Storm Aftermath Hits Chapin: The Clark Family’s Experience
CHAPIN, S.C. — Tropical Storm Helene made its presence known in Chapin, leaving residents grappling with the aftermath of the chaos it created. One of the hardest-hit areas was Night Harbor, where cleanup crews were busy all day Saturday, helping families pick up the pieces.
Unexpected Damage
Among those affected was the Clark family, who experienced a harrowing night when the storm rolled through. Krisdee Clark, a mother of two, recounted the moments leading up to the incident. She explained that around 5 a.m., her daughter stumbled into her room, sharing a nightmare that had just shaken her awake. Little did they know, a nightmare far more terrifying was about to unfold.
“It sounded like a gunshot,” Krisdee recalled, her voice shaking as she described the moment. “Then all of a sudden, the entire back part of my glass in my bedroom shattered when a tree landed on our roof.” The family quickly sprang into action, moving to the bathroom as Krisdee’s instincts kicked in, trying to keep her children safe.
A Frightening Experience
With trees crashing down around them, Krisdee described the experience as terrifying. “I thought we were in the middle of a tornado,” she said, her eyes wide with disbelief at how nature could unleash such fury. The reality of what had just happened quickly sank in — glass was everywhere, and her daughter had even cut her head from the wreckage. “It was just insane. You’re not really expecting it. We were all in shock.”
But it wasn’t just one tree that fell. Following the first, Krisdee heard a series of cracks, and soon four more trees came crashing down onto her husband’s car. Despite the chaos, she focused on ensuring her family’s safety and connecting with neighbors to check on their well-being. Generators were hooked up, and the family huddled in the middle of their house, uncertain of what the next moment would bring.
A Helping Hand
Thankfully, help arrived quickly. Tree removal crews appeared, working tirelessly to clear away the fallen trees and debris from the Clark’s yard. “Since Friday morning, the crews have been nonstop,” Krisdee shared with gratitude, appreciating the help they were receiving. She anticipated the crews would be around for days to assist with the cleanup.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on the experience, Krisdee shared her newfound awareness of nature’s power. “I think it was eye-opening about just the force of nature and what can occur,” she stated. Her young son even ran into the house thinking an earthquake had struck, as he felt the ground shake from the impact of the trees falling.
Despite the chaos and damage to their home, the Clark family felt truly fortunate. They realized that compared to others dealing with severe repercussions from the storm, their situation could have been a lot worse. “We’re thankful it wasn’t worse,” Krisdee emphasized, showing appreciation for the community’s support and the fact that their family was safe.
Preparation for the Future
Krisdee’s experience serves as a reminder for all of us to be prepared for sudden weather changes. Teaching children where to go during emergencies and respecting nature’s power are crucial takeaways from such events. “You just never know how it’s going to hit and what it’s going to do,” she concluded, her voice firm with the knowledge that awareness and readiness can make all the difference.
