Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Carol Anne, Seattle — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:38:57 GMT

Approximately 6,000 people were killed by the 1900 hurricane that hit Galveston. Why do people insist on living on what is little more than a sand bar?

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Jwb — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:45:50 GMT

Once again, this is another sad case for victims of Hurricane Ike. At the same time, those who choose to be ignorant of the warnings and put resucers at risk by saving them should be fined/or jailed. Not heeding the warnings to evacuate is like if you were out in the dessert where you were told there were poisonous snakes and decided to stay there knowing that at any time, you could bit. Instaed of going to a safe place to survive, you figure with you intelect and smarts that it was enough to prevent you from being bit. People need to stop worrying about material posessions and wake up. You can replace material things, but you cannot replace love ones. And especially for the owner who stayed with his pet lion, as John Maddan once said on TV, "Thats a real boneheaded move."

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

J J Garden, Seminole, FL — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:49:34 GMT

Why local and State governments allow construction in areas known to flood and be dangerous in high winds is beyond me. Look at the barrier island construction with the ocean lapping at the foundations during calm weather. And these islands are so narrow that a good storm can virtually eliminate them. Hello! Not good.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Felicia, Raleigh NC — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:50:56 GMT

I think it is hard to feel sorry for those that refused to listen to the evacuation orders, it actually upsets me that they were so selfish that they instead of using common sense and listening to their leaders, put innocent first reponders in jeopardy because of their foolishness. Yes it is sad they lost their things, but would they want to go and face the family of the first responder if something would have happened and they lost their lives trying to save someone that was told to evacuate?

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

K Mary Hess — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:56:18 GMT

Excellent perspective and thoughtfully written; now please let's work on some of the reasons people make the mistake of staying in the path of a storm. Many of the people who were rescued have said they had no funds to gas their cars and evacuate a second time (after Gustav) and so felt they had no "choice" but to remain in their homes. Is there a way to institute EMERGENCY GASOLINE PRICING along hurricane evacuation routes, to alleviate some of the monetary burden of those who MUST leave their homes? Is there a way to implement a ONE WEEK LODGING DISCOUNT that can be incurred by the evacuee showing their EVACUATION ZONE DRIVERS LICENSE with their current address? Is there a way that lodging places can be reimbursed for the discounts? Is there a way to find physicians and emergency and urgent care for those with compelling medical needs to present their driver's licenses from a mandatory evacuation area, and in turn receive FREE medical care until they are allowed to return to their homes? IS there a way?- there has to be, there can be, and should be, or we will continue to witness tragic choices made again and again.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Ed, Lake Mary, FL — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:58:02 GMT

Another tip for home preparation...beware of wind-driven rain.

Concrete block houses often settle after construction, leaving small cracks in the stucco. A hurricane or tropical storm blowing by will literally push the water into your house, if not through the cracks, then through the stucco itself if not sealed and painted properly.

Also, improper window installation or substandard windows are also a source of wind-driven rain. Many houses in my development suffered no external damage, but tens of thousands of damage interior due to these issues.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Dave, Vancouver, Canada — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:58:48 GMT

Does this not show Global Warming is a fact? Get government dollars in to clamping down on pollution biggies--Industry, not fuel burning cars are the biggest offender-_ Nail the S.O.B.s!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Kellie, New Orleans — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:05:43 GMT

I am still amazed at how many people decided to ride out IKE. I left New Orleans 2 days before Katrina hit. If I hadn't, I would have been on my roof because my house flooded with 8ft of water for a month. I pray that the damage and lost of life will be less for Texas than it was in Louisiana and Mississippi after Katrina.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

larry, la, ca — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:08:49 GMT

bUSh ++ Iraq == Hurricanes

1991 George HW bUSh invaded Iraq
1992 Hurricane Andrew.

2003-present George W bUSh invaded/occupied Iraq
2004 Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne.
2005 Katrina, Rita.
2006 Alberto, Beryl, Chris, Florence.
2007 Dean, Erin.
2008 Fay, Gustav, Ike, ????
????

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

K Dawn; San Antonio, TX — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:09:04 GMT

I agree, when the authorities say it's time to go; IT'S TIME TO GO!!! it was interesting when the Galveston authorities basically said if you stay, you will die. I like that very simple forward statement, let's not sugarcoat it/make it PC. I cannot feel bad for someone who has the means to get out and chooses not to do so...it's not as if you did not know what could happen. Why should the first responders risk their lives because you were foolish about your own life? I would always rather leave for 'nothing' than never come back for anything. Hurricanes have always been notorious about 'turning' at the last moment's notice. Most here in San Antonio 'panicked' for a few days...bought out all of the water, bread, basic staples, re-sheduled those all important high school football games to only have the hurricane turn northward. You could say it was all for nothing, but so much better to be prepared and say 'oh well' and laugh a little at our silliness than to cry over the victims bodies later. People have learned some hard lessons during and after Katrina, but evidently not enough thought that those lessons would ever apply to themselves. Some people have to learn the hardest way possible.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Ed Kollin Mineola,Long Island, New York — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:14:02 GMT

This is the best Hurricane piece I have ever read. I think it needs just one addition. As a South Florida resident you may not be aware of how much the "It can't happen here" syndrome resides in the Northeastern U.S. be it the Jersey Shore, New York City, Long Island or the New England coast. The last major hurricanes here were Bob in 1991 in New England, Gloria 1985 Long Island. So it has been twenty years or more of false alarms including recently Tropical Storm Hanna. Gloria was a false alarm of sorts. It knocked out power to 80% of Long Island for up to 11 days but just brushed the big apple but still it was expected to be "The Storm of the Century" but weakened just before landfall and hit as a weak category 1. This lengthy period of non action is an anomaly. Hurricanes were regular occurrences in this region from the 1930's thru 1960. The Long Island Express in 1938 a category 3 killed over 600 people in the region. After a big Nor’easter in NYC in 1992 students of a meteorology professor discovered items washing ashore from the late 1800’s . After looking through newspaper Microfilm it was discovered they were from a Coney Island style resort that went under water permanently after a Hurricane made landfall at Jamaica Bay(Kennedy Airport area). This region is more vulnerable then South Florida or Galveston because this is a “mature” area. meaning homes are older and not built to hurricane specs and trees are taller and because of population density is these trees are closer to homes . This means that there would be massive damage from trees to homes most side streets would be totally blocked. Many main roads would be blocked by fallen poles. Long Island is just that an island. The only way out is through New York City so it has been determined that there is no practical way to evacuate its three million people. New York City is another story with its many glass skyscrapers. The storm surge would pile up in its bays and rivers. Its lifeblood the subway might be disabled for years by this flooding.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Angela, Gahanna, OH — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:16:21 GMT

Please, please, let me know about the couple in Texas, Yoana and Ryan Harrison who partied at their home as Hurrican Ike roared through. It's ignorant people just like this couple who put first-responder's in dire danger as they have flaggrantly ignore mandatory evacuation orders.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Jennifer, St. Louis — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:16:29 GMT

Seriously, emergency gas prices? How about, if you live in a hurrican zone you need to have an emergency fund to go along with your bug-out box? How about some basic camping supplies so you can stay at one of the thousands of state parks with clean shower facilities, if you can't afford a motel? How about, people take responsibility for the fact that they live in the hurricane zone?

The SAR people who put their lives on the line for the hardheaded fools who refuse to evacuate are brave and forgiving souls.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

K dawn; San Antonio, TX — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:17:10 GMT

There is one way that people can evacuate to safety who have no means and that is by bus. Here in San Antonio buses are dispatched to zones that are in imminent danger and go to a pre-arranged staging area for people to be brought back here for the shelters. I am sure this info in broadcast in the danger zones-we see it on TV here of people being loaded onto these buses and bought here. It cannot be an easy or pleasant trip but think of the alternative...yes, people receive plenty of help here to help them to receive food, clothing, shelter, medical aid. Even if you drive your vehicle here and are at the shelters and have no gas to get home, many are given gas cards free to get them back home. San Antonio has many people who volunteer their time and resources to help those displaced by disasters. The city prepares well in advance for any possible evacuations.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Al, Miami, FL — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:17:48 GMT

"As always, many people this time thought they knew better than the authorities and stayed behind..."

The overwhelming arrogance and condenscension of this statement is why many do not go. As we all know from the news, most "authorities" are incompetent and corrupt. I look at the discussions on NOAA myself, and am more than capable of making my own decision for my own family. When we need to go, we go, otherwise, we stay. I am not, however, going to be told what to do by a bunch of non-elected yahoos who are more interested in self-aggrandizement and enriching themselves than they are in truly helping me and my family. We do not need government in every aspect of our lives.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

miami hurricane, pensacola fl — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:17:54 GMT

I wished Mark Potter had addressed the use of all those reporters that continue to put first responders at risk by standing out there soaking wet trying to prove to us that there really is a hurricane where they are at. When the authorities give the mandatory evacuation order it should include these clowns that are trying to outdo each other. Some of these egomanics have gone from trying to provide useful information to being included as part of America's Funniest Videos.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

John, Galveston, TX — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:18:49 GMT

I was initially also very frustrated at the number of fellow islanders who refused to leave Galveston after receiving mandatory evacuation orders. However, as I have watched the video footage coming from my home after the storm, I am reminded of the socioeconomic status of much of the island. Many of the people that live there are extremely poor. I'm frustrated they didn't leave and that our tax dollars now have to pay for their rescues, but many of these people had absolutely no where to go. They didn't have the means to leave, the money to fill their gas tanks, or the cash to pay for a hotel. They don't have family in the area and they weren't excited about living in a shelter. Would you be? And now, they have no means to rebuild their lives. They don't have insurance. The few belongings they had were on that island and they were desperately afraid to lose them. The only way they thought they could protect what little they had was to stay put. In many ways, it's Katrina all over again. If we're going to tell people to leave, we need to give them the means to do so. Things went a little better this time around, but we still have much to learn regarding hurricane disaster management in this country - especially as it affects the poorest of the poor and the elderly among us.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Tucson, AZ — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:19:00 GMT

During the monsoon season here in AZ, the "washes" (dry river beds) quickly fill up and also create running "streams" on the many roads. Motorists who drive through these areas while flooded and get stuck are fined by the "Stupid Motorist Law."

The "Stupid Motorist Law", which corresponds to section 28-910 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, states that any motorist who drives around barricades to enter a flooded stretch of roadway may be charged for the cost of his/her rescue. The need for the law came from the lack of storm sewers in the deserts of the Southwestern United States.

