We recently experienced a significant weather event. On Tuesday, 8/6/24, a storm quickly moved through Northern Ohio, later claimed to be the worst storm to hit the area in 30 years. I was working 30 minutes west of our home and warned my husband that it was coming. Within minutes, it arrived. I soon discovered that he and our son were watching a downdraft, which rapidly ripped out my sunflowers. To give you a little more perspective, my husband usually uses a saw to cut them down at the end of summer. They were broken and thrown like rag dolls. My husband cut the flowers off to try to save them for me. He knows I love having them every summer. It was also our 19th wedding anniversary. That probably helped, too.

At the same time, the power went out. It was warm and humid, so my husband pulled out the generator we bought a few years ago. He wanted to ensure we could keep the fridge and freezer running. We received a notice that the power should be back on at 9. After surveying the yard, we saw that some neighbors' trampolines had been blown across the street, and some flag poles and basketball hoops were knocked over or bent. About 5 minutes from our house, the storm was much worse. Trees were down, and there was more extensive damage to homes than what we experienced. A few days later, the National Weather Service confirmed that five F1 tornadoes had touched down across Northern Ohio.

9 p.m. came and went. We got an update that there was no ETA. I decided to sleep in the basement because the house was hot. I didn't sleep well while down there for half the night. My stepson, who lives on the West Coast and is a night owl, is in town. I could hear him roaming repeatedly and letting the dogs out periodically. After a few hours, I went upstairs to our room. The house had cooled off considerably, but our windows were open. The generator roared outside our window. I dozed on and off. My husband closed the windows at some point, and I finally fell asleep.

Like clockwork, we woke up around 6 a.m. on Wednesday. Since we still didn’t have power, I took a warm shower with some of our remaining "hot" water and drove into our office about 30 minutes away—not my best look. I didn’t wash my hair because I couldn’t dry it. My closet was dark, so I didn’t spend much time looking my best.

On the way to work, I stopped at two gas stations to get gas. Both had power but were having issues. I was only able to get $10 worth of gas. I would have to stop on the way home. Fast forward to the afternoon; the gas station looked busy. Then I noticed all the gas pumps were covered and I couldn’t get gas. However, a line of Teslas was waiting to charge at the charging stations. I had to drive another 10 minutes south to get gas.

While none of these situations were terrible, it makes you feel more vulnerable. I should have kept more gas in my tank, and I wished I hadn’t left a load of laundry ready to go. I have clean clothes, but it’s never a great feeling when you know you only have a few days or so left before you might have to consider hand-washing some things. I am blessed to have air conditioning and not deal with temperature swings and windy conditions blowing through the house. Unfortunately, losing the convinces in life briefly made me appreciate them more.

This downtime gave me some time to go outside and harvest probably the most tomatoes I’ve ever picked in one day. My tomato plants were blown around and now hang over the fencing that keeps my dogs and rabbits out and the vegetables in. There’s plenty to pick, which is always a good thing. I attempted a quick shower, which was lukewarm. I knew that was probably my last shot at any warm water.

We were fortunate overnight. The air was cool and very breezy, which made it much easier to sleep Wednesday night.

We woke up Thursday morning around 6:10 a.m. Overnight, we received a text from the power company stating that we should get power before 8/14. That was still six days away. That was a hard message to read. I took a nice cold shower and brought my hair dryer to work to dry my hair in the women’s room. I never thought I would do that, but I can’t pull off letting my hair air dry. It’s scary for everyone.

Thursday was much warmer, more humid, and less breezy. Our 11-year-old dog was noticeably more stressed today. I took the dogs to the basement for a while this evening. I’m hoping that makes us all feel a little bit better. I am cooler but have four dogs snuggled around me. (Two are our dogs, and two are my stepson’s dogs.)

Thursday was our son’s 17th birthday. I feel bad that this is the event he’ll remember for his birthday. We could still pick up a cake he likes and take him to one of his preferred restaurants for dinner. While we were at dinner, half of our neighborhood regained power. I was hopeful that meant we would get power tomorrow. However, we’re on a different grid, so that may not happen. Only time will tell.

We grabbed some dinner, came home, and had cake for our son’s birthday. We were all around the kitchen when a flash of light came on. We had 10 seconds of staring at the kitchen light in shock. We had power and could hear other families cheering across the neighborhood. It finally came back on at 8 p.m. precisely. Our internet came back sometime overnight. We were so happy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen us clean up so fast. We put away all the emergency supplies, vacuumed, and did laundry. I slept so much better.

