BACK2BASICS: WHAT I LEARNED FROM IRMA

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As a Hybrid-Prepper I have to give myself a “C” post hurricane Irma. My family and I successfully ‘bugged-out’ and returned home. We left home earlier than orignianlly plan but prior to leaving the home was properly stocked with dry and canned goods and we had enough cash on hand. Upon returning home we were able to live the few days without electricity eating and drinking as we had before the storm- with a few adjustments. Yes, I had to take one cold shower. It was good that we were able to stay away so long because three days after we returned home the power (and internet) was completely resotred. But I did learn a few things.

Adversity reveals the true nature of a persons’ character. Sure you may know that a family member or friend is selfish but trials reveal how selfish. Those of us who have gone through a major event such as a hurricane, or even a major illness or death, may have seen the un-Christlike behavior of some Christians.

I was very proud of my 10 year old grandson who did more physical work than I did. But, I was surprised and dissapointed in many of the adult children who could not contribute, or just did not, with labor -putting up shutters- or helping to fray the cost of traveling, eating on the road or the hotel expenses.

Not everyone can deal with high level stressors. When you have to evacuate, ‘bug-out.’ you must know who is your weakest link.  There will be no surprises on the road if you do not ignore those little things you see now in your children, your friends, your family and or your spouse. You have to know the strengths and weakness of those in your group not so that you can abandon them but so you will have a plan to compensate for their shortcomings at the appropriate time.

During a crisis getting the support you need becomes difficult when your personal resources (friends and family) base their understanding of what is happening on the news. Promised pleges can be nullified once the media declared the crisis is over. Those who do not live in the effected area see images on televisin of homes not touched by the hurricane, homes with minimal damage or they see distruction where they know they have no friends or family living.

FOR THE RECORD: We are actually doing OK. (Thanks family!)

The reason you see tarp on roofs is because it takes weeks, if not months, before the insurance claims can be processed. FEMA is available to help people get food stamps and other government aids, as well as loans and for some grants. Many people, my household included, will have to wait for the insurance company to authorize the repairs. (The claims adjuster has not yet called to make an appointment to asses the damage. Claim filed 4 days ago.)  I suspect that much of the property damage the insurance company will consider “cosmetic” and not pay for it. But by law, because I have a pool, I need a fence; I don’t have $8,000 to build a new one. (No I don’t expect others to pay for it.)

There are out of pocket expenses that even when evacuation is planned cannot be determined until an event happens. Neither FEMA nor the Insurance company will put back the hundreds of dollars worth of frozen meat that went bad because the power outage, not to mention everything that was in the refrigerator. Rebuilding cost, some people cannot afford the insurance deductible. Think about the people who have to decide if they are going to make the mandatory health insurance payment or begin the process of repairing the storm damage. Life post hurricane Irma is more complicated than outsiders think.

Because we don’t know the day or the hour that an event will happen we will not be 100% ready- ever. I DON’T CARE HOW GREAT A PREPPER YOU ARE.  Most preppers focus on stocking up and bugging out, in addition to defending what they have. An important part of a Preppers plan should be restoration, at least if you are like me and are a Hybrid Prepper, you should be.

I am blessed with family that can, will and did help when I asked.

Why did I give myself a “C”? Because I did not plan restoration very well. I did not take into account that when I evacuated I would bring my 2 daughters and two of my grandchildren with me. My adult daughters paid their own way during the evacuation BUT they spent their bill money to do so. They are at an age in which they are building their finances, which includes becoming debt free, so their limited funds is understandable.

We made the decision to leave our home and were able to stay in a hotel for five nights, when we returned home the power was off but only for a few days. For me, as a Hybrid Prepper, this was a trial run. I pray we will nothave to go through this again but if we do my family is ready.

Finally as a Believer throughout this entire ordeal I did not stop seeking His face. I learned: Father God does not leave us or forsake us; in the midst of the storm He is with us. Therefore I know He will supply all that my family needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus as we begin the restoration process.      —Marsha L F Randolph

LEARN MORE ABOUT PREPPING FROM A CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE

READ: YOU'RE NOT READY by Marsha L F Randolph

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NETTIEOLOGY A compilation of ideas, opinions, beliefs and activities of Nettie a pseudo-fictional character created by Marsha L F Randolph. The author, Marsha L F Randolph maintains all rights associated with copyright laws; do not use post / articles without the permission of the author Marsha L F Randolph. All quotes should cite Marsha L F Randolph as the author.
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