So.......let's start fining the people who need to be rescued because they want to be a Hurricane Idiot and stay in place. All for passing the Hurricane Idiot Law say YES!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Gabrielle Termaat, Providence RI — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:19:15 GMT

It's especially distressing to see pictures of children left to bear the dangers of such storms with their thoughtless parents. Another thing people don't think about are the rescue teams who are in harms' way trying to save their idiot lives.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Bonnie Foster, Wilmington, NC — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:22:50 GMT

If someone left their child in a car in the heat, they would be prosecuted. If a parent left their child in the middle of the mall without someone to take care of them, they would be prosecuted. Wht is it that we allow them the choice to take them up into the attic and try to survive a hurricane and flooding, and we don't say a word. Isn't this the same sort of putting them in harm's way as walking alone in the park after dark or letting them have unrestricted access to every dark nook and cranny of the internet? When will we start letting parents know they have a responsibility to take care of their children? If they want to make the adult choice to put themselves in danger, fine, do it, I don't care. But how dare these people put their children in danger and think it is ok. They are beyond belief.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Jerry Krug, Wauwatosa, WI — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:24:49 GMT

While this is a tough call at times, a key reason people don't evacuate is that the authorities don't let them back into their neighborhoods after the storm passes. Regardless of actual or possible peril, people want to know the status of their homes and neighborhood. If people are willing to live without electricity and other conveniences in order to work on clean-up and protect their possessions, why not let them?

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Randy, Dublin, Georgia — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:25:30 GMT

To me, its all about personal choices. We choose where we want to live. Don't blame the government about allowing houses to be built in flood prone areas. One had the choice on where they bought a house. Insurance on houses in flood prone areas should be prohibitively expensive. It should be their risk, not all the rest of the country. It is also a personal choice in whether to evacuate or not. If one can't afford to live along the coast with all the costs involved in living there, then don't. The government is not and should not be responsible for a citizen's stupid decisions.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

John, Galveston, TX — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:25:57 GMT

Carol Anne - Right or wrong, people insist on living on what is little more than a sand bar because there is money to be made. Galveston is the weekend vacation spot for all of the greater Houston metro area. In the past 108 years, a lot of money has been made from Texans and other people who want to go spend a day at the beach. A truly devastating hurricane once every 100 years gives people plenty of time to forget their consequences.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

ed — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:26:41 GMT

In those areas that are prone to this type of damage on a regular basis, wouldn't the wise thing to do be to clear the area, permanantly, form the beginning to the end of the storm season?
Do not rebuild. Let it lie empty and those people who have property there can take their insurance money and buy less expensive property inland for a fraction of the cost of that on the coast. With what's left over, they can buy a motor home or camper to spend their summers on the beach and then drive away during storm season.
This may sound cruel, but I have no sympathy for those people who choose to live in the path of potential destruction knowing full well the possibilities, and then scream "poor pitiful me" when the actuality instead of the potential catches up with them.
Insurance companies should not provide coverage to people living in these areas. Or, if they do provide coverage, then only the people who live in the affected areas should be responsible for the premium hikes and the cost of rebuilding. The Government should provide disaster relief for the victims but in no way should it foot the cost of rebuilding areas that were placed in the path of destruction against all better judgement.
Hurricane zones, earthquake zones, mudslide zones(if you build on the side of a cliff you need to have your head examined to begin with) are all areas that need to be looked at with an eye towards potential disaster before any building begns

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Former Houstonian — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:27:13 GMT

I have utter respect for all the careful planning done by Houston mayor Bill White (make him head of FEMA, for Pete's sake). May I suggest you turn off the power the next time evacuation orders are given. Then foolish people who think they can live with the aftermath of the storm will get a feel for what it's like when that sweltering humidity sets in, and everything begins to rot and the mold grows. The weather that accompanies a hurricane is miserable. Get to safety where you'll be more comfortable than having to live with filthy flood waters and muck that's alive with water moccasins, cottonmouths, fire ants, and sewage.

Putting others at risk trying to rescue those trapped in hard-to-reach areas and finding them last-minute shelter far from home compounds the misery for much longer. It's hard to fathom until you've experienced it, but having gone through Katrina/Rita, I respect the power of wind and water, scratch my head at the numbskull zoning that allows flimsy structures to be built where they shouldn't be, and commend the expert planning done by the region's public servants to keep citizens save in spite of it all. Folks living on the Gulf Coast -- do your part!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

John M, Louisville, KY — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:28:32 GMT

The tagline for the link to this article was, "...when will people learn?" - Unfortunately, the answer appears to be "never." We have an epidemic of ignorance in the US today. We live in an era of entitlement where people honestly believe the government and indeed the world "owes" them something. It is inexcusable for them to say "I couldn't afford to leave" when busses were taking people with no more than the clothes they were wearing to shelters where the Red Cross and government agencies were providing free food and medical care! Enough is enough. We are so consumed with political correctness and mindless liberalism in this country that we are crumbling from within. I just returned from a trip to India where massive flooding in the north killed and displaced thousands. Did they all sit around begging the government for help or sit mindlessly by - no. They evacuated the best way they could, on foot, animal or vehicle, and then returned to start building again with the very little they have. Empowering the type of behavior seen first with Katrina and now with Ike where people don't follow directives and then must be rescued from their own stupidity is endemic of the increasing weakness in our country. Soon we'll begin to hear the whining of those who aren't getting relief soon enough from the government or who's relief isn't "sufficient." I'm sure I'll be flamed by the bleeding hearts who say we should have compassion for all those poor people who've lost everything in the storm. To them I say, this is what's called "tough love" in raising children. When someone refuses to be saved from their own ignorance, you have to eventually step back and let them crash for them to learn the consequences of their actions. Look at the fataility reports from this storm - In KY, a 10 year old killed while mowing the lawn....in TN, two golfers killed by falling trees....see the problem with these??
We've had enough politically correct compassionate support in this country for way too many who refuse to help themselves.....Enough is Enough.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

C Moore, Austin, TX — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:29:43 GMT

I agree that there should be such preparations in place to help people evacuate. But there were many more who stayed out of stubbornness. There were people in Galveston who actually planned to go to their attics when water came into their houses. I cannot erase the heartbreaking stories of people in New Orleans trapped in their attics as water came even higher, with folks trying to break through their roofs from the inside. Many drowned and others watched their loved ones drown. After that, how in the world could people make that choice? Let's get some more logistics in place, yes, but let's also get people to step up and be responsible. Not sure how, but needed. Rescuers could have focused time and energies elsewhere after the storm.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Richard Walker, Greenville, SC — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:30:35 GMT

This is just another example of trying to outsmart Adam Smith's invisible hand. The cost of living on or near the coast should be a bore by those who wish to live there and not by those who recognize the dangers and true costs. Insurance rates, emergency management costs and costs of rebuilding these areas should be the paid by those foolhardy enough to accept these risks. These exorbitant costs would keep the majority of people from living in these areas and prevent insurance companies from rebuilding in them.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Sam W. — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:31:41 GMT

As a costal Florida resident I am saddened by the lack of preparation by so many in the path of Hurricane Ike. Relatives who live north of Houston and were in the path of the eye did absolutely nothing to prepare, thinking they would not be affected at all. They are and are now regretting their decisions and have called asking for help and also wondering when to expect help from FEMA.

I am angered that the media is already playing the blame game because FEMA is not set up and giving hand outs to those who did not listen and prepare. We're told time and time again to have a minimum of one weeks food and water on hand. Each spring we prepare and during Hurricane season we roatate and replentish our supplies as needed. If a season goes by without a hurricane effecting us then we are blessed, if we are hit then we are ready.

If you live in a costal community then you owe it to yourself, your family and to those who will have to spend time and money rescuing you after the storm, to be prepared.

I think costal states need to take a hard look at Florida and its building codes, evacuation plans, preparedness plans and consider adopting much of them. Florida has some of the most stringent building codes in the country and its citizens are safer for it.

As a survivor of Andrew, Charlie, Frances, Gene, Ivan and Wilma it is difficult to have sympathy for those who did not prepare by boarding up, getting out and having adequate supplies on hand and those who chose to ignore the warnings and stay. I can empathize with them and know what it is like first hand to have to rebuild. However, failure to prepare on their part does not mean they get a free ride from anyone. I think the goverment of Texas and US should bill anyone being rescued post-storm from an area under mandetory evacuation.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Miss Theresa Miller ... Walworth Wisconsin — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:35:55 GMT

I couldn't believe some of the photos from Hurricane Ike .. but the one that caught my eye was the one of Yoana and Ryan Harrison ...I was like.. people.. cmon..some people will do anything to make the news..

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

A Derrick, Atlanta, Ga — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:38:03 GMT

I also watched the people who chose to ride out the storm - some with children and thought them both selfish and not that smart. I wonder how many of them could not evacuate due to monetary issues. None of the interviews of people who stayed that I saw on CNN all week-end said they didn't have the money to evacuate, they all said they didn't think the storm would be that bad or they wanted to protect their "stuff". I know with Gustav in particular for New Orleans, many people were bused out, pets were secured for them and short term housing was secured.
Do we know if that was offered out to the Texas evacuees? If they don't do it this time the next time there is a mandatory evacuation order issed and ignored those who choose to stay behind should be charged if they have to be rescued. It is dangerous to the first responders and expensive for us taxpayers who fund those first responders.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Anne Cooney, Boones Mill VA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:39:11 GMT

Well written, Mark Potter AND K Mary Hess. Ms. Hess, I hope you send your ideas to your Senators; they could pass them along to FEMA and others. Excellent ideas! - Mr. Potter, people will not use the build-safely features unless there is a dollar penalty for NOT doing so.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Pat Spear — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:40:58 GMT

The swift rise of gas prices may have been a deterrent and influenced some people that chose to stay. However, the city also offered buses to those with limited income. So it really was a personal choice to stay. I think that the first responders are heroic, but it is so unfair that people take them for granted. People make a fool choice to stay and then assume that if they get in trouble - it is the duty of the first responders to put themselves at risk to perform harrowing and difficult helicopter manuevers. It is very selfish to expect others to risk themselves because of stubbornness or refusal to heed evacuate orders.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Matt, New Orleans La — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:43:51 GMT

Last time I checked this planet was once covered with ice...how many SUVs were on the road that caused the warming of the earth then?

