to buy water with exact change at the Ingles in Brevard on N Broad Street, only to be turned away—while watching a man walk out of the store with ice. What do you do when your money isn't good enough to buy basic necessities? You try to leave, only to realize the storm's magnitude. Power lines, buses, and homes floated by, blocking our way out. Roads and bridges we rely on were gone. Worst of all, I was separated from my son, unable to reach him across town. Thankfully, we were reunited in South Carolina and eventually made it to safety. Even there, we were dealing with power outages and gas shortages. There were moments when I wasn’t sure if we’d make it out, but the support of our family and community has given us the strength to keep going. We're deeply grateful for the love, acceptance, and help during this difficult time. We are lucky to be here today. But now, the real work begins. Restoring critical utilities like water and power will take time, and until then, it's impossible to fully resume business operations. It could take weeks for water to be widely available again, and the road ahead is long and hard. Immediate support will go a long way in helping us and our community get back on our feet. As we work to rebuild, I plan to share more in the coming days. In the meantime, please consider: - Buying a hoodie– Grab one and wear it proudly. Your support will help keep equity at the forefront of people’s minds as we rebuild: (https://lnkd.in/eAQpatm7) - Making a tax-deductible donation to our organization – Your contribution will help us continue our work: (https://lnkd.in/etVdRnmw) We appreciate your love, support, and kindness more than we can say.🖤

Leadership After the Storm: Rebuilding with Support and Compassion In the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, many of us are facing the same challenges, rebuilding, recovering, and finding a way forward. As leaders, this is a moment to show up for one another, to lend a hand, and to use our words to inspire hope. Here are a few immediate resources to help: FEMA is offering disaster assistance, so check their website for eligibility and apply for support. City of Tampa and Clearwater are offering one-day free permits for hauling debris, helping clean-up efforts move forward more efficiently. At Mirajo Collective, we’re not just talking about leadership—we’re in the trenches: - Clearing debris in our local neighborhoods. - Offering rides to those without transportation. - Partnering with local organizations to raise funds for food to help families in need. In times like these, remember that it’s okay to not have all the answers. “I may not fully understand, but I want to help in any way I can.” Offering support can be as simple as listening: “I’m here to listen if you want to talk.” Let’s remind each other that “You don’t have to go through this alone. Let me know how I can support you.” Our words and actions now will shape how we recover. If you need assistance or want to help, reach out. We’re in this together. #HurricaneRecovery #LeadershipInCrisis #TampaBayResources #FEMASupport #DebrisCleanup #CommunitySupport #MirajoCollective

Friends - please don't just move on to the next news story. Hurricane Helene has absolutely devastated western North Carolina. Because this storm didn't hit a major US city, it's not getting the same coverage as many prior hurricanes. But for western North Carolina, Helene brought 500-year floods and utter devastation. Entire towns remain cut off from the "mainland" due to flooding and the complete destruction of roadways. Not only are volunteer pilots bringing in supplies and water by helicopter and small plane, but they are now using mules to reach the most vulnerable areas. 18 water systems are completely offline, affecting almost 200,000 people. That means a lack of fresh water for almost five full days at this point. Another 225,000 people are served by water systems operating on backup power, some of which are at less that full capacity. (Source: Business North Carolina.) Asheville Mission Health Hospital is bringing in 20 trucks of water per day just for hospital needs. This is a humanitarian crisis for our neighbors. Research tells us that philanthropic dollars are not distributed across the country by relative population. Rather, philanthropic dollars are disproportionately distributed to our larger cities and population centers. Now is the time to fly in the face of that data. PLEASE, if you are of the ability to donate, help our neighbors by doing so. If you're not sure where to look, here's information on the specific disaster relief fund being run by the North Carolina Community Foundation: https://lnkd.in/eaZPDbiA

Attention Operators: After the devastating effects that Hurricane Helene has had on Florida and the southeastern USA region, we have setup the Monologix Care Fund. The fund consists of $5,000, comprised of 10x $500 gifts.   Monologix, Inc. provides a booking software (SmartRezBooking.com) and boat safety education (BoatTests101.com) to Florida and the southeastern USA based businesses, so we are here to support these communities in a time of need.   The criteria for this fund is as follows: i) Any tour or activities company that has been impacted by Hurricane Helene is eligible to apply. Let us know how you were impacted and what you are doing so your business or your community will come back stronger. ii) Please fill out the simple form on how you were impacted by Fri, Oct 18 @ noon EST. https://lnkd.in/ednBM2bK   (The intent is for the money to help business owners and their employees in this time of need, helping to rebuild their business and their community.  For example: Pay for a meal for you and your staff while rebuilding.) During this time of crisis, it is important that we all come together and help those around us who are in need of support.