This experience got my husband and me thinking. While this was inconvenient and sometimes unpleasant, it could have been worse. I wouldn’t consider us hardcore preppers, but we have some supplies ready in case we need them. We talked about what we can and should do differently. We should be better about storing the supplies together. We had to look around the basement to find the candles in the dark. We thought about some things after the fact. I think people often believe that prepping or emergency preparedness is too expensive, but there are small steps you can take over time. Even when you’re grocery shopping, get a few extra shelf-stable foods that you can rotate through if needed.

We were out of power for about 52 hours. As I type this, over 60 hours later, there are still 183,000 people without power, and thousands of homes didn’t get power until six or seven days after the storm. Having enough food to get you through is a big deal, not to mention all the other things you depend upon daily. We were getting to the point where we might have to wash clothes by hand. My husband bought some 5-gallon buckets and clothespins. Had this gone another day, we would have been hanging clothes on a line outside. I’m sure the neighbors would have loved that.

If you haven't started preparing for an emergency, now's the time. Here are some practical steps to get you started. Plus, here's a complimentary link to a companion checklist for this article:

Empowering Women: Essential Emergency Preparedness Tips

In today’s unpredictable world, being prepared for emergencies is crucial. However, women often face unique challenges that make preparedness even more essential. From natural disasters to personal safety concerns, women must have the knowledge and tools to navigate emergencies effectively. This section will focus on emergency preparedness tailored explicitly for women.

1. Understanding the Risks

The first step in emergency preparedness is understanding the potential risks in your area and personal life:

• Natural Disasters: Depending on your location, you may face risks like hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or earthquakes. Research local hazards and familiarize yourself with your community’s emergency response plans.

• Personal Safety: Women may be more vulnerable to specific personal safety threats. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone or at night.

• Health Concerns: Women may have specific health needs like pregnancy or chronic conditions. Understanding how to manage these health issues during an emergency is essential.

2. Creating a Comprehensive Emergency Plan

An effective emergency plan can significantly affect how you respond to a crisis. Here's how to create one:

• Gather Your Family: Involve family members in discussions about emergency preparedness. Ensure everyone understands the plan and their roles.

• Communication Plan: Establish a communication strategy, designating a contact person outside your immediate area. Make sure everyone knows how to reach them.

• Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple evacuation routes from your home, workplace, and other frequently visited locations. Practice these routes with your family.

• Safe Meeting Places: Choose safe places to gather after an emergency at home and in your community.

3. Assembling an Emergency Kit

A well-stocked emergency kit can be a lifesaver. Here’s what to include:

• Personal Care Items: Include feminine hygiene products, medications, and other personal care items specific to your needs.

• First Aid Supplies: A comprehensive first aid kit is essential. Consider taking a first aid class to learn how to use the items effectively.

• Food and Water: Pack non-perishable food items and enough water for at least 72 hours. If applicable, bring snacks for children or pets.

• Emergency Documents: Keep copies of essential documents, such as identification, insurance policies, and medical records, in a waterproof container.

• Cash and Spare Keys: Include cash and spare keys to your home and car in your kit.

4. Staying Informed and Educated

Knowledge is power when it comes to emergency preparedness. Here’s how to stay informed:

• Take Classes: Consider enrolling in courses on emergency preparedness, first aid, self-defense, and CPR. Many organizations offer specialized training for women.

• Stay Updated: Follow local news and weather reports to stay informed about potential threats. Many emergency services provide alerts via text or apps.

• Join Community Groups: Engage with local organizations focused on emergency preparedness and safety. Sharing knowledge and resources can enhance your preparedness.

5. Prioritizing Personal Safety

In addition to general emergency preparedness, personal safety is paramount:

• Self-Defense Training: Consider taking self-defense classes to empower yourself and increase your confidence in handling threatening situations.

• Personal Safety Apps: Utilize technology to enhance your safety. Various apps can alert friends or authorities in case of an emergency.

• Home Security Measures: Invest in security measures for your home, such as good locks, security cameras, and alarm systems.

6. Building a Support Network

Having a reliable support network can make all the difference during emergencies:

• Communicate with Neighbors: Get to know your neighbors and establish a mutual support system. Having trusted people nearby can help during crises.

• Connect with Local Organizations: Many communities have organizations dedicated to helping women in emergencies. Connecting with them can provide additional resources and support.

• Stay in Touch with Friends and Family: Regularly check in with your loved ones and discuss your emergency plan. Knowing that you have a support system can reduce anxiety and improve your preparedness.