We are just reaching the end of that period and the arrogance of man to think we cause the heating is just ludacris.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Lack of Sympathy, Denver, CO — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:44:05 GMT

I struggle to sympathize with those who now need to be rescued (after ignoring warnings to evacuate). Hello??!! Now, instead of putting our resources into recovery, we are still in rescue mode - I don't get it.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Charles Scherbel, Ohio City, Colorado — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:44:46 GMT

"Excellent perspective and thoughtfully written" I agree except that you did not consider the inevitable catastrophe of evacuating 5 million people. As Harris County wisely realized , it cannot be done. That means those people must hunker down and take the blow having positioned themselves for maximum possible safety and being able to be self sufficient for two to three weeks instead of three days to one week. Millions of Houstonians are suffering now because they did not prepare for a longer period without essential services. There is no reason Galveston should not have been 100% evacuated except for emergency personnel.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Vickie Anders, Gramercy, LA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:50:10 GMT

Sometimes people cannot get away even if they want to because of employers and also economic reasons. We stayed here for hurricane Gustav when others left because we couldn't afford the gas prices to leave, or lodging. Many people tend to look at the devastation and wonder how could we stay, those of us who stay ask how could we leave? There's more to the story than meets the eye and not everyone that stayed did it because they were foolish. You need to be here to understand. My heart goes out to those who have lost so much. My prayers are with them.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Tracy Baker, Cleveland Ohio — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:50:26 GMT

MAKE THEM PAY! Help them to survive, but at a PRICE!If you did not leave and now require rescue, you just cost the government a rediculous amount of money. They were willing to give you a ride, food and shelter and by the way...IT WAS AN ORDER! We get fined for seat-belts...FINE em...before letting them in a life raft...get their social security number so you can dock their social security, however you have to...fine them...no money, jail them. Put the money towards helping those that did listen and got out..wether on a hot smelly bus or with their own hard earned money.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Pat Spear — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:50:34 GMT

Al,
I respect that you choose to make decisions for your family. However, if your decsion is wrong - you need to be willing to accept the consequences (which could include injury or worse, loss of life). If things go horribly wrong - are you expecting the first responders to risk their lives because of your decision?

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Becky, Newington, CT — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:52:08 GMT

Larry -- You are a perfect example of why they call Los Angeles La-la Land.

For the rest of you who put your lives, your childrens' lives, and your pets' lives in danger because you just have to live on the side of a cliff, on a spit of sand, or in a flood plain: I don't want to pay for you to rebuild in an area that may be wiped out again. You are obviously too irresponsible to make an intelligent decision, and continuing to enable to you endanger others who are dependent on you is like putting a loaded gun into the hands of a chimpanzee. Maybe if you can't afford to rebuild on your cliff or spit of sand, you'll choose somewhere safer.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Dan M., white lake, mi — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:52:48 GMT

Just like people who drive their car into a swollen river to cross it, the ones who refused to prepare or leave should be sent a bill for their rescue!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

L. L., Frisco, TX — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:54:30 GMT

"Many of the people who were rescued have said they had no funds to gas their cars and evacuate a second time (after Gustav) and so felt they had no "choice" but to remain in their homes."

This is absolute BULL!

There were widely publicized evacuation stations, busses used to transport those without vehicles to a safe place. If anyone is unsure, they only need to pick up the phone and call the local emergency numbers for directions.

Once at a shelter, they are given food, water, etc. to help them get by. Is it a 5-star hotel? No -but it is safe.

There are no reasons to stay in an area under mandatory evacuation - only excuses trying to justify the behavior.

I personally think the authorities and FEMA have done a great job in evacuating and helping these areas. And while government is very helpful, people do have to plan and think for themselves as well as take responsiblity for their actions.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Bob, Buffalo, NY — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:54:30 GMT

Matt- Take a science class!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Angela, Philadelphia, PA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:55:24 GMT

While some areas were reported to have free transportation and shelter, that did not seem to be the case for all areas. You also have to realize that some of this same area was just hit by Gustav, so alot of people that did have what little they could put together or a savings for emergencies had to use it for Gustav and since that was just weeks ago, they havent had time to recover. Also, some areas of outside of New Orleans had siginificant damage from Ike- the news media has not focused on that like they should have and it also appears these same areas had no warning either.

Houston told their citizens in the North to stay put. It seems they did , but now there is no gas to run their generators or put in their car to go looking for help. Seems FEMA needs to better plan that as well- they told these folks to stay and have supplies for three days, they did , now they need help and it looks like help is slow or not at all.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Ed Kollin Mineola,Long Island, New York — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:56:59 GMT

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Steve A. — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:58:56 GMT

In South Dakota, if the Governor closes the roads during a winter storm, those who ignore the order and venture out on the roads are billed for their rescue. Maybe other states need to implement this type of incentive to obey public safety instructions.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Ken W. Tampa, FL — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:01:13 GMT

I see the same foolish comments about the people who had no funds to evacuate. I do believe that in the few days before the storm hit that the state provided them with busses and a shelter to go to. So this beating of the "I don't have any money to evacuate" is total hogwash and people need to get with it.

I also have seen interviews with people who kept their children with them through this and i believe they should be incarcerated for child endangerment. It frutrates me to no end with the stupidity of people when the Government is telling them "You face certain death if you don't leave" So the people who keep taking sides with the ones who chose to stay and keep beating the I didn't have money horse get your facts straight the government provided them with a ride and shelter to go to.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Mike, Alamogordo, NM — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:07:24 GMT

Rescue? Weren't these people told to leave or face certain death? Where is their accountability? Hopefully they'll receive a bill for having to be rescued.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

bdaniel, Ocean Springs, MS — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:09:15 GMT

The Government has allowed people to build in these areas allowed the Casino's and condo's build and the government is to blame for the ecomony today. the govt made the policy for flood insurance because they know these area's flood.New Orleans is a bowl and the govt allowed that. Do you belive the Govt would relocate New Orleans NO the town brings in too much money to do that. Hell with the lives so people if you do not like Mother Nature MOVE. I live in South MS
it is beautiful to look at the water and the pelicans and just take the boat out and sleep on the islands. But it is better to be safe than sorry, Material things can be replaced Lives can't it is kinda like what my pottery teacher told me Don't get attached to my piece of pottery it may not make it thru the process.Attach yourself to life precious gift .. Life
cause when we die we can not take the material stuff with us, and more than likely unless it is money noone else will want it.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Maggie, Wisconsin — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:10:05 GMT

People need to start taking responsibility for themselves. If you cannot afford gas to escape from a place that is precariously perched on a hurricane-prone sandbar, then DON'T LIVE THERE. I would be in favor of assistance to PERMANENTLY relocate people as part of implementing a long term national disaster mitigation plan. Then if you want to stay on your sandbar, or your log cabin in a fire-prone woods, or on a earthquake fault line or on a mud-sliding cliff, it's at your OWN risk. No more bailouts year after year, which just encourages this foolishness. It is a blatant lazy abuse of FEMA and the other local protections taxpayers have set up for emergencies when the same disasters happen over and over and people refuse to learn.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Becky, Newington, CT — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:14:29 GMT

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Wendy Kearney, Sulphur, LA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:20:52 GMT

I have read all of the above/below comments on people who chose to stay during a hurricane. As an outsider it sure is easy to make judgment calls. I was not born or raised in this area, however, I was born and raised up north and currently live in Louisiana. As stated in a previous comment, this is all these people know. They are very, very poor. When I saw first hand how some people live, I thought I was in another country, not the USA. Saying that, they DO NOT have the means to evacuate back to back. A lot of people took their rent and bill money to evacuate for Gustav. Now a week later they have to leave AGAIN. Hello, they can not afford it. I totally understand, so do not sit on your high horse and judge someone when you cannot possibly know the full story. The news does NOT report the economic status of these people who chose to stay. You say they should move, how? Where should they go, when they barely live from paycheck to paycheck. This is all they know. It is a frustrating situation for all involved, from the powers that be (government) and also for the people who can't. Like I stated before, I too used to judge the same way you are, but now that I have lived here for the past three years, I truly understand the statement, "Don't judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes". So the better thing to do is ask God to bless and protect those that can't go.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Patrick S, Houston, TX — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:21:49 GMT

You know I'm from Houston. I was just out of the mandatory evacuation areas. I feel it's really wrong for people who live no where near anykind of hurricane affected area to start making snotty comments. I didn't evacuate, I never have, I waited out the storm and then whent out and cleaned up debris. Most of the people who stayed have lived through previous storms in the same home as they where in for this one. Storms like Karla and Alecia which were much worse. Also, they didn't endanger first responders, they knew that they were going to be on their own for the storm and that's how it was. I read somebodies post that said they couldnt beleive that the government would allow people to live their. Well guess what 90% of the time Galveston and other coastlines are wonderful places to live. Somebody from Florida made that comment... a state that can entirely underwater if the right storm hit. What about places in the northern states that get temperatures below 0? Isn't that a life threatening condition, and that goes on for months! How about area's in California where there's earthquakes, or near volcanoes, or in the central US where there are tons of tornados? Well I guess that according to one reader we shouldnt be allowed to live anywhere then. IKE is a tragedy, but storms happen, at least the loss of life was extremely low, property can be replaced and all the places affected will be rebuilt. Please stop casting judgement on the people who either stayed or just live in the areas affected by Ike. We aren't begging for anything, we just want to rebuild and get on with our lives. Worse things have happened.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Sarah, Raleigh, NC — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:22:21 GMT

I agree that people are capable of making the decisions for themselves and their families. However, that decision is not made in a vacuum. That choice could result in someone's harm or even death. Perhaps a rescuer or even someone in own's family. I am originally from California where earthquakes are the big disaster. We are taught from a VERY young age to always be prepared to an earthquake. Both with construction and design of a house and the contents in it. We were also taught what we needed to survive in case an earthquake rendered us unable to leave. Since an earthquake occurs without warning you MUST always be prepared. So why then don't those of us in hurricane areas stay prepared at all times?
I also agree with those who say that the decision to live in these flood prone or hurricane prone areas need to accept responsibility for such and not rely on the government to bail them out.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Sylvia B. Durocher,Thibodaux,La. — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:25:02 GMT

In response to ed,if we would listen to you,we would not exist.Neither would you

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

M Spencer, Palm Desert, California — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:27:02 GMT

Great ideas from some very thoughful people. I think much of the pain of these hurricane area survivors / residents could be eliminated, and the burden of the taxpayers who choose not to live in these danger zones could be lessened, with prudent thinking. Why anyone would NOT start a special savings account for a "Hurricane Emergency Fund" at just $10 or $20 dollars a month is beyond me. These personal funds could be tapped every time a potential hurricane is coming your way, what... every 10 or 20 years? So you don't eat out 1 time a month, don't buy a cd 1 time, or cut back smoking or drinking, for the $10 or $20 per month. At least you would have some resources for plywood, gas, food, motel, whatever. Every person living in the northern part of the US budgets for winter heating.... it's obvious the people living along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts need to learn to budget for Hurricanes. I would be much more inclined to give relief money and even precious time if I thought it was a true unforseen event, but most of the pain and suffering could, and should, be minimized. The first responders are there for EMERGENCY SITUATIONS.... not for STUPIDITY SITUATIONS... and the departments that are put through additional budget strain (meaning OUR tax dollars) due to these events should be compensated for any rescue that could have been averted through common sense in these instances. Mother Nature will win every time.... when you don't play by the rules.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

E. Tremblay, Saskatoon, Sask. Canada — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:29:55 GMT

Although we live in central Canada and will never know the the feeling of dealing with a devastating hurricane, I can say that I would never put my children in harm's way. Even if we left with only the shirt on our back at least we would be alive and would find away to survive.
As for the cost of gas we keep hearing about, when we figured out what our cost per litre would equal compared to your gallon - we pay about $6.69 a gallon on any regular day and rises more when devestation occurs elsewhere.We can't afford to drive down the block never mind leave anywhere in a hurry.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Barbara J. Nemeth, Sparta, NJ — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:30:07 GMT