Come Hell and High Water: Rebuilding After Hurricane Helene (How You Can Help) Today marks three weeks since Hurricane Helene hit the heart of Western North Carolina. These days have flashed by in the blink of an eye - at our house, we had no power for 11 days, no water for 6 days, and connectivity to the outside world has been spotty at best. Matt and I consider ourselves to be among the lucky - we sustained minimal property damage, and had all of our utilities back within two weeks. So many people lost everything - family, homes, pets, businesses. Asheville still does not have safe, usable water. Too many of our beloved spaces - the restaurants, art galleries, breweries, parks and historic small towns that have drawn so many of you to this part of the world for vacation - are simply gone. At 18, when the time came for me to make my first adult decision - where to go to college - I came to these mountains. And when Matt and I were determining where we wanted to settle down for the rest of our lives, the answer was clear - these mountains. I am desperate to help this place I love so much recover as quickly as possible. In the immediate days after the storm, the response was focused on basic needs like water, food, and sanitation. I helped raise money for a local nonprofit that provides families with baby clothes and supplies and spent several days volunteering at food and water distribution centers. Now, the focus is shifting to rebuilding. There is a determination to restore the rich history and vibrant life that define our towns. People are coming together, sharing what little they have, and embodying the spirit of community that has always been our strength in Appalachia. But the road to recovery will be long and challenging. I’m working with local mutual aid organizations that are supporting locals to rebuild homes, businesses, and public spaces. If you feel called to support the rebuilding of WNC, I would welcome your donations (Venmo preferred - @sarah-bolton 0340; Paypal - sarahwbolton@gmail.com). Your contributions will directly help provide the materials our communities need—things like propane heaters and battery-operated flood lights (winter is here), plywood, mold killer, food for volunteers, and PPE (because river towns are covered in toxic mud). All supplies will be purchased, to the extent possible, from local small businesses here in the impacted communities. Between the strong support from our federal and state governments and mutual aid efforts like this, we hope that our community can emerge from this disaster not just restored, but stronger than ever. Your generosity will not only help rebuild structures; it will help mend the spirits of those who call this beautiful place home. Thank you for considering supporting this journey towards healing and renewal as we reclaim the beauty and strength of Western North Carolina. Photo credit: NY Times

Truist launches 'Truist Cares for Western North Carolina'--a three-year, $725 million commitment to support and sustain hurricane recovery and resiliency CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Truist Financial Corporation (NYSE: TFC) today announced a new initiative, Truist Cares for Western North Carolina, a three-year, $725 million commitment to support critical small business, housing and infrastructure efforts in Western North Carolina as communities impacted by Hurricane Helene recover and rebuild. Truist Cares for Western North Carolina will include the following dedicated support over three years: * $650 million in new, dedicated capital to support rebuilding and resiliency, including: • $340 million in dedicated lending for qualified small businesses, residential mortgages, and commercial real estate • $310 million in low-cost, tax-exempt municipal lending for infrastructure projects * $50 million in loans and/or investments in Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) by Truist Community Capital * $25 million in philanthropic grants to local and national nonprofit organizations from Truist Foundation through trusted disaster response partners * Rallying Truist teammates to serve the community with a challenge to volunteer 10,000 hours SOURCE Truist Financial Corporation #truist

After Helene, it’s vital for businesses and organizations to stay front and center. Now is the time to share your story, promote your services, and remind the world why Western North Carolina is worth supporting. If you need help crafting powerful video marketing or messaging to reach your audience, let’s connect.

Providing Relief and Rebuilding Hope: MCIS Supports Community's In Need I'm Roman Sendejas at Mission Critical Interior Solutions (MCIS), our hearts go out to those facing the unimaginable loss and hardship caused by Hurricane Helene. Families have been displaced, vital infrastructure destroyed, and communities are grappling with immense challenges of not having water, food, and other daily necessities. We have always stood by communities in their greatest times of need. From the tornadoes in Arkansas, to the devastation left by hurricanes across Texas, Kentucky, and Tennessee, we've made it our mission to be there when help is needed most. Today is no different. We are mobilizing teams from our Dallas, TX headquarters to provide assistance and deliver essential food and supplies where they are needed the most. Our experienced construction specialists are team members ready to aid in rebuilding these strong, resilient communities. In times like these, no one should feel alone. We are committed to standing alongside those affected, offering not just our expertise but our compassion and unwavering support. All funds raised will go directly toward purchasing essential supplies and providing relief to those affected by Hurricane Helene. Every dollar donated is used to support the victims, ensuring that they receive the help they urgently need. If you can join us in these efforts or provide support, we welcome your partnership. Together, we can help those impacted heal and rebuild. https://gofund.me/24f8ac49

Hurricane Helene has wrecked the South East United States. From FL and GA to SC, NC, and beyond, this storm will forever be remembered as one of the most deadly in our country's history. Hurricanes affect beach communities, not mountain communities. This isn't supposed to happen in the mountains to cities like Asheville, NC. Except, perhaps, once every 1000 years. That's what Asheville, NC and surrounding communities now face, that 1 in a 1000 year event. Roads washed away. Entire towns like Chimney Rock, NC swept off the mountainside. Residents left with nothing - no power, no cell service, no water, dwindling food. This is personal. Members of Cattie & Gonzalez can tell you stories of years past when hurricanes have altered our lives. Victims have endured devastating losses, primarily by people lacking the means to rebuild. For some, they will be starting life all over again from square one. This GoFundMe is an attempt to help. As citizens of the United States, we are resilient and steadfast in our desire to help others in the face of overwhelming adversity. Now, more than ever, our strength lies in our solidarity, our fortitude, and our willingness to help one another when facing a time of need. When our neighbors need help, we lend a helping hand. It's what we do. Cattie & Gonzalez wants to help! We will donate all proceeds received to the NC Disaster Relief Fund. Donations made to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund will go to nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of storm victims such as food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies. #HurricaneHelene #NorthCarolina #GoFundMe https://lnkd.in/emcB3JBa