Emergency Planning for Homes and Families: A Step-by-Step Guide

Emergencies, whether natural disasters, power outages, or other unforeseen events, can strike without warning. Preparing your home ensures your and your loved ones' safety. This section will guide you through the steps to create a well-prepared home, from essential readiness to advanced prepper-level preparation.

1. Basic Emergency Preparedness

If you're starting, focus on these foundational steps to ensure your home is ready for common emergencies:

• Create an Emergency Plan:

  • Family Communication Plan: Establish how your family will communicate during an emergency. Identify safe meeting points inside and outside your home.

  • Emergency Contacts: List essential contacts, including family, neighbors, and local emergency services.

• Assemble an Emergency Kit:

  • 72-Hour Kit: Start with a basic kit that can sustain your family for at least 72 hours. Include non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, flashlights, extra batteries, a multi-tool, personal hygiene items, cash, and essential documents.

• Home Safety Measures:

  • Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Ensure these devices have fresh batteries installed.

  • Fire Extinguishers: Place fire extinguishers in key areas like the kitchen and garage, and make sure everyone knows how to use them.

  • Know Your Utilities: Learn how to shut off gas, water, and electricity in an emergency.

2. Intermediate Preparedness

Once you’ve covered the basics, take your preparation a step further by focusing on longer-term survival and increased home safety:

• Expand Your Emergency Supplies:

  • Food and Water Supply: Build a stockpile of food and water to last at least two weeks. Consider foods with long shelf lives, like rice, beans, and freeze-dried meals.

  • Medical Supplies: Expand your first aid kit with items like antibiotics, additional bandages, and over-the-counter medications.

  • Backup Power: Invest in a portable generator or solar-powered chargers for essential devices.

• Home Security Enhancements:

  • Reinforce Doors and Windows: Install deadbolts and window locks to prevent unauthorized entry during a crisis.

  • Security System: Consider a home security system with backup power that can function during power outages.

• Create an Evacuation Plan:

  • Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple exit routes from your home and practice them with your family.

  • Go-Bags: Prepare lightweight go-bags for each family member, including essentials like clothes, water, snacks, and personal items, in case of a quick evacuation.

3. Advanced Prepper-Level Preparedness

For those committed to being fully prepared for any scenario, including long-term emergencies or societal disruptions, consider these advanced steps:

• Long-Term Food Storage:

  • Bulk Supplies: Stockpile foods with a 20+ year shelf life, such as freeze-dried foods, dehydrated fruits, and grains stored in mylar bags with oxygen absorbers.

  • Gardening and Livestock: Grow your food through gardening, and consider raising chickens or other small livestock for a sustainable food source.

• Water Purification and Storage:

  • Large-Scale Storage: Install water storage tanks capable of holding several hundred gallons of water.

  • Water Purification: Invest in high-quality water filters, such as Berkey systems, and stock up on water purification tablets.

• Energy Independence:

  • Alternative Energy Sources: Consider installing solar panels with battery storage to maintain power during extended outages.

  • Wood Stove: Install a wood-burning stove for heating and cooking without reliance on gas or electricity.

• Home Defense and Self-Sufficiency:

  • Home Fortification: Strengthen your home’s defenses with reinforced doors, security cameras, and motion-sensor lighting.

  • Self-Defense Training: Consider training in self-defense techniques and learn how to handle and store firearms safely.

• Community Building:

  • Build a Network: Connect with like-minded neighbors and local groups focused on preparedness. Sharing resources and skills can be invaluable in a long-term emergency.

  • Skill Development: Learn essential survival skills such as first aid, hunting, fishing, and home repair to increase self-sufficiency.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for an emergency is an ongoing process. Start with the basics, gradually build up your supplies and plans, and move toward a higher level of preparedness as your resources and knowledge grow. No matter where you are on this journey, the key is to remain informed, stay organized, and ensure your family is ready to face any challenge that comes your way. By taking these steps, you’ll be better equipped to protect your loved ones and maintain peace of mind during uncertain times.

Call to Action

✨ Stay Prepared and Empowered! Emergencies can happen when we least expect them—being prepared makes all the difference. Take charge of your safety with practical strategies tailored for women. Download our free guide for actionable tips and start building your emergency plan today. Don't wait—equip yourself with the knowledge and confidence to face any challenge life throws your way!

References:

• Ready.gov. (n.d.). Build a Kit. Retrieved from Ready.gov

• The National Weather Service. (n.d.). Tornado Safety Tips. Retrieved from NWS

• Federal Emergency Management Agency. (n.d.). Emergency Preparedness Checklist. Retrieved from FEMA.gov