On April 12, 2020, a catastrophic F4 tornado ravaged the tiny community of Hebron, continuing through Soso and Moss, Mississippi, destroying hundreds of homes along the way. One of those homes belonged to the Stringer family, and their lives were changed forever.
“I remember that day,” said Megan Stringer. “It was unusually humid. We knew the weather was going to be rough. The forecast had warned all week long that a dangerous system could develop.” Weather warnings began to be issued, and the Stringer family saw that they were right in the projected path of the tornado.
“I knew the safest place in our home was in the hallway next to the bathroom wall,” continued Megan. “I rounded up our little dogs. I grabbed the motorcycle helmet, put it on my 12-year-old son’s head, and headed down the hall. My husband, Douglas, was in the shower, and I yelled for him to get out and to come to take cover. He made it right about the time I heard the tornado coming. He heard it, too, because the look on his face is one I will never forget. He grabbed the mattress from our son’s bed and held one end of the mattress, and I held the other, and we all got as close as we could. My little boy, Blake, looked up and said, we need to say a prayer. My husband said the sweetest prayer I have ever heard, and we all hugged up and braced for what was to come.”
What happened next was described as the scariest event of their lives. The roof of the Stringer home was lifted off, and rain began to flood the home, glass began to shatter, and pipes began to burst. Afraid to move, the family took a minute to gather themselves after the tornado had passed before surveying the damage. Their home was a complete loss.
“Thankfully, we only lost material things that could be replaced,” said Megan. “No one in my neighborhood was hurt, and we didn’t lose a farm animal or a pet. God spared us that day. I truly believe that.”
When rebuilding their new home, the Stringers decided to build as energy-efficient as possible. They chose to follow Dixie Electric’s Comfort Advantage program, which offers cash incentives for building with energy efficiency in mind.
The Stringer’s chose to use spray foam insulation in the attic, exterior, and interior walls. They added a dehumidifier to the AC unit and an electric heat pump system. They lit their new home with LED bulbs and installed all energy-efficient appliances. By choosing these products, the Stringers will see energy savings each month on their electric bill, as well as a $650 credit through our Comfort Advantage program.
“I am very thankful to Dixie Electric for all their kindness and quickness to respond to our needs during and after the storm,” said Megan. “I am also thankful for the Comfort Advantage program. The money I will save by purchasing these energy-efficient appliances and the money I received from Dixie Electric is very much appreciated.”