By not listening and evacuating you not only risk your life but the lives of others. No material possesion is worth a life!! If you have a manderatory evacuation and do not leave. The person who remains and has to call to be rescued should be made to pay the cost of being rescued. If unable to pay financially, then they should pay in the way of community service. I am an EMT. We help and rescue people because we care. Please, think and don't put your EMTs, Firefighters, rescue workers, etc's. lives on the line because of inconvenience. Hey all, You can't take it with you.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Liz, Cleveland OH — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:33:22 GMT

Uhh....are they KIDDING with this?? Just last week there were articles about how the authorities in Houston weighed their odds and decided NOT to evacuate, since evacuating in 2005 killed more people than the hurricane. Now suddenly it's that people DECIDED to stay? Right. Like anyone wants to stay home during a hurricane. This is the most ridiculous attempt to avoid blame that I've seen since Bush stood on that aircraft carrier and said "Mission accomplished" and then lied about what he meant.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

GET,Lewes,DE — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:33:47 GMT

I have lived in many hurricane prone locations,Outer Banks,NC; St.Thomas,USVI; Key West,FL; Wilmington,NC and the only location where it was extreamly difficult to leave due to money was St. Thomas. You have to fly. I know that fuel is expensive but is it really worth putting your life at risk? I mean car pool people--- 2 famlies= $0 1 vehicle=$0 fuel=$$$ your lives I think that would definately fall under priceless. Think people just because we live pay check to pay check doesn't mean we don't have resources at hand to help.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

B. Forrest, Colorado Springs, CO — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:33:53 GMT

Human beings are infamous for our lack of a proactive mind-set. We are equally infamous for our deluded notion that we can somehow override any natural force. Prayers--most especially a prayer for common sense-- is extended to us all.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Amber — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:34:45 GMT

I have NO sympathy for anybody down there and I feel like FEMA shouldn't give anyone a DIME of my tax dollars. NO ONE MADE them choose to live in an area that will get hit by hurricaine's (not if, WHEN), and if they are not smart enough to have flood insurance then thats their fault. I live in an earthquake zone, and you can bet your life i have earthquake insurance.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Ralph Malph — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:35:53 GMT

Well all I know is that three years ago we kept hearing from Republicans about those dumb people in NO and LA who didn't evacuate....wanna take a bet how many of the dummies who stayed this time were in fact people who criticized their neighbors before?

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

superLsatx — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:37:24 GMT

I agree with most of all the comments in regards to the people who ignored the "mandatory evacuation" order. These people that survived and were rescued, will more than likely to be the first ones to complain or cry about not getting help fast enough. Well, again, you should have left for shelter and would have been much better off with food, water, medical care and showers! But no...you guys think you know better than everyone else...well now you know you're not...just plain stupid! Buses were there for you to get out and you didn't. Don't ever think that any of us can beat Mother Nature!!!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

James Williams, Chandler, AZ — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:39:15 GMT

Bonnie Foster

No it is not the same thing to protect your child in your home, in the attic in the middle of a storm, as to leave your child unprotected in a mall, with nobody watching them. What you and so many others don't get, is that, firstly, if I stay or go, I may have had to weigh personal things that you have no idea of, and secondly, quit harping about the first responders beingput in harms way because somebody stayed. They put themselves in harms way because there will always be people who could not or would not leave.

If they ever make it criminal to stay in a declared disaster zone, maybe they can arrest the survivors. Until then, it's just your opinion which counts for very little when it comes to the personal and property rights of individuals in this country, this is still America.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

scorpioncreed - Conroe, TX — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:39:15 GMT

Lovely, interesting, and some of you really need to take heed. You're condeming places that lots of you go during the summer or even winter to bide your time for whatever reason. How about condeming the mid-west, the areas where there is too much snow, and how about California, mud slides, wild fires, earthquakes, let's just shut America totally down and move somewhere else. Geeeeezem petes!!! Stay the hell away from the Gulf Coast if you don't want to help or see that it survives.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Shelby, Maryland — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:39:16 GMT

The time to ask for help is before the disaster. "Help me, I don't have money to get out. I don't have anywhere to go." Don't ask for help when you're sitting on your roof, baby and pets in tow.

There are so many government programs out there to replace all your material possessions, but there isn't one yet to replace your life.

I would hope there are some city/state codes in place for homes that are built on the water like that, but perhaps they should be more stringent. I know only the richest would be able to afford it, but I think it's better than clinging to your washed out stair case or returning to find everything you've ever worked for swallowed by the sea.

"And every one that heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand"

Matthew 7:26

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Burden Tax payer — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:41:48 GMT

i for one am in favor of Darwinism theory of hurricane evacuation. If you decide to stay and ride it out. I don't think my tax dollars should be spent to rescue your dumb arse when you are sitting on your rooftop. Or if you are like all the evangenlics - ask god to save you.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Kimo, Greenville, OH — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:41:50 GMT

The weather reporters do not help the situation when they report in the middle of a raging storm. If reporters can stand out in the howling winds and soaking rains unprotectected then why can't residents stay in their own homes, which offer much more protection? Public perception is a big factor when safety officials are trying to keep people safe.

Where is OSHA and the General Duty Clause to assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women in the broadcast industry? I would perceive workers standing in 110+ mph winds to be an identifiable hazard.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

LN, Ft. Lauderdale, FL — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:42:45 GMT

It is sad to say that alot of people have to actually go through something that bad first to learn, unfortunately some die that first time. I have experienced several hurricanes here in South Florida but I will never forget Wilma. My home was destroyed & my spouse & I lived in a FEMA trailer, & dealing with insurance company was a daily battle. One day you can be fine & the next day a Hurricane happens & your life is completely turned upside down. The amount of stress you go through dealing with the Insurance, contractors & daily life itself like working, being a parent or spouse etc., is tremendous. This put alot of tension in my marriage which ended in divorce. After almost three years of Hurricane Wilma the house is finally at its finishing point, but that was a very traumatic experience I will never forget.
Materialistic things can be replaced & they are not worth more than life itself. I am thankful to be alive.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Joan Sands, Bluffton, SC — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:42:58 GMT

Well, sure, I would not want to be living even for just a few days in a shelter. But I would do it if I had not the means to go someplace else. I would rather be alive than dead or close to it. And I don't think I have the right to disobey an evacuation order and then expect people to come and save me and take care of me.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Doug, VA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:44:43 GMT

After the 1900 Hurricane, Galveston should have become a marine life sanctuary. Why do people insist on living there?.That is why I would not live anywhere near the gulf coast, or California (wild fires and earthquakes), or the midwest (tornadoes and droughts) for that matter. I much rather be safe than sorry.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

C. Williams - Northampton, PA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:45:14 GMT

Federal, State & Local governments MUST enact legislation that prohibits ANYONE from building in an area 'legally identified' as "Hurricane Prone". Time and again people insist on building (rebuilding) in shore areas that are prime candidates for catastrophic damage during hurrican season.

In addition, why must '1st responders' risk their life trying to rescue people who ignore repeated warnings to evacuate? This is totally inconsiderate and should not be allowed. If anyone opts not to evacuate - their fate is in THEIR hands not someone else.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Jeffrey, Denver, CO — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:45:29 GMT

Larry from LA LA land...
You're an idiot with your pathetic attempt to relate the Bushes to America's hurricanes. Trust me, as a Katrina survivor, they don't play favorites with who's in office.
People in these vulnerable areas need to heed official evacuation warnings and have "a plan" well in advance of an approaching storm. Homes and your property are replaceable, folks! Get out or don't expect to be resuced after it's too late.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Tom, Houston,TX — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:47:47 GMT

Carol Anne

Noticed you are from Seattle. Why would anyone insist on living in an earthquake, tsunami and volcano eruption prone city? Get the point? Proabably not. If you think it's wise to start abondoning US cities, yours would be at the top of the list.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

David, Columbus Ohio — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:49:40 GMT

As long as we continue to rescue folks who stay behind when they are told it is mandatory to leave they will continue to stay. The first thing that should be done is take care of those who obeyed and listened and evauated. After they are in shelters with proper food and supplies should be even begin to check on the folks who decided to fend for themselfs and stay. When the evacuation orders are given they should be told not to expect help for days and even weeks. It is time we take care of those who obey the evacuation orders and give them the shelter and food they need. I am sick and tired or spending resources and risking the lives of rescue workers on people who refuse to leave.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Kerry, NC — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:51:33 GMT

In one interview on MSNBC a city official was begging from FEMA help, etc.

WHEN are the local authorities going to take responsibity for their own people. Yes, the government should be available and at the ready to help, but the local authorities should have plans in place for such emergencies!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Delmar Fairchild Barron, WI — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:53:21 GMT

There should be a 25 mile Federal Environmental Zone along our coastlines where no one should be able to permanently have a stationary home or other building. The cities, towns and villages would slowly be moved back away from the water through attrition from the closest to the water on back. When the buildings are in disrepair, they are torn down and rebuilt farther away from the water.
What a wonderful vacation spot that would be to have camping and other facilities without the large burdensome buildings. When a hurricane comes, you just tell everyone to go home and after the water subside you can go back to camping and playing on the beaches. Beaches then would be owned by the people, through the government instead of large motel chains.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Susan Patterson, Fairfax, Virginia — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:53:27 GMT

I have NO sympathy for anyone who chose to stay behind on a barrier island when it was a mandatory evacuation. It is a selfish and extremely dangerous thing to do and puts those who are now attempting to rescue these foolish people in extreme danger. We are such a greedy bunch sometimes - allowing developers to build homes that will for sure flood and be swept out to sea with strong hurricanes in the Gulf. I don't feel sorry for anyone who lives in these places. I wonder what the Houston government was thinking when they didn't issue a mandatory evacuation-look at things now. Some people never learn apparently. God be with all of those rescuers and if I hear ONE MORE idiot who says "I'll never try to ride it out again" I think I will scream!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Ely, Also Familiar with Hurricanes in SC — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:53:54 GMT

In response to "K Mary Hessgot" these people were offered assistance and financial means to leave that were never before made available. These accommodations were made to prevent another Katrina story. They also provided assistance with moving pets. They were offered bus passes, gas, and accommodations. Let's go back to why they stayed again? One woman interviewed claimed she thought it was going to be an exaggeration like Gustov was. Only a quarter of the residents stayed. That tells me only a few ignorant people had an excuse to come up with on short notice. My heart bleeds for all of those suffering, at the same time I cast blame. What answer can the mother of the 10 year boy that was killed by a falling tree limb have? Why did she stay? Why was her child’s life put up for a gamble? She (excuse me “HE”) lost. What reason is good enough now?

