On September 27th, 2024, Hurricane Helene tore through the southern United States, devastating states like Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. According to CNN, the storm razed over 500 miles of land, stretching from Florida to the Southern Appalachians. Other reports from outlets like ABC11 confirmed that more than 200 lives were lost across the six states impacted by the hurricane.

Among the hardest-hit areas was Craigtown, a small, close-knit community on the outskirts of Fairview, North Carolina. For decades, Bryan Craig and his family had called this area home, but the storm brought unprecedented destruction. Massive mudslides and flooding reshaped the landscape in ways the community had never experienced.

In the aftermath, Bryan reached out to American Security with an unexpected story of hope. Amid the devastation, his parents’ safe was discovered remarkably intact, preserving cherished family belongings that survived even as their home was completely washed away.

Asheville, NC Hurricane Aftermath on September 30th (Source: CNN)

Bryan Craig, a P.E. teacher in the Western North Carolina area, never imagined that Hurricane Helene would be anything more than a passing storm. Initially, the hurricane wasn’t projected to threaten the Appalachian region and suggested little cause for concern. Large storms often lose strength after making landfall, and major flooding has never been an issue in this mountainous area. However, Helene defied expectations. 

The disaster began with relentless rainfall that triggered a catastrophic flood and multiple landslides. These landslides, originating two miles up in the Appalachian mountains, barreled down more than four miles, obliterating everything in their path. Streams that were once shallow enough to jump across swelled into torrents, wreaking havoc on the landlocked region of Western North Carolina.

Helene’s sudden shift in trajectory caught the region off guard, leaving residents no time to evacuate as the category 4 hurricane roared toward them. Many lost their homes and loved ones, including Bryan Craig, who faced the unimaginable loss of 11 family members. His parents’ home, along with all their belongings, was completely washed away.

It seemed as though not much could be salvaged — until an unexpected discovery brought a glimmer of hope to Bryan and his family.

Discovering the Craig Family Safe

Four days after Hurricane Helene swept through Craigtown, search teams combing through the devastation found a maroon American Security safe buried in the wreckage. It was located nearly a mile from where Bryan Craig’s parents’ home once stood. With help, the safe was carefully pulled from the debris, revealing that it had withstood the storm with remarkable resilience. Though the seal and firewall protection had sustained some damage, the safe’s structural integrity, including its dial-locking mechanism, remained intact.

When the safe was opened, Bryan was overwhelmed with relief. Inside were irreplaceable family treasures that had survived the storm’s fury. Most of the items were still in good condition including numerous long guns, pistols, and knives along with cash and various documents.

These recovered belongings represented more than just physical items; they were pieces of family history and legacy. For Bryan and his family, the safe’s contents became a source of comfort and connection, ensuring that cherished heirlooms could continue to be passed down to future generations.

The Ongoing Impact

Nearly two months after Hurricane Helene, Craigtown and the surrounding areas are still grappling with the storm’s aftermath. Basic necessities like access to drinkable water only returned in November 2024, highlighting the immense challenges faced by the region. Crews are tirelessly working to clear debris and repair critical infrastructure, but the road to recovery is long and demanding.

Rebuilding Craigtown is no small undertaking. It will take years of dedicated effort to restore the community and its neighboring areas to a sense of normalcy. While the entirety of Western North Carolina may never fully return to what it once was, the storm has revealed the resilience and strength of its people. From neighbors helping neighbors to volunteers and organizations stepping up to assist, the spirit of this community shines brightly.

Hearing from Bryan Craig served as a powerful reminder to our team of the mission that drives us: to protect what matters most and offer peace of mind, even in the wake of life’s most unpredictable moments.

“The safe really saved me a lifetime of memories, and it’s one of the best finds that I could’ve made out of that house”

– Bryan Craig

At American Security, our hearts go out to Bryan Craig and his family. We are grateful to have played a part in preserving their cherished heirlooms, offering a little comfort during an incredibly difficult time. We’re keeping the communities of Western North Carolina in our thoughts as they continue their ongoing recovery and rebuilding efforts.