Getting prepared for the next Preppers Ball

You won’t find the word “preppers” in Webster’s. In fact, it may not be a real word.

But indeed it is real enough because it’s said and heard every day. Preppers are people. Folks just like all of us with one exception; Preppers are prepared.

Prepared, or at least somewhat prepared, for unexpected events that might challenge them to survive. Such an event might be something as common as power outing for hours or even days. Or it might be a severe storm that leaves large areas void of water, power, and even shelter.

So the big question is, how do preppers get prepared for the unexpected? For starters they attend educational events such as the upcoming Preppers Ball, a quick look into the world of preparedness.

Annual gathering

The 2015 Preppers Ball, sponsored by the REALIZE Firearms Coalition, is set for 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Summit County Fairgrounds Arena Complex in Tallmadge. Drawings for $10,000 worth of prizes begin at 6:30 p.m.

According to event organizer Amanda Suffecool, the Preppers Ball is intended to be an enjoyable and educational event for the curious to the skilled who wants to be ready to survive an event or a disaster, weather related or otherwise. She said attendees can expect a good time and a host of speakers and vendors of interest all evening long.

Realistic folks

Suffecool said preppers are neither wackos nor doomsday freaks. She said they are simply smart people making smart decisions about realistic events. That’s apparent when one thinks about recent disasters such as tornados, floods and power failures.

“How long can your family get along in the event of a major power failure that can last several days?” she asked.

Big name hosts

Co-hosts for the evening are Bob and Karen Golic of local WNIR radio fame. Golic is a former Cleveland Brown and an outspoken gun advocate.

Suffecool is also a talk show host on WNIR radio where she talks guns, shooting, and common sense.

Advance tickets are available for $30 online at Realizefac.com or at several retail outlets listed on the website. Advance tickets are automatically entered in the drawings and tickets purchased at the door will be entered on purchase.

Suffecool said that she is certain that people who attend and listen to a speaker or two will gain at least a tip or two about the need to be prepared. She said that the evening is fashioned around mega drawings where something of value is given away every few minutes.