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Alex, Tarpon Springs, FL — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:55:06 GMT

I live in coastal FL and I run a small ALF with 10 mentally retarded adults. I have 2 6x10 trailers that are loaded with everything I need for myself, my family, my staff and my residents for 2 weeks - food, clothes, tents and sleeping accommodations, etc. Every year, in June, I restock the food and water, and in December we use it if we haven't had a storm. My facility has hurricane protection but we are in a flood zone, so we shelter in place for a 1 or a 2 and we evac for a 3, 4 or 5. I can leave here with my residents in an hour or so if we have to.

People need to take a page out of the Boy Scout handbook. Be Prepared!!!! Don't expect the cavalry to come riding to the rescue.

We once were a nation of self-reliant people who did not let obstacles hinder us - how sad it is that so many have lost the ability to think and act on their own in a matter of self preservation, and even in the face of an oncoming disaster like a hurricane, they stand there, like deer in the headlights.

Emergency manager don't order mass evacuations on a whim. Evacuations are very costly and can be fraught with problems. These people are professionals who train for this type of event constantly, when they tell you to leave - LEAVE!!

In Cuba they don't have a similar problem with people ignoring evacuation orders, the military comes by and tells you that you're leaving in a couple of hours - be ready. While their buildings suffer far more damage than ours, they have minimal loss of life. While I wouldn't want to see soldiers at gunpoint evacuating people here, the point is that evacuations SAVE LIFES!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Christi, Yuma, AZ (Earthquake Zone) — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:59:32 GMT

Now that the areas hit by Hurricane Ike need to be rebuilt. They should check out these websites. You can build a disaster-proof home that will survive earthquakes, hurricanes, wildfires... Check out these websites.

http://www.baynews9.com/VideoPlayer/?Polk_Domes_822

http://www.abcdomes.com/

http://static.monolithic.com/

It's a great solution for rebuilding. There are some nice looking dome homes...they're not all ugly.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

BW,Seattle,WA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:00:57 GMT

As a certified paramedic of 16 yrs, it still blows me away when I respond to stupid people stunts ie; non-evacuees of Ike. I do not pick or chose my patients or their situation all be it their fault or some act outside their ability to act. This scenario is a "B" movie people standing around stoic until the perverable #&*@ hits the fan and the become the focus of all available responders to pull them to safety. I am part of a medical response team set up for responses just like this. It does give me pause when some people think they are superior to mother nature, your not and I along with other selfless rescuers out their thank you for your actions that have occurred and for the ones that have yet to happen. For those individuals who are waiting for help, learn this lesson of life do not play chicken with a hurricaine because you will lose huge, probabley your life or that of a loved one. God Bless to all

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

R Marshall, Washington, DC — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:03:39 GMT

People stayed in their homes because they thought that the chance of Ike doing real damage was remote. Also they probably were not aware that natural flood protection has been eroded over the years by development. Finally, they put too much trust in their elected and bureacratic leaders to look out for them.

Will someone tell me how many times in the last 25 years has something like this happened to Galveston, Tx?

Another instance of Stupidity? It is the sons and daughters of community like Galveston, Tx who are more likely to put themselves in harms way by enlisting in the armed services. In view of the Iraq war, I guess some could legitimately criticize those of them who are killed or maimed for being so stupid and not deserving of help from anyone.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

ex-Houston resident — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:04:24 GMT

no one reads this stuff folks!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

N IN B'HAM — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:05:44 GMT

I HAVE TO AGREE WITH EVERYONE-WHAT IS WRONG WITH FOLKS?!? THEY TELL YOU AND TELL YOU-I REALIZE IT CAN BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT FOR SOME PEOPLE TO LEAVE WHETHER IT BE FINANCIAL, TRANSPORTATION, ETC BUT NOW WITH SO MANY DIFFERENT AGENCIES WORKING TOGETHER THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO REASON FOR ANYONE TO BE LEFT BEHIND. THESE PEOPLE THINK THAT STAYING WILL SOMEHOW PROTECT THEIR BELONGINGS WELL ONCE AGAIN IKE SHOWED US THAT YOU CAN'T. THE AUTHORITES HAVE BIGGER PROBLEMS TO DEAL WITH RATHER TO RESCUE SILLY PEOPLE THAT THINK THEY ARE ABOVE IT ALL. SOMEHOW A PART OF ME DOES NOT FEEL SORRY FOR THESE PEOPLE. THE ONES I DO FEEL SORRY FOR ARE THE MILLIONS IN TEXAS WITH NO POWER-THEY CAN'T HELP THEIR SITUATIONS-WELL I'VE VENTED NOW. AND BY THE WAY MY DAD WAS IN THE NAVY AND I'VE LIVED ON EVERY COAST IN THIS COUNTRY INCLUDING KEY WEST. HE ALWAYS LEFT MY MOTHER WITH 4 SMALL KIDS BECAUSE THEY HAD TO TAKE THE SHIPS OUT TO SEA! I'VE SPENT MORE THAN 1 NIGHT IN A CLOSET!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Alex, Houston, Texas — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:07:48 GMT

People who call Galveston a sand bar have no idea what the ... they are talking about? go learn the HISTORY. you case is like G.W. Bush's case of weapons of mass distruction in Iraq? by the way where is Bin Laden? you have no ... clue do you. NO! open your eyes and learn the HISTORY. SHAME ON YOU FOR CALLING GALVESTON A SAND BAR. SHAME ON YOU. and no CASINO's in TEXAS...

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

R Marshall, Washington, DC — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:08:12 GMT

Why is there no discussion about improving the infrastructure (flood protection, power lines etc) to keep people safer and minimize the damage and disruption caused by hurricanes etc. Spending about $10,000,000,000 (what we a spending on the Iraq war) a month could really make a difference.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

James, Dallas, TX — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:11:05 GMT

People need to remember that a Category 3 (Ike was just short of this) hurricane is a gigantic TORNADO. If you are told to leave, all you need to do is look at what happened to the homes on the Bolivar peninsula. Don't bet you life because there is nothing you can do to stop a hurricane.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Jennifer, Ft. Worth TX — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:11:21 GMT

It makes me angry to think that so many people chose to stay and are creating more work for the first responders now. But calling people "stupid" and criticizing their decisions seems a bit pointless now. For everyone who couldn't wait to make a comment about how people who live in areas where natural disasters might strike deserve what they get, have you ever been to a beach in Florida or Texas? Have you ever visited California or Seattle where there are earthquakes? Ever been to Turks and Caicos on a beach resort? If it weren't for the people who live and work there, you wouldn't be able to vacation there. What about people in the midwest who deal with tornados every spring? Most everyone knows that there is a potential for something to happen in these places, but diasters of this size don't happen very often, fortunately. Rather than criticizing and name calling at this point, shouldn't we focus our efforts on helping? I understand the anger at those who ignored evacuation orders. I, too, think they should be fined/billed for the effort it takes to get them out. But I also think that a lot of people who did leave when asked got punished by Mother Nature too. Maybe if we focus on retooling the evacuation plans (which I think went relatively well) and helping to figure out how to do better next time, then it might be a better use of our time and energy. No one wants to foot the bill for other people, but most of us need a hand in some way or another in our lives. Right now the people in Galveston/Houston areas need help.

We all know that there were a lot of people who ignored the order to go, and didn't leave on buses that were provided. Some of those people didn't live to regret their own bad choice, but many did. Rather than making people feel even worse about it - they're having to live with their consequences now - let's move forward. It wastes time to sit in our dry homes with electricity and say "shame on you" to people who have no homes anymore. They already know they made a bad choice.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Alan Tolland, CT — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:15:44 GMT

Initially I was a bit ticked and appalled that many in Galveston did not evacuate. However, after looking at the photos of the survivors I was struck by the the fact that many of them appeared to be poor or destitute. I assume that they could not afford the gas to leave or a hotel to stay at if they could afford the gas. It's a sad situation indeed.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Mary C, Avon, NY — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:16:44 GMT

I agree with the folks above who recommend we fine the people who choose to stay and require rescue. If the person cannot pay the fine due to financial reasons, they could do community service instead, but it us up to them to have a plan to get to safety. That's a requirement of choosing to live in a hurricane area.

I also think the local governments should be more involved with ensuring that people do not build in flood prone areas. New construction permits should not be allowed in the worst of flood zones and re-building should not be allowed if the existing home is destroyed. It would be much cheaper in the long run if the government would buy up the land (at a fair price), and let the homeowner take their insurance payment and land money and go build or buy somewhere else. If they can use eminent domain to take people's homes to build a highway, you should think something similar could be done for public safety reasons. People who live or build in flood areas are not just taking risks themselves, they're risking the lives of the people who may need to rescue them and the tax dollars of people cleaning up the mess when their home is destroyed.

I lived in the Dallas/Fort Worth in the 90's and watched as the same people were flooded out of their homes time after time and kept re-building.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

MG Anderson Wisconsin — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:17:03 GMT

I am a floodplain management specialist. This was a great article. One tip I would add is to think before you build or buy. Do you truly understand the risk you face when living in a specfic area or house? Is this a risk you want to take on? I know that living in the upper Mid-West I face the risk of tornadoes and blizzards/cold weather. Therefore, I made sure my house has a secure basement and a good furnace.

What amazes me is the amount of development along the beach front on Galveston. And this is despite the fact that the west end of the island appears to be eroding - as all barrier islands do. What is so great about being at the ocean's edge that people are willing to face 15 foot+ storm surges and the inevitable loss of the beach?

For a interesting time, compare the photo of Crystal Beach (photo 25 in today's Images) to the same area on Google Earth. It truly emphsizes the level of destruction. The street view level gives an interesting perspective for both the Peninsula and Galveston. Also, note the number of "blue" roofs in the Google pictures. I think the photos were taken just after Hurricane Rita. The blue comes from the blue FEMA tarps that are handed out to protect wind damaged roofs.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

K dawn, San Antonio, TX — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:18:03 GMT

Yes, L.L from Frisco, TX is very correct. There are busses, shelters, hotels set up for evacuees in other parts of Texas. Of course it isn't a five star hotel. Oh well. At least you are fed, sheltered and if you need medical care, it is provided. Also, if you need gas money, most shelters provide gas cards to get back home. I know all of this is provided...I see it on the local news here. Maybe the national media needs to show this also, to let people know that all this is being provided/offered to all who need help and that help is available to those who need to get back home.(this also includes pets)

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Martin — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:20:54 GMT

I always feel for the people who go through such disasters, and Ike's victims are no exception. But why do people stay when ordered to evacuate? Some just think they know better. However, many cannot afford to go. For those who barely have enough cash to survive day-to-day, let alone "be prepared" in advance of an oncoming hurricane, emergency declarations should automatically include voucher systems for gasoline, lodging and food i.e. basic subsistence, issued IN ADVANCE during the two or three days before the HR arrival. As a Wilma victim myself, I know that many of the emergency assistance provisions were too late for too many. Federal assistance should be available IN ADVANCE.
In the months that followed Wilma, my biggest fight was not with my insurance company, but with the property management companies who took my insurance payout and banked it, spoonfeeding me, demanding contractors to waive liens etc. Also, my mortgage got sold twice so there were two seven-week periods when I could not access the insurance payout at all. The property management companies took the bank interest, I got the headaches. Is this right?
My last beef is that our building standards allow constuction of matchbox-wood houses in hurricane zones. Do legislators know the LESSON of the Three Little Pigs, or did they just think that it was a kid's story?

