Hurricane Florence will soon be upon us, and it just so happens that it’s happening during the same week as another event that, as Florence soon will be, is etched into our collective American consciousness.

When the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, happened, Americans were at the same time sad and horrified but also united and willing to help others. Certainly nobody is glad those attacks happened, but many these days look back nostalgically at how united Americans were in the days and weeks following that terrible event 17 years ago. Nobody cared what political party you supported or where you were from. We were united in our need to care for our fellow citizens, because the attack touched all of us.

Now Hurricane Florence is upon us and, while simply a natural phenomenon rather than an evil force bent on American destruction, will be quite destructive nevertheless. It’s possible Florence will cause much property damage, injuries and even deaths.

Much has been said in recent days on social media about how united folks can get when a hurricane is coming. We all agree on our collective disdain for storms that arise in the tropics. Now it’s time to come together in our response to the storm.

Despite the improved forecast for Suffolk, Hurricane Florence still will be a large-scale storm that causes a lot of trouble for Suffolkians. You can help the city recover.

If you have the ability and resources to help out, we urge you to help your neighbors after the storm has passed. Check on the elderly and other vulnerable people who may not readily ask for help. Break out the chainsaw, share your stockpile of food, lend a tarp, let them use your phone and plug into your generator.

We can all practice being good neighbors a little more often, and it starts now.