This week, Leigh and producer Christy reflect on the devastating floods that struck Texas Hill Country over the July 4th weekend—and what we can all learn from this tragedy. We discuss how to be 38% prepared for disasters like flash floods, which are the deadliest weather event in the United States. For more flood safety tips, check out Episode 5: “Hello Spring, Flood Me Not,” where we share why flash floods are the #1 weather-related killer in the U.S. What You'll Learn: How to assess your floo...
Jul 22, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 45
Part 3 of "What Really Happens" series: SBA Loans & Long-Term Recovery Groups! After a disaster, getting back on your feet takes more than just clean-up, In Part 3 of "What Really Happens" series- 38% Prepared , Angie & Leigh walk you through the next phase of recovery — including FEMA's lesser-known programs and how the Small Business Administration (SBA) steps in (hint: it’s not just for businesses!). 📝 Because thinking is the first step of preparedness. 🎧 Listen now on your favorite...
Jul 05, 2025•23 min•Season 3Ep. 44
In this continuation of the 38% Prepared Podcast series on disaster recovery, hosts Angie and Leigh discuss FEMA's individual assistance programs that become available after a federally declared disaster. What You'll Learn: The difference between Other Needs Assistance (ONA) and Temporary Housing Assistance What ONA covers beyond property damage (like medical costs and funeral expenses) How Temporary Housing programs work — from rental aid to hotel coverage What FEMA’s Home Repair Assistance inc...
Jun 21, 2025•23 min•Season 3Ep. 43
🎙️ Why We Don’t Prepare for Disasters Episode Summary Why do we delay emergency prep—even when we know better? In this episode, our host Leigh, Angie, and producer Christy unpack the hidden psychological biases that hold us back, like normalcy bias and short-term thinking. You’ll learn simple, practical ways to shift your mindset and take action—because thinking is the first step of preparedness . 🎧 Keep the Conversation Going Listen to more episodes of 38% Prepared and make preparedness feel ...
May 31, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 42
🌪️ May 22 marks 14 years since the EF5 tornado devastated Joplin, Missouri. In our latest episode, we unpack the Netflix doc The Twister: Caught in the Storm —and what it teaches us about being prepared when disaster strikes. What’s Inside: A Harrowing Look: How the film captures the raw, personal stories of teens and young adults who had just celebrated graduation before the storm hit. Ignored Warnings: Why many Joplin residents didn’t respond to sirens—and what we can learn from that. Unfilte...
May 11, 2025•36 min
Did you know that, according to FEMA, only 38% of people in the U.S. are prepared for a disaster? In this episode of 38% Prepared , Angie and Leigh kick off a brand-new series focused on what happens after a disaster strikes. 🔍 What You'll Learn: What the "Sequence of Delivery" is and why it’s critical for disaster recovery The difference between the response and recovery phases Immediate actions to take after a tornado or similar disaster How to report property damage to local emergency manage...
Apr 26, 2025•29 min•Season 3Ep. 37
In this episode, Leigh and Angie uncover the sticky tragedy—the true story of the 1919 Great Molasses Flood in Boston’s North End. A seemingly harmless substance turned into a deadly force, killing 21 people and injuring over 150 people. This historic disaster helped usher in modern building codes and corporate accountability, leaving a lasting legacy in safety regulation. "Thinking is the first step of preparedness. And for this episode: situational awareness is the first step of preparedness."...
Apr 05, 2025•25 min•Season 3Ep. 37
Heart health matters year-round! Although February was American Heart Month, it’s important to keep the conversation going. This episode explores how heart disease uniquely affects women and why it remains their #1 killer. Stay informed, recognize the signs, and take steps to protect your heart health! ❤️ You’re never too young or too healthy to be affected by heart disease. Trust your instincts, and seek help if something feels wrong. #hearttruth #hearthealthy #38%prepared #38pctprepared #heart...
Mar 23, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 36
In this surprise pop-up episode, co-host Angie gets an unplanned "power outage challenge" when the lights go out for nearly 12 hours. From habitually flipping dead light switches to realizing which medical devices need backup power, she shares real-life lessons on surviving without electricity. Tune in for practical tips and a fresh perspective on just how much we rely on power! #poweroutage #preparedness #backuppower #38%prepared #38pctprepared #38prepared # Call to Action: Look around your hom...
Mar 09, 2025•23 min•Season 3Ep. 37
THIS IS NOT ME! Hosts Leigh and Angie dive into financial scams, sharing Thelma’s story to uncover how scammers use psychology to target even the most cautious people. #elderfraud #giftcardscam #Thelma #38%prepared #38pctprepared #38percentprepared Key Points: A $5 software add-on led to an elaborate scam. Scammers use psychology to manipulate victims. Politeness makes it hard to stop scams. Victims often feel too ashamed to report them. Alarming Stats: FBI reports $3.5B lost to scams in 2023. E...
