Subscribe for Real-World Readiness

Weekly checklists, tested gear picks, 10-minute drills.

Couple Gives Their Lives to Save Their Baby in Tornado

Couple Gives Their Lives to Save Their Baby in Tornado

Win a
$1,000 Milwaukee Tool Package

One DIY Projects subscriber wins on May 10. A full kit of Milwaukee tools — the kind that makes a weekend project easier to finish, whether it’s a fence post, a set of shelves, or the cabinet door that’s been sticking for years. Free entry, just an email.

Hosted by our partner site

Sometimes it takes a tragedy to see the value of preparedness. In Howard County, Arkansas, a couple died as they shielded their baby from the tornado that tore through the area Monday night. The family lived in a mobile home, one of the worst places to be when severe weather strikes.

While it's a miracle the child survived, it didn't have to end this way. If the family had had access to a proper storm shelter, they likely all would have survived. Like any good parents, they did everything they could to protect their child.

Click here to read the full article.

That daughter, a 1-year-old infant, is the only one that made it out of this mix of metal and memories alive on the 1000 block of W. Sypert Street. Her mother, and Linda Purtell's friend, Melissa and her 29-year-old husband Michael are the reason she survived
“I think they were together and trying to protect the child,” said Purtell.

Family and friends say the two huddled over their toddler, shielding her from debris when they were swept away along with the remnants of their home. The storm killed the couple, but left the daughter unharmed

This is why we prepare. We all want to ensure that those we love are safe, and that we will continue to be there for them, no matter what happens.

To learn more about disaster preparedness tips, check out these articles:

Tornado Survival Tips: How to Survive Natural Disasters

10 Disaster Preparedness Tips You Can Really Use

Survival Infographic | Tornado Facts And Survival Strategies

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Get field-tested gear picks and drills delivered before you ever need them.

Win a
$1,000 Milwaukee Tool Package

 One DIY Projects subscriber wins May 10. Free to enter. Approximately $1,000 in Milwaukee branded products, shipped via Amazon.com.

Hosted by our partner site

Related Articles

At a Glance: Hurricane Season 2026 Below-Average Forecast: The 2026

At a Glance The Golden Rule: Always pre filter cloudy

At a Glance: The Hybrid Survival Kit High-tech gear buys

Scroll to Top