Story ID: 
NBAA Activates ‘HERO’ Response to Helene
By: Sarah Rose
Caption: Hurricane has caused billions in damages
Word Count: 173
NBAA has mobilized its Humanitarian Emergency Response Operator (HERO) database in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which has caused widespread damage to communities across the Southeastern U.S., the association announced today.
The HERO database allows people to enter information about the availability of airplanes, personnel, and other assets for relief missions. Information from the database is provided to government agencies and non-government organizations upon request. 
“Business aircraft have long played an essential role in providing relief for people and communities in need in times of crisis,” noted Doug Carr, NBAA senior vice president of safety, security, sustainability, and international operations. “They are often able to turn roadways into runways, or hillsides into heliports, in order to reach isolated locations. NBAA’s HERO database offers one-stop access to those in business aviation who want to lend a helping hand with their aircraft and other assets.”
Insurers and forecasters have projected that catastrophic damage caused by Helene is somewhere between $15 billion and $100 billion.