HURRICANE SURVIVOR SHARES 6 TOOLS FOR LOCAL EMERGENCY
I wasn’t caught in the pathway of Hurricane Helene, but I watched from a distance. I’d guess many of you were in the same boat… But if you were directly impacted by Helene —drop a comment and share what your experience was like.
As I observed the hurricane’s impact from afar, I had a thought that keeps rattling around in my mind: I might face a similar crisis in my own community someday. It may not be a hurricane, but disasters strike in all forms. And if that day comes, how can I be better prepared? Not only for myself, but also to serve others when the need arises?
To dig into this question, I turned to my private community and asked:
“Besides food and bottled water, what are 1-3 critical supplies or skill sets you’ve used in a difficult situation?”
I received almost 25 pages of emailed replies, with nearly 100 different supplies and skills mentioned.
For today, though, I want to highlight one email in particular—one that really stood out to me. It’s from James, a 64-year-old man from Louisiana who’s weathered every major hurricane in the state over the past 50 years, including Katrina. James shared the three critical supplies and corresponding skills he’s relied on through these crises.
James writes:
I grew up and live in Southeast Louisiana. I’ve lived through and responded to (when I got older) basically every hurricane to come this way since 1960, including Katrina, which went right over our house, and several others that affected friends and loved ones. So yes, food and water are critical, and you’ve got that covered. Here’s my top 3 supplies and corresponding skills list:
Supplies:
- First Aid Kit – This should include everything from aspirin to items needed to splint a broken or fractured bone. We keep ours in lockable tough totes and 5-gallon buckets with Gamma lids.
- Fire Starters – Cold food is fine for a bit, but a warm meal can make the difference between forging on or giving up when tasks need to be done. Propane stoves, burners, and BBQ grills are great as long as you can get the propane. But also have a supply of wood and a way to get it burning. I store 2-3 bags of charcoal briquettes and use a chimney-type charcoal starter (it looks like a tall tin can with a handle). You’ll also want lighters, strike-anywhere matches, storm matches, candles, etc. This way, you can get even damp wood to start burning quickly.
- Basic Mechanic and Carpentry Hand Tools – A hand axe (hatchet), a cutting axe, a bow saw, and a chainsaw with maintenance tools (files, extra spark plug, extra chain, bar oil, gas, safety helmet, goggles, chainsaw chaps, work boots, gloves, etc.) are essential. Repair manuals and books on basic carpentry and engine maintenance will come in handy.
Skills:
- First Aid Training – Basic and moderately advanced first aid courses can be lifesaving. The Red Cross, local fire departments, and community colleges are great places to find free or low-cost training.
- Fire Building and Cooking – Learn and practice lighting fires, as well as cooking on open fires or propane stoves. You’d be amazed at what you can cook beyond burgers and chicken. I’ve cooked lasagna on a BBQ grill, made pies, cooked cakes, stews, roasts, even biscuits. Cooking over an open flame takes practice, so get a book or two on campfire cooking and start learning.
- Tool Use and Maintenance – Learn how to use and maintain your mechanic and carpentry tools. You don’t need to know how to build a house, but basic repairs and troubleshooting skills are important. The same goes for using cutting tools—axes, hatchets, saws, and chainsaws. Limbs can snap back, trees can twist and split, and this can be hazardous work, so learn your limits and how to do the job safely.
Bonus Tip: Shelter
Most of us have a place to lay our heads, but many people lose everything during a disaster. I’ve slept in tents and cooked under tarps while responding to hurricanes. A small (or large) tent, several tarps, tent stakes, rope, a spool of parachute cord, a cot, sheets, blankets, and a pillow can be invaluable in the right (or wrong) circumstances.
I’ve used many other supplies and skills throughout my life, but these are my top three. If you master these, many other skills will flow naturally, and you’ll see where you need to improve. Some of the items aren’t cheap, so it might take time to accumulate them, but they will all come in handy when you need them. Hope this helps, and again, God bless!
James’ advice is a testament to the importance of preparedness, not just for ourselves but for those we care about. His focus on practical skills paired with essential supplies shows us how to be ready for the unexpected and how to serve when crisis strikes.
-the Shepherdess
“…but the people who do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” Daniel 11:32
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