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Angela, Philadelphia, PA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:23:26 GMT

Ken W. , I did not say that I was taking the side of those that chose to stay. Yes, if the gov provided a way out of town and a shelter, yes, those in danger should have taken that. My comments focused on other areas outside of Galveston where transportation and a shelter were not readily available unless you had the money and the means to do it on your own. In Galvestion where transporation, advance notice, and a shelter were all provided, yes, EVERYONE should have evacutated.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

George, Brownsville, Texas — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:28:23 GMT

Let's look at why many people can't evacuate. Employees at Walmart, Stripes and other stores have to sign an agreement that they will stay in the event of a hurricane. If not they can be fired and some could have a hard time getting another job. It's time for some union to step in to protect the employees of these evil giants.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Pamela, Port Richey, FL — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:30:15 GMT

I feel that once a hurricane destroys an area, rebuilding should not be permitted. The insurance companies make everyone else foot the bill for the constant rebuilding of those homes and the majority of them are very expensive. That should go for the high rise hotels and condos that investors insist on building right on every beach. I think people who refuse to evacuate in the face of a manditory order should be fined. You are not only putting your life in danger, but the people who have to save you are put at risk also.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

dahlia, NY, NY — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:32:38 GMT

These are the same people who want less government, complain about taxes, etc and then display an incredible lack of personal resposibility when they ignore "government agency" warnings. It's called stupidity, lack of education and selfishness. Keep on voting republican and see where it gets you!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Mary Dubois — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:35:33 GMT

Mary, Queens New York

Hurricane David 1979, I survived that calamity and feel blessed to be alive. I was only 20 yrs old and to this day when I hear of a hurricane or even the possibility of a hurricane I get scared, If NYC is ever threathened by a hurricane, no one will tell ne to evacuate if I can't take a train, plane or automobile from the area, I'll start walking. You can always get material things, But you have only one life. what annoys me the most are the idiots with small children saying that they are not evacuating. Isn't this child endangerment?
anyone excercising their right to be a fool only to be rescued later should be billed by the state or county.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

David, Ellington, CT — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:39:40 GMT

Carol Anne, Seattle is right on the mark.
Why states/fed allow people to build in flood plains in the first place is beyond me. People who build there should bear the cost of reconstruction alone when disaster hits. Then again, people who build in dry forests that burn nearly every year should also bear the cost of replacing whatever they lose. It's 100% wrong to expect taxpayers and people who pay insurance premiums everywhere to bear the bulk of this burden for greedy cry babys who feel entitled to our money. This may not be a very PC comment, but I don't give a damn. I am not running for office and I am tired of being among the majority getting unwillingly bent over for a selfish,idiotic few.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Theresa Brennan, Port Charlotte, Florida — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:41:35 GMT

Having lived through Charley--I find it very disturbing that some people still cannot take their pets with them on evaculation. I learned this morning that a woman left two lab puppies in their crate and both were drowned on her return. Horrible!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Dave, Minneapolis, MN — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:42:11 GMT

Jennifer, you live near the subduction zone of the New Madrid Fault line. Are you prepared for the eventual earthquake that will displace you?

Carol Anne, why would people continue to live in one of the most active seismic areas in the Continental US?

This "They should know better" attitude is astonishing. If we're going to limit our living space to those areas immune from natural disasters, Topeka Kansas is going to get awful crowded.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Rachel, South Carolina — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:44:18 GMT

First responders are first responders because they want to be! My husband is a police officer and it is his choice to put his life in harms way to help a fellow man. I don't know, how would you rather go, trying to help a stranded motorist, only to find out they just want to kill a cop (finding out too late I might add) or helping a family out of their flooded house? Hmm...

anyway, whether you live in Arizona, South Carolina, Texas, Maine, California...anywhere, there are dangers. Landslides, floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, tornados. You choose to live where you do for certain reasons, but the bottom line is it's your choice, and there will always be a danger there! Furthermore, there will always be people that choose to do hero work! They want to help people! It's the job that they love! It's more rewarding to them to rescue some dumb behind, than to be shot because of some hateful man with a grudge!

Instead of being on here, trying to make these people pay, and hurt even more, why don't some of you get off of your behinds and help put this country back together! Start somewhere! Just help someone, instead of thinking only about yourselves, which is what most of this thread is about!

People are stupid! We know this, but this country was founded on freedom! Let people make their choices!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Frank, Santa Paula,CA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:45:08 GMT

Lots of good comments! Zoning to mandate hurricane proof structure or prevent building, fines for stupity + rescue, turning off services when evacuation orders are given, prosecution for child endangerment - all of the above!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

B Jones, Columbia, MO — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:48:46 GMT

What part of MANDATORY is voluntary? I think that if people have stayed behind to "ride it out" after MANDATORY evac. orders - FOR WHATEVER REASON or rather EXCUSE, they are ON THEIR OWN now to "ride out" the consequences of their choice as well. That means no First Responders saving their ***, no food/water/ice provisions, etc. They CHOSE not to board that bus, ask a neighbor for help, whatever it took to get to safety, why should we worry about their safety now when they chose not to. I also don't think the reporters should be allowed to stay during MANDATORY evacuations. People should look up the meaning of MANDATORY.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Gwyn, Houma Louisiana — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:51:43 GMT

Unless you have lived thru the utter diaster of trying to evacuate South Louisiana then you have no reason to give your opinions. How many people die on the highway trying to get out. Once out they were told they couldn't come back to their homes in Terrebonne parish for more than a week and a half after Gustav passed. These people were out of money and out of gas but were not given any help to get back home. Have you ever stayed in an evacuation shelter? I've seen them and how some people act in them and would rather ride out the storm in my home. Evacuation is not ALWAYS an option for some people and I think its cruel of people in northern states to critizise whether we choose to evacuate or not. Do we complain when people in California have to evacuate or be rescued because of fires, NO. So unless you have been here stop with your opinions. People in lower Terrebonne Parish in Louisiana were flooded out of their homes for IKE, after meterologist said it would not be another flood like Rita. In some areas it was worse. Most of those families down the bayous have lived there for 3 or 4 generations its all they know. Its not their fault the barrier islands no longer protect the ONLY LIFE THEY HAVE EVER KNOWN. Instead of giving your hateful, judgemental opinions why don't you have a little sympathy in your heart for the people who are suffering. By the way Houma and its low lying areas were hit pretty hard for Katrina and Rita but you didn't see the destruction or devestation down here because New Orleans was the only place that counted same as now. How many of you self righteous people voicing your opinion here have seen Houma on the news for Gustav or IKE???? The people down here are not waiting for the Government or anyone else to come in and take care of them like New Orleans. They are out taking care of themselve, Thank You very much.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Rachel, South Carolina — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:52:52 GMT

And all of you that are thinking that everyone should be going to these shelters, During Hugo, several of our "shelters" were about 8 feet under water...how safe is that...I think I would rather be sitting on the roof...of my own house!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Karen, California — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:58:45 GMT

First, every part of this country has a weather or seismic anomaly that makes it dangerous to exist. Earthquakes, ice storms, tornadoes, hurricanes, flooding. Tell me where it's safe and none of these happen and I'll move there.
Second, I agree that people ought to evacuate when told. Providing animal rescue/shelter services has helped many people leave where they wouldn't before.
Mainly, why oh why, knowing that they are going to have to evacuate, knowing they will be one of hundreds of thousands, knowing that relief may be days away, do people depend upon the city/state to feed them, provide water for them, and get their medications? If you know it's coming get some food, update your prescriptions, get some gas in your vehicle, but mostly, get out. Good grief. Here comes a wall of water driven by a ferocious wind. You are not a god, you will not survive!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Danny , Kansas City — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 18:58:46 GMT

I agree John M from louisville and the many others that point out the need for self responsibility. Those whom choose to live in the area are responsible for what is possible there. I do not wish bad things for anyone, however, They were told point blank of the consequences. They were offered transportation ( i.e. buses) for those who could not physically escape on their own, I trust neighbors and friends would have helped the elderly, the handicapped, the sick, and the kids. Too all those others? I feel you are on your own! America is a free country, yes you have the right to stay and "ride it out" or been un prepared for a hurricane. You also have the right to pay the consequences of your decisions. No one should feel sorry for your plight. I certainly know that I don't feel bad for you. I may sound caulous and hard, actually, I am not, I care for many of those around me and dont ask for anything in return, but I can't stand those who refuse to help themselves, nor do I tolerate it. If you choose to live there un prepared, that is your right as an american. I chose to live in the midwest, no hurricanes, no earthquakes. We do have tornados and floods. I built a house well out of flood plain, but the tornados I must live with. We have a basement that we go to when we hear the tornado sirens and watch a battery driven tv in that basement when warnings are in place. For those on the coast that are unaware of tornados? well, they can give you as little as a couple of minutes before they strike, many times at night. When we are fortunate enough to be warned of a tornado ahead of time, we heed the warnings and seek shelter. We DO NOT HAVE days or weeks of warnings. I wish we had the kinds of warnings you get of empending danger. We don't and we except that. For those who ecvacuated the hurricane and lived, but not so comfortable, be thankful to be alive and thank those there to help you. For those who chose to "ride it out" and lived to tell about, you better thank those who risked their lives to rescue your sorry but. It is time people take responibilty for there own actions. I respect your decisions as a free citizen, now respect mine. I feel no pity for those who "Chose" to stay behind.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Elaine Uram, Ocean Springs, MS — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:01:43 GMT

So many of you are saying that we shouldn't live in Hurricane prone areas and we should all move. Does that mean everyone on the west coast should move because it is Earthquake prone? That everyone in the Northwest should move to avoid blizzards? That everyone near a river should move in case of the next flood? That everyone in the Midwest should move to avoid the next tornado? Washington STate and Hawaii have live volcanos, so we can't go there. So where should all of these millions of people move to? To your hometown?

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Scott, Baton Rouge, LA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:03:26 GMT

Amber states, "....I live in an earthquake zone, and you can bet your life I have earthquake insurance." First, a lot of good that insurance is going to do you when you have no power, no running water, and no ability to contact your insurance agent because both landlines and cell towers are out (not to mention that your agent is dealing with his/her own issues...). That's why FEMA is necessary in these situations. Amber, obviously you and many people who've posted remarks on here have never been thru a natural disaster.
I'm from Louisiana, and am still dealing with the debris from Gustav. I was also here for Katrina, and in both cases, it's like living in a war zone, and until you've experienced it first hand, you have NO IDEA what it's like, so many of you should save your judgements. For ANYONE to make any remark that their tax dollars shouldn't be used to help victims of hurricanes - because, after all, they chose to live in a hurricane zone - just shows an alarming lack of intelligence. Also, I have to wonder, would we have this conversation if San Francisco or Los Angeles were struck by some massive earthquake...? After all, they chose to live in a city built on a known fault!
Folks, situations like this is WHY we pay taxes. I'd rather see my tax dollars going to help victims of a natural disaster than to bail out mortgage owners who got in over their heads....

