In 2017, it became painfully evident that climate change isn’t just coming, it’s already here. People and communities all over the world were reminded in the most brutal ways that the forces of nature, though necessary to life on Earth, can also be devastating. Multiple hurricanes of unprecedented power, earthquakes, fires and mudslides and other devastating events created chaos and crisis all over the world. However, times of crisis can be when the most inspiring human moments arise – when humanity shines brightest.

One year ago, Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, Texas, and led to historic flooding. Lisa Bates, an independent agent licensed to sell Aflac products, and her family – including her 10-month-old daughter – were stranded and in need of help.

With no power and little battery left on her phone, Lisa sent out a message on social media. Within minutes, hundreds responded from her Aflac family, including Billy Cable, 2018 Aflac #CSRHero and Aflac policyholder. Thanks to Billy and his son’s immediate response, Lisa and her family were able to evacuate their home safely.

The 2018 hurricane season – which kicked off June 1 – is expected to be “near-or above-normal,” according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. As those who have been in a hurricane will tell you, nobody affected by Harvey or Irma or any other event will look at an approaching storm without profound anxiety.

On one street, eerie silence. On another, people screaming for help.

And water everywhere.

Dodging submerged cars and picket fences, their boat’s propeller had already sustained damage. They knew it wouldn’t last much longer, but they had to keep going.

There were more families needing to be rescued.

Michael McDaniel is a Medtronic employee and a proud Texas-native. The 38-year old lives in Dallas with his wife and two children. But he grew up in Houston.