Lexington plumbing company sends supplies for Helene relief

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Hurricane Helene's death toll has climbed to at least 227 people as of Oct. 6, making it the second deadliest storm in the U.S. behind Hurricane Katrina.

As those crews work to clean up in Asheville, North Carolina, a particularly hard-hit area, some people from in the Lexington area have been pitching in time and supplies.

"He just started telling me about how bad it actually was; started sending me pictures and videos of it and I saw wow there's really a significant amount of damage," said Jake Miller, owner of Pipe Surgeon Plumbing.

Miller said when he saw pictures of the damage sent from his high school friend Austin Ridenour, he knew he wanted to help.

"I was like okay I'd love to help out, bring some food and water down and see what else I can do while I'm there," said Miller. "Even in the dark, you could just see the insane amount of destruction that just happened there, houses that were just flattened; cars that were off the side of the road that were buried in mud from the rivers overrunning."

Ridenour said Jake joined an army of local agencies from North Carolina and beyond.

"There's work trucks everywhere from every state and water and food distribution points," said Ridenour, who lives in Asheville.

Miller said he brought down food and water and tried to help with plumbing issues where possible.

"Probably half of the license plates I saw were out of state, just people who had trailers hooked up to their trucks and bringing supplies, whatever they could do to help the community out," said Miller.

Ridenour said it was welcome company during such a difficult time in his community.

"He left the other day and then the other night, I went back to the house alone, and I was like 'wow it was nice to have Jake over here with me too and helping out with things and all of that," said Ridenour.

Ridenour said those looking to help are encouraged to do some research before buying products because some communities have received a significant amount of basic necessities. He said some areas of need be batteries, feminine products, diapers and baby formula.