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Chris, West Palm Beach FL — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:04:45 GMT

After Ike I was watching a program on how scientist want to weaken the storms before they make landfall. It is crazy to try to effect something so large and the money for that type of research should be moved to strengthening buildings and grants so such improvements couild be more widely available.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Moira, Chicago, IL — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:05:32 GMT

I am always disappointed when I read pejorative comments from people who would have no idea of the physical and cultural outlay of a completely different part of the country.

Galveston is not a sandbar. It is a barrier island which, as a result of the 1900 storm, was raised 17 feet to prevent that sort of destruction from accurring again. I grew up in the Galveston area and can assure you that the residents are acutely aware of the dangers related to a hurricane. It can just be very difficult for people to abandon all they have in the world. By and large, the people who stay are those who have very little and the risk can seem resonable to them at the time.

One thing that bothers me about these blogs is that I have never read people advising others to move from their homes which lie near fault lines, mud-slide or wildfire prone areas. The state of California has required more federal aid on a regular basis than any coastal area. This is a verifiable fact...but I don't remember hearing anyone say that Californians should just leave their state.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Jeff, Phoenix AZ — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:07:48 GMT

In 1900 there were no weather satellites or other forecasting technology to warn people there was a hurricane approaching. Today we have amazing technology that can predict the hurricane track sufficiently to prepare. Those who don't are just plain stupid. In Arizona, we have a stupid motorist law. If you're stupid enough to drive into a flooded wash and need to be rescued, you're going to get a very big bill. That's what these people should get. As they board the helicopter someone should give them a bill and charge their credit card. All of us are paying for their stupidity.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Peter Guttman, Santa Maria, CA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:08:51 GMT

To: Dave, Vancouver, Canada. He says:
"Does this not show Global Warming is a fact? Get government dollars in to clamping down on pollution biggies--Industry, not fuel burning cars are the biggest offender-_ Nail the S.O.B.s! "

How does this show that its global warming? Can you prove it? Why isn't the on-going cooling of the South Pole currently going on explain this a lot better?

Pete

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

GC Lecamu, Hempstead, TX — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:09:59 GMT

Don't let people say they stayed because of lack of funds----we have yet to use all of the buses lined up to evacuate people. We don't need the government to price fix gas or lodging-we need people to understand this is not a vacation. Get out however you can to where ever is provided. Then the government needs to get tough and say WE WILL NOT RESCUE PEOPLE WHO STAY BEHIND OR PROVIDE ANY SERVICES TO THEM UNTIL THE EVACUTATED CITIZENS ARE ALLOWED BACK INTO THE COMMUNTIY. The FEMA director finally griped at the selfish who stayed behind, risking rescuers lives and taking valuable resources, but he didn't go far enough.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Donna, Orlando FL — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:10:16 GMT

In 1979, when memories of Camille were starting to fade, and Hurricane Frederick was heading toward Mobile/Pensacola, the deputies of Escambia, Walton and Okaloosa Counties (and Mobile) were sent house to house on the barrier islands to "enforce" the mandatory evacuation. To anyone who said they didn't have to go, and would ride out the storm, the deputies were instructed to obtain the name and address of that person's next of kin.

They pretty much cleared the barrier islands. Which is why, while ol' Freddie was the first storm to top a billion (in 1979 dollars), the death toll was under ten.

People, what part of *storm surge* don't you understand???

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

kate, montana — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:10:55 GMT

Just a comment regarding the many "don't live in places that can be hit by a hurricane". If people are to be punished and castigated for living in hurricane areas, what about all those who live on the West Coast, which is subject to devastating earthquakes; those in the Midwest, which sees horrific tornadoes; around the Great Lakes, which is hit by blizzards; anyone near the New Madrid Fault, which is way overdue for another quake; the East Coast, which is also hurricane prone....
Face it, there is NO place on earth that is perfectly safe. Range fires, forest fires, earthquakes, floods, landslides, hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes and other natural disasters. For those of you who criticize, may I suggest finding a place to live that has NO weather?

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Laurel, Coastal Florida — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:16:04 GMT

I feel very sorry for the children of those who choose not to evacuate when disaster looms. I do not feel sorry for those who place those children in danger. How many who say they don't have the means to evacuate ignore the government-provided options because they're not attractive enough? Yeah, buses and cots in gymnasiums ain't the Ritz, but take advantage of what is offered. What are the chances that some (notice I didn't say "all") of the people claiming they don't have enough money to evacuate manage to find enough money each week to buy cigarettes or alcohol while claiming they don't have money to get their kids out of harm's way? Then there are those who DO have the means to take care of themselves and their families but want someone else to do it for them. How many families with cable TV, HBO, game consoles in their homes show up at the shelter with a cell phone and iPod in every family members' hand, but without food, water and supplies, expecting others to take care of them? What happened to good ole American self-sufficiency and initiative? Good grief people, let's make an effort! Have a plan! Buy supplies ahead (if you buy two cans of non-perishable canned food every week and a couple of batteries once a month throughout the year and put them aside for storm emergencies, it's generally not going to break your budget!). Although I have compassion for those who truly get blindsided by unavoidable catastrophe, those who COULD minimize the impact but DON'T, do not have my sympathy. For heaven sake, just bite the bullet and deal with the inconvenience of evacuating and the boredom of a shelter for a few days... don't think that disaster can never happen to you. I have been evacuating for hurricanes for decades and have been fortunate enough to always come back to a house spared by the storm. If we're not that lucky someday at least there's a good chance we'll be safe. I'd rather evacuate 100 times "for nothing" than have my family become part of the big storm statistics.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

hurricane hater, macon, ga — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:16:48 GMT

That shelter 8 feet under water after Hugo? Learn to swim and quit your whining...

And Galveston IS a sandbar....one would have to be INSANE to build something in which to try and live in a place like that!!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Beth Janousek Norfolk, NE — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:18:54 GMT

One thing I didn't see mentioned here, is the fact that hurricane areas are at leasted warned well in advance. You people in these areas have time to prepare, move your precious items, save pictures, ect. I live in tornado alley, you know how much warning I get--5 minutes if I'm lucky. We have time to save ourselves and if we're lucky, grab the family pets,too. We lose everything and I do mean everything. What we wouldn't give to have enough warning to grab the baby pictures, our sons graduation stuff, our wedding pictures, ect. So, the next time there is a hurricane heading your way, LEAVE!!! Pack up your valuable stuff and LEAVE!!! If you chose not to then don't cry about it. You had time---we don't.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Terry, Florida — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:19:03 GMT

My nephew...a class valeditorian, medical student, and father-to-be was one of those that decided to ride it out on Galveston. With him are his pregnant wife, uncle, and cousins. I am baffled that he made that decision, as I've always known him to make wise personal choices. I've heard through his mother that they made it and are dealing with the damage to relative's houses, so they didn't need rescuing but I don't know how long they'll tough it out in the primitive conditions. I'm looking forward to getting the chance to ask what they could possibly have been thinking when they decided not to evacuate.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

JS, Illinois — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:19:49 GMT

To Al of Miami, FL:

Regarding your comment on being told to evacuate: "I look at the discussions on NOAA myself, and am more than capable of making my own decision for my own family. When we need to go, we go, otherwise, we stay. I am not, however, going to be told what to do by a bunch of non-elected yahoos who are more interested in self-aggrandizement and enriching themselves than they are in truly helping me and my family. We do not need government in every aspect of our lives."

I prefer little government intervention in my life. This country was founded on freedom of choice, which includes your personal decision to make unwise choices. However, my personal choice is NOT having to pay for your stupid decisions.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Suzanne, Toledo Bend LA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:22:00 GMT

I am 40 years old and have lived in the same area of Louisiana all my life. Until Hurricane Rita in 2005, I had NEVER experienced a hurricane at all. Within the past 5 years we have dealt with three of them. After experiencing the wind and rain, which was minor compared to what those further south got, I can promise you that if we were ordered to evacuate our family would do it if we had to walk out pulling my handicapped mother in a red wagon.

I, too, believe that the taxpayers should not be required to pay for rescues in mandatory evacuation areas. It disturbs me many of the people staying in shelters complain about the inconveniences instead of being grateful for a safe place to sleep and for food and water.

The rescue workers and their worried families and those working to restore power and services in the affected areas are in my thougts and prayers.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Mark,Tenn — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:23:44 GMT

When this government makes these places off limits to build on,then people of this nation can quit paying for the rebuild through taxes or higher prem on Insur,but then again our government can run a dam thing right.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Cathy Nottellin, Washington State — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:24:25 GMT

I could not believe the guy that was rescued after riding out the storm, complaining about the person at 911 telling him that he could not be rescued in the middle of the hurricane just because he changed his mind. And he was ANGRY when they told him to put some ID on his ankle in case he was swept away.
How could he possibly be angry at our system when he ignored it in the first place? It would have been better to risk emergency personnel in the middle of a hurricane to come get his sorry hiney out of the mess that was self imposed? Then he would have been happy?
Emergency services are in place for just that, EMERGENCIES, not as a remedy for stupidity.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

john, jacksonville, fl — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:31:05 GMT

I was going to comment on K Mary Hess argument before I saw that someone else did. Great argument! This seems kind of like raising kids. You can't force them to do what is wise or best so instead we constantly seek ways to lessen the damage by opening avenues that provide them a path to safety. Im not a proponent of big or excessive govt intervention in what should be common sense issues but... I do believe Business should be encouraged at least with incentives to provide the services that Ms Hess outlines. The arrangements with business should be in advance of these disasters too. Its pay me now or pay me later for the federal government (taxpayers)so why not now? Save a few lives in the process!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Gaye Lynn Tillman — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:33:03 GMT

I would like to throw in my "two cents" here. I live in Azle, Tx., about 15 min. west of Ft. Worth. I would like to address a comment made here, earlier today. Ok, so you THINK you know what's best for your family and you DONT THINK Gov't should have a say so in wether you stay in your hurricane prone area, when "emminent danger" is approaching. Then I Dont believe I should have to pay a higher insurance premium to pay for the fact that you CHOOSE to live in a hurrican prone area. There I refuse to keep paying premiums that sky rocket after every hurricane. I believe if you live in a hurricane prone zone, ie the Gulf coast, Florida etc, that you be allowed to build one time and one time only. If it gets washed away by Mother Nature, you get your insurance check and NOT be allowed to build there again. Let's say it's the RISK you take by CHOOSING to live on the coast. May sound harsh, but truly, if you were told to get out and chose NOT TO, whose to blame here? The folks at NOAH that actually DO know what there talking about and warned you before hand? Was your choice to stay, no one made you.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Ann, Mandeville, LA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:36:06 GMT

No one has all the answers, of course, but Mr. Potter has written a thoughtful article that addresses many issues very well. As a native New Orleanian who's old enough to have stayed as a child through Hurricane Betsy and who has evacuated from every large storm beginning with Andrew, I want to point out two things about hurricanes that most people fail to realize.

