Dad installed a storm shelter over 10 years ago, unknowingly saving his family’s lives

In areas prone to tornadoes, being prepared for the unexpected can make all the difference. A family in Breman, Kentucky experienced this firsthand when a storm shelter saved their lives.

A Modern-Day War Zone

During a powerful storm that hit western Kentucky, Jordan Evans and his son Gage were out of town. When Jordan returned, he described the devastation as resembling a war zone.

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No Basement, But a Shelter Next Door

The rest of the family was in danger as the storm approached their house, which lacked a basement or any underground refuge. However, fortunately, there was a storm shelter next door, measuring 10 feet deep and 12 feet wide.

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Justin Pointer, Gage’s stepfather, led the entire family, along with their two dogs, into the compact shelter just in time to wait out the passing tornado.

Holding Strong

The Importance of Preparation

Justin recalled the intense moment, saying, “It started shaking the lid real bad, we had to hold it down.” Despite the shelter being cramped and uncomfortable, it provided the much-needed protection as the storm wreaked havoc on their home.

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Built by Justin’s father a decade ago, the shelter had never been used until that fateful night of December 19. The cost of its construction was a distant memory compared to the safety it provided. Reflecting on the experience, Justin emphasized, “He said he’d pay a hundred times more for it right now.”

Community Unity in Mayfield

Kentucky bore the brunt of the tornado, leaving numerous people missing and the area resembling a ghost town. However, one man stepped up to bring hope back to Mayfield.

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Jim Finch, a native of Paducah, Kentucky, drove around with a large grill, offering ready-to-cook meals to the tornado victims. He parked in the town center, where a journalist inquired about his selfless act.

“I know they don’t have electricity, so that means no restaurants, no running water. So I just figured I’d do what I can do,” Jim explained. “Show up with some food and some water.”

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Asked if he owned a restaurant, Jim simply shook his head, stating that it was something that needed to be done.

A Beacon of Hope

Mayfield Mayor Kathy Stewart O’Nan acknowledged the dire situation, with damaged infrastructure and a lack of essential services. Rebuilding will require time, perseverance, and the collective effort of the entire community.

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People like Jim Finch serve as beacons of hope, shining a light in the darkest times. Born in Kentucky but going out of his way to aid tornado-ravaged Mayfield, he exemplifies the spirit of compassion and support that is needed in times of crisis.