The McCoy Sisters Are Serious about Safety!

Janel McCoy and her sister, Gardenia, have been promoting safety and disaster preparation for over ten years in the San Francisco Bay Area. A significant life event sparked the beginning of 4URSurvival. That began their journey to increase awareness of disaster preparation because preparation is the key to survival.

4URSurvival is an African American women-owned business that provides emergency and disaster relief supplies. They have partnered with The Red Cross and survival specialist from the Alder Lee Wilderness College to bring awareness of disaster preparation through local and virtual events. Janel has completed the FEMA disaster inspection course which allows her to be sent to disaster areas to conduct inspections. The 4URSurvival team wants everyone to understand why you need supplies and the significance of being prepared before a disaster occurs.

These sisters are what we like to call local biz heroes. These self-made entrepreneurs took their passion for the safety of others and turned it into a business that offers education and survival products for their community. High standards of professionalism and strong work ethic of small business owners like Janel and Gardenia are the infrastructures of the San Francisco Bay economy.

We sat down with Janel for a quick interview

What’s the best thing you like about the San Francisco Bay area?

“The diversity of culture, food and people. It’s such a beautiful place. I was born and raised in Oakland and am a big Warriors fan!”

Do you have a hobby?

“I really enjoy singing. Sometimes I sing at anniversaries and parties.”

What’s the most interesting or unusual job you’ve ever had?

“I used to work at the ticket office for Cirque du Soleil. That was an awesome experience that I’ll never forget. I had the opportunity to meet and interact with the performers. I recall they were really fun to hang out with. They were great people.”

Why do you do what you do? 

“Gardenia and I were in the 1989 San Francisco earthquake. We were just kids at the time and it was a horrifying experience for us. Several people lost their lives and the San Francisco Bay Bridge collapsed! Growing up we were always on alert for earthquakes. A statistic from the American Red Cross states that less than 17% of San Franciscans are prepared for a disaster.

All these factors and our desire to help others be prepared played a big role in starting 4URSurvival. It is not the time to prepare for a disaster when it occurs. We’ve been on a mission to educate our community by providing value through education, access to information and survival supplies.”

If you could share one tip with readers looking to purchase survival supplies, what would it be?

“I highly recommend you order double of what you think you need. If you have two people in your family order supplies for four people. It is better to have more than you need. Also, you may be the only one prepared. Having supplies for others can help increase their survival as well. Another item I recommend is the little potty kit. People are always focused on food, medical supplies and gadgets but seem to forget that we all must still use the bathroom.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

“We want to thank the San Francisco Bay area for its continued support.”

Preparation is the key to survival. Your actions today can help increase your chances of survival in the event of an emergency. Let Janel and Gardenia help you with the knowledge and tools to survive. Order your supplies today at https://4ursurvival.com. 4URSurival offers first responders a 10% discount. You can contact the team directly at 1-800-274-1142.