First, even for a person with the money and the sense to evacuate, it is amazingly difficult to know if and when one should leave. Should I leave on Tuesday if landfall is projected for Sunday? Of course not...I'd lose my job if I did that every time a storm was five days away. Should I leave on Wednesday? Thursday? And while I'm waiting to decide if and when to leave, I've already packed my important papers and belongings and have made hotel reservations in several different cities so that I am covered no matter what direction the hurricane might take. So even though we know the hurricane might come, we just can't leave a week ahead of time nor can we know in which direction to evacuate to safety. For Gustav we evacuated north to Arkansas. Power was restored in my N.O. area neighborhood on Tuesday and there was no flooding and little tree damage. However, we stayed a few days longer in Arkansas to visit family and friends but lost power on Wednesday in ARKANSAS due to Gustav which had followed us there. Will I evacuate again in the same situation? Definitely--you cannot gamble with the unpredictability of a hurricane.

Second, I am tired of hearing that people shouldn't live in an area that is prone to hurricanes. Have you not noticed the number of people affected by Gustav and Ike who did NOT live near the coast? Ike caused power outages, tree damage, flooding, and deaths along its entire path. Should no one be allowed to live anywhere in Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, or Michigan in case another "Ike" comes along? The truth is, hurricane damage is awful but its destructiveness is not limited to coastal residents. Yes, coastal living is riskier than elsewhere, but extensive damage can occur quite a distance from the coast due to the tornadoes and flooding associated with hurricanes--which is why I evacuate even though I live 130 miles from the coast.
Many people in hurricane-prone areas feel some comfort in that at least hurricanes provide plenty of warning and time to evacuate. Earthquakes and tornadoes aren't so obliging. I'd rather live where I might have to leave once or twice a year for a hurricane than live where an earthquake or tornado could occur any second.

And, oh, a couple of other items—New Orleans isn’t entirely below sea level, including much of the area that flooded. And the damage from Katrina was caused by FAILED LEVEES, not by overtopped ones. If the levees had been built correctly, Katrina would have caused very minimal damage to New Orleans. For more information, see http://www.levees.org and join in encouraging Congress to improve levees and flood protection throughout the country to protect all Americans.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

BJ — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:36:35 GMT

people choose to live where they live, going to put up a wall at the beaches now and say you can't live there, with that being said the people that "Stayed to Ride out the Storm", I don't feel sorry for! The people that left good for you, I have a brother in law that is a teacher in Austin, TX and he heard nothing but complaints about the food and water that was given out! Please, some of you didn't have it that good at home. Be grateful your alive and had something to eat at all, look at the ones who stayed and had nothing because it got blown away. Again, their choice! But people take care of your business and quit depending on others to take care of you! This will pass! Be thankful!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Matthew Novosel — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:38:49 GMT

I'm so sorry but I have not very much sympathy for those who are complaining about the conditions at the shelters, what do they want? Some complaining about not enough food or water, I have been through it so I DO know what it is like and I had my family taken care of, we had everything we needed to survive in the woods if need be for a week or two. These people watch the projected path for over a week and just sit around watching TV, get your butt up and start preparing, make meals, bottle water, bag ice, buy a couple coolers, USE YOUR HEAD! If I were running the convention center and someone complained I'd show them the door. No body should be able to purchase and build so close to Oceans and bays,they should have moved New Orleans to the other side of Lake Ponchatrain after Katrina. A buffer of marshland was put there by GOD for a reason.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Anna, NYC, NY — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:39:17 GMT

people forget that "government" means US, the taxpayers!!!!! govrnmt does NOT have money of its own, it is the rest of us who pay for EVERY help and subsidy. personally, i refuse to babysit those who do not want to help themselves. if they are so poor that they cant afford gas, why are they living in a HOUSE? how do they pay their cellphone bill and for car insurance and all other expenses? my family works and we can't afford to buy a house, but, you know, if i have to evacuate, we grab our tent, our camping gear, our 2 dogs, a cat, our kid and off we go to wherever we need to be safe.
i have worked as a volunteer in city shelters during disaster, and i can tell you that those who use the shelters are rude, obnoxious, have a sense of entitlement, want everything for free, they steal what is not bolted down, absolutely come in unprepared, and refuse to lend a hand. why can't people organize themselves in their own communities and participate in their own rescue?!!!!!! they are the messiest people i have ever enountered. i do not volunteer anymore. when people do not invest any effort in their own wellbeing they do not appreciate it when others do it for them. in te country where there is an abundance of every conceivable opportunity imaginable, there is no excuse to blame others for your own stupidity. but, hey, let natural selection take care of that. i give them the #1 Darwin Award!!!!!!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

BJ — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:40:36 GMT

and people in Florida, this could so easily happen to you, be careful of your anger! And by the way all these people on the beaches are not poor, start pricing an upscale home on the beach! HELLO!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Laurie, Boston, MA — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:40:40 GMT

How about those adults who were putting children in danger when standing right by the seawalls while huge waves crashed over. Some people were pulled into the ocean right then and there, and the hurricane had not even landed yet!? What is the matter with people who ignore evacuations? If I had a pet, I would not leave them behind, but I would still take them with me. Yeah, those people who say they can't fill up their cars after Gustav? Do they not have a tank of gas for usual travel? This is just irresponsible behavior issues. Sorry, I don't blame the government for hurricanes, like someone else did above. This kind of weather patterns are cyclical. We have had these kinds of storms over many years (1938, 1980's, 1990's) (Clinton was in office in the 90's, but he's not at fault, is he). Those people who build their houses on what is essentially a sandbar, sorry, you are asking for it!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Matthew Novosel, Toano Virginia — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:44:25 GMT

By the way Global Warming whack jobs, Was the global warming as bad in 1900 when Galvaston was crushed the .......... well was it the 1st time? And I suppose a Bush was president then too? Make comments that make sense or leave the key board alone.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Duane Holden louisiana — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:33:04 GMT

I've been through andrew, katrina, and now gustav it is amazes me to see how dependent we've become to electricty. People will die without it. Everything comes to a halt without power. How did our ancestors survive how did they build this county why can't we do without power for a couple weeks?

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Kelly, Beasley TX — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:52:18 GMT

I work in Brazoria County, and IKE did not cause the destruction there that had been anticipated (at least in many parts). Many people are saying that they will not evacuate again, but if the next one hits Matagorda or Freeport, they are up a creek. You get desensitized after you evacuate and it is a "false alarm" so to speak. I don't think anyone's opinion is valid on this subject unless they have been through this. Hurricanes/tropical storms are a way of life on the gulf coast, some are worse than others. We can't predict it, we just deal with it. Despite everything, things are running fairly smoothly. Houston is the city with heart, remember the aftermath of Katrina? If our folks need a little help, than dang it, they deserve it.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Sharon - Savannah, GA — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:54:40 GMT

To those who say - "don't live on a sand bar / island - I have no sympathy for them": No one is immune to natural disasters - tornados, earthquakes, forest fires, hurricanes, floods, etc. Disasters happen in all parts of our country and the world and it our duty to help those communities by organizing clothing and food drives, etc. They would do the same for you if you survived a disaster!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Bill, New Melle, Mo. — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:38:04 GMT

It is easy for alot of folks to make quit remarks about the people that stayed in Houston. But it would be hard to work for a life time to build and save, just to lose everything in a few days. For those of you that are making these snap remarks, I really don`t think the decision is that easy. It saddens me to see how course some folks can be. Alot of the families you are talking about don`t have the money to rebuild. They lost everything, including alot of the families that did leave. Their life is forever changed.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Aundrea Anderson, Youngstown, Ohio — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 06:51:05 GMT

I saw some people from Ohio where I live posting on various sites and I gotta wonder if your house was hit by a tornado should you be treated the same...how about an earthquake? Hey lets make them all pay...everyone that lives anywhere with dangers...hmm that leaves pretty much nowhere to live Im thinking but hey what do I know. I have to say, reading the cold responses on the various sites, that to be honest its disturbing just how selfish most of the US has become these days. Half the country complains about Bush and his self interests and then acts just like that. These people, whether they did or didnt evacuate, need our humanity... and they deserve hope not a bunch of people sitting around saying how dumb they were. Its always easiest to sit and judge when it isnt you but if the shoe were on the other foot you would be wondering why no one cares and why no one will help. When bad things happen, communites and countries are supposed to pull together...what ever happened to that?

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

J GIBBS, LAS VEGAS NV — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 07:04:29 GMT

Ann of Mandeville, LA: RIGHT ON!!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Helen, Concord, NC — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:29:00 GMT

I can understand the scepticism people have toward hurricanes. I too was sceptic when we were told that Hurricane Hugo would come inland in 1989 and hit us, close to the NC/SC border. But guess what? It did! I will NEVER be a sceptic again. I was 29 years old and learned a very valuable lesson! We were just very fortunate that there was not massive flooding in our area. But, trees hundreds of years old were pulled up by their roots and pummelled through the city. Everyone around here who lived through Hugo believes it can happen. It does and it will! Please heed all warnings gievn to you!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Charles, Houston, Texas — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:56:45 GMT

One thing not discussed in the threads above is the area employers who required their employees to work up to the last minute since they had no certainty of the exact spot the storm would land. My own employer, not small (over 15,000 employees) and consistently voted among the top employers in Houston, required non-essential personnel to work until the afternoon of the day before the storm struck. During Rita I worked for a different employer (again among the top in Houston and with more than 20,000 employees) that acted similarly. Such policies leave little time for workers to make the necessary preparations to evacuate. Those issuing mandatory evacuation orders do little more than offer platitudes to such employers that it is important to allow their employees to make preparations. That's it. Most employees are not in negotiating positions with their employers under such circumstances.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Charles, Houston, Texas — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:11:06 GMT

This is in response to the comment of Gaye Lynn Tillman who suggested that folks that build in coastal areas subject to hurricanes not be allowed to rebuild after their homes are destroyed. What about those who build in Tornado Alley like you Ms. Tillman? If a tornado destroys your home, should you not be permitted by law to rebuild it? Should those in San Francisco or L.A. whose homes are destroyed in an earthquake not be permitted by law to rebuild?

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Nerak Renraw — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:38:02 GMT

Well written piece. A comment on the selfishness of the displaced....asking for ice, I think ice is a luxury right now, and they need to be concentrating on getting the basics: clean water, food and medicine if needed. Fighting over ice when it will eventually melt, come on.....

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Nancy, Westland, MI — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 