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MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WAGA/FOX NEWS) - It is more than just an old Southern tale that Waffle House tries to remain open no matter what. That includes hurricanes.
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“People need to eat!” one Waffle House server told FOX 5 News.
No matter what Hurricane Florence brings to Myrtle Beach, the Waffle House off Highway 501 will be open, doing all they can.
FOX 5’s Will Nunley who has been on the coast covering the storm got a first-hand look Wednesday about the Waffle House’s “Go Teams” that are trained to prepare food in a variety of conditions during a disaster. They train for different scenarios such as no power, gas, and water.
Megan, his server said, "We do all we can to stay open for our emergency responders, media, and hungry neighbors."
Just as FOX 5 News brings in special teams to the area, so does Waffle House. They serve a specialized menu, and the employees stay in a nearby hotel to keep a fresh shift working around the clock.
It could be called disaster relief in the form of fresh eggs and coffee.
The Georgia-based chain also doesn’t charge first responders. Now that's an All Star!
The Waffle House posted on their social media Wednesday that they have active the Waffle House Storm Center in Norcross ahead of Hurricane Florence. FEMA
The popular diner chain renowned for its 365-day 24-hour service has an emergency routine that’s so well-regarded, the Federal Emergency Management Agency unofficially uses the restaurants' status as an indicator for the severity of a natural disaster.
After several Waffle House locations closed or were serving only a limited menu in 2004 when Hurricane Charley hit Florida, FEMA officials noted the severity of the storm damage based on the fact that the chain never closes.
“If you get there and the Waffle House is closed? That’s really bad. That’s where you go to work,” then FEMA administrator Craig Fugate said.
When a storm strikes, local officials will put out a call to the nearest Waffle House and find out what’s on the menu. The “Waffle House Index” has three, color-coded levels: green means the restaurant is open and serving a full menu; yellow indicates the menu has been scaled back and there may be water but no power; and red indicates the restaurant is completely shut down—and the area is likely in need of serious assistance.
READ MORE: The Waffle House Storm Index on FOXNews.com