On February 26, 2019, Erin Rider interviewed Jay Hagan for an oral history project at Jacksonville State University, documenting the aftermath of the Jacksonville tornado on March 19, 2018. The interview took place at the Houston Cole Library, where Hagan shared his personal experiences of surviving the tornado and his subsequent recovery. Hagan begins by recounting the night of the tornado, which initially seemed like a routine thunderstorm. He describes how the storm escalated rapidly, catching him off guard while he was alone in his apartment. Hagan details the moment the tornado struck, causing severe damage to his building, including part of his apartment roof collapsing. He sought refuge in his bathtub while staying in contact with his father, providing a vivid account of the fear and uncertainty he experienced during the storm. Following the immediate aftermath, Hagan describes the process of evacuating his apartment, navigating debris, and awaiting rescue by a police officer. He explains how he and his neighbors worked to check on each other and assess the damage. Hagan’s reflections extend to the challenges of recovery, including finding a new place to live, salvaging personal belongings, and dealing with the emotional and logistical aspects of displacement. He also discusses his role in helping others during the recovery process, drawing on his previous experience with disaster relief efforts. Throughout the interview, Hagan emphasizes the importance of preparedness and community support in the face of such events.