Feb 25, 2025•30 min
HERE'S the Replay on Ep26! Our 9-1-1 system is always evolving, with the next-generation 9-1-1 bringing new capabilities. However, the basics will always be essential, from knowing when to call (and when not to call) 911 to teaching children about 911. This episode provides vital information for everyone, regardless of your familiarity with emergency services. Follow the steps in our show notes and take a few minutes to set up your phone's emergency information. Remember, thinking is always the ...
Feb 08, 2025•29 min
Welcome back to our #35 episode! In this episode, Leigh and Angie explore the often-overlooked aspects of homeowners insurance and disaster preparedness. Learn what your policy might be missing and how to ensure you're properly covered when disaster strikes. Expert Tip: While FEMA and other assistance may be available after major disasters, always plan to rely on your insurance coverage first. Remember: The time to understand your insurance coverage is before you need it, not after disaster stri...
Jan 25, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 32
Happy New Year! 38% Prepared Listeners! Join hosts Angie and Leigh as they kick off 2025 with a crucial episode about winter driving safety inspired by Leigh's recent harrowing experience during an early-season snowfall in Missouri. Learn why 29 degrees Fahrenheit creates dangerous driving conditions and how to prepare for winter road emergencies. Episode Highlights The science behind the "29-degree danger zone" and why it's more dangerous than colder temperatures Real-world experience navigatin...
Jan 11, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 34
Basics That Matter: Under-Bed Preps & Utility Know-How 38% Prepared - Because every small step toward preparedness counts! #38pctprepared #38percentprepared #Preparednesstips #Emergencykit #SafetyEssentials # In this final episode of 2024, hosts Leigh and Angie share practical tips for preparedness, focusing on two key areas: Under-Bed Emergency Kit · Closed-toe shoes with sturdy soles · Work gloves for handling debris · Whistle and flashlight/light sticks for signaling · OK/HELP card (or pa...
Dec 28, 2024•21 min•Season 2Ep. 33
Remember: Shelter in place is not just staying inside—it's about creating a protective environment at home during specific types of emergencies. #shelterinplace #emergencypreparedness #thinkingisthefirststep #38pctprepared #38percentprepared #saferoom # In this episode of 38% Prepared, hosts Angie and Leigh discuss the crucial topic of sheltering in place as part of their "Prepared in a Year" series. They break down what this emergency measure really means and provide a step-by-step guide on how...
Dec 14, 2024•19 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Quote of the Episode: "Being 38% prepared today is better than what you were yesterday." #readydotgov #redcross #38pctprepared #38percentprepared #poweroutage #naturaldisaster In this solo episode, host Angie discusses how to prepare yourself and your family to be self-sufficient for up to two weeks following a disaster. Whether facing a power outage, natural disaster, or community-wide emergency, being "two weeks ready" can help you manage until professional help arrives. Episode Highlights: Wh...
Nov 30, 2024•20 min•Season 2Ep. 31
The holiday season is here, and home safety just got a lot more fun (and funny)! 🎄 Join Leigh and Angie in the latest episode of 38% Prepared as they take you on a Room-by-Room Home Hazard Hunt to make your home safer—all while keeping the whole family entertained. Here’s Leigh and Angie's very own, crafted initially Home Hazard Hunt Checklist! Kitchen: [ ] Stove and oven clean and free of grease buildup [ ] Fire extinguisher easily accessible [ ] Knife block placed away from counter edge [ ] C...
Nov 16, 2024•26 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Tune in to this eye-opening episode, and remember: thinking is the first step of preparedness. Stay curious, stay prepared, and you'll be ready for anything—even a tarantula invasion! #38pctprepared #38percentprepared #emergencypreparedness In this episode of 38 Percent Prepared , Leigh and Angie explore the world of tarantulas, uncovering the fascinating and perilous mating rituals of these eight-legged Romeos. Inspired by the "mate-gration" phenomenon in the southwestern U.S., where thousands ...
Nov 02, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 29
An Essential Earthquake Readiness In this episode of 38 Percent Prepared, hosts Angie and Leigh focus on earthquake preparedness. Tune in as they walk through essential safety tips, debunk common myths, and share personal experiences to help you be 38% more prepared for the unexpected. Key Highlights: • The Great ShakeOut: Learn about this global earthquake drill happening on October 17 at 10:17 a.m. local time, and why it's the perfect time to practice "Drop, Cover, and Hold On." • Personal Sto...
