News
Hurricane Helene - Free Furniture?
katie linsky shaw
Dec 9, 2024
Summary
A furniture store in Asheville, NC, that was flooded during Hurricane Helene in September, offered up its damaged, muddy inventory to anyone who could carry it off. Some people were outraged the business gave away possibly toxic furniture. Environmental experts had warned of dangerous chemicals in floodwaters and leftover mud.
Swannanoa River runs through the center of Asheville. During Hurricane Helene in September, the river reached record levels with flood stages as high as 26 feet. Lives were lost and homes and businesses were destroyed. Even businesses, not directly along the river, faced flooding like Davis Home Furniture.
The large warehouse full of furniture lost inventory when floodwaters and mud overtook the building. A week after the storm, the business offered up its flood-damaged furniture to anyone who could carry it out. Families showed up with trucks to pick up the free, muddy pieces. Children sat on couches to claim the furniture as their families waited for loading assistance.
I walked around the parking lot and was very aware of the smell from floodwaters - a burning, dusty odor. There was already talk in the news about toxic chemicals in the mud from floodwaters that tore through buildings and cars releasing chemicals, sewage and gasoline. Environmental experts were recommending protective clothing and masks for anyone working in the mud and dust.
When I posted the images to Instagram that night, I was surprised by how many times the post was shared and how many people were outraged by the giveaway. I don't know if the furniture was toxic. But it was interesting to see the reactions.
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