Oct 19, 2024•40 min•Season 2Ep. 28
In this episode of 38% Prepared , Leigh and Angie cover the essentials of fire safety, just in time for National Fire Prevention Week (October 6-12). They discuss everything from the importance of smoke alarms to how to create a fire escape plan. Special emphasis is given to ensuring the safety of individuals with hearing impairments by introducing alternative smoke alarm systems like strobe lights and vibrating pads. The episode also includes must-have knowledge on using a fire extinguisher, wa...
Oct 05, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Mastering the 911 Call, You Hope Never to Make! In this crucial episode of 38% Prepared, Leigh and Angie provide an in-depth guide on effectively using the 911 emergency system. This episode offers vital information for everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the emergency services. Remember: "Thinking is the first step of preparedness." Take time to implement these tips and practice your emergency response. Follow us on Instagram @38percentprepared for more preparedness tips and updates....
Sep 21, 2024•29 min•Season 2Ep. 26
In this final episode of water safety series, hosts Angie and Leigh confront the alarming rise in U.S. drowning deaths revealed by recent CDC data. After decades of decline, over 4,500 people per year died from drowning between 2020-2022 - a tragic 500 more annual deaths compared to 2019. Even more disturbing, the increases were greatest among highest-risk groups like young children, older adults across races/ethnicities, and the Black community. Underlining the dire need for action, the episode...
Sep 07, 2024•18 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Despite our best efforts to prepare and prioritize water safety, emergencies can still occur. In this engaging episode, hosts Angie and Leigh delve into crucial survival strategies for various water-related emergencies, including staying safe in flooded areas, dealing with cold water immersion, and navigating fast-moving water currents. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. Staying safe in flooded areas Tips for safely exiting a vehicle surrounded by rising water, avoiding contaminated floodwaters, ...
Aug 24, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 24
As summer approaches, families look forward to spending more time in and around water. However, the risk of drowning, which is the third leading cause of accidental injury death worldwide, should not be taken lightly. In this episode, hosts Angie and Leigh kick off a new series on water safety, exploring the risks, preventative measures, essential skills to keep you and your loved ones safe this summer and beyond, and the importance of understanding beach warning flags. In this episode, you'll l...
Jul 13, 2024•28 min•Season 2Ep. 23
One of emergency preparedness's most crucial but often overlooked aspects is having your important documents organized and accessible. By the end of this episode, you'll have a comprehensive plan for digitizing, backing up and safeguarding all your critical paperwork to avoid bureaucratic nightmares during emergencies. Don't let missing records compound a crisis - tune in to get fully prepared! Stay tuned for the bonus segment after the show! Time Stamp: 11:53 Personal Identification Documents B...
Jun 29, 2024•25 min•Season 2Ep. 22
June is Pet Preparedness Month, the second installment of Pet Preparedness. Angie and Leigh discuss what to do to protect your pets during an actual disaster or emergency, as well as key considerations for the aftermath. It's important to include your pets or livestock in any emergency plans you make for your household. They are totally dependent on you for their safety and well-being. During A Disaster - Never leave pets tethered or caged where they can't free themselves - Allow them to move fr...
Jun 22, 2024•19 min
Squirrels may look cute and harmless, but these little critters are actually the #1 threat to the electrical grid in the U.S.! In this episode, hosts Angie and Leigh dive into the surprising phenomenon of power outages caused by squirrels (P.O.C.B.S). You'll learn: What the acronym P.O.C.B.S. stands for and just how widespread these squirrel incidents are across the country How innocent-looking squirrels chewing on power lines can potentially cause havoc to your home's electricity or even be a n...
Jun 15, 2024•24 min•Season 2Ep. 21
In this episode, Leigh and Angie provide an in-depth look at predictions for the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season and key preparedness actions. They also cover a bonus segment on preparing for pets during disasters in recognition of National Pet Preparedness Month. 2024 Hurricane Season Outlook Atlantic season runs June 1 - November 30 Forecasts indicate an above-average year - Around 23 named storms predicted (average is 14) 115 named storm days projected (average is 70) - Approximately 45 hurric...
Jun 01, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 20
On this special episode, Angie and Leigh delve into the fascinating 80-year history and enduring legacy of Smokey Bear, the beloved bear mascot who has spearheaded wildfire prevention campaigns in America. Angie and Leigh trace Smokey's origins during World War II as an illustrated character created by the Forest Service to raise awareness about wildfires. You'll learn about the incredible true story of the real-life orphaned bear cub rescued from a raging wildfire in 1950, who became the living...
May 18, 2024•23 min•Season 2Ep. 19
On this episode of 38% Prepared, Angie and Leigh emphasize the significance of regularly practicing and maintaining your action plan over time. They provide motivating examples of how advanced preparation through an action plan allows families to stay calmer and make better decisions when faced with real emergencies. It is important to have a solid action plan in place prior to a crisis to minimize panic and confusion. Here are some critical steps to creating an effective action plan: 1. Meet wi...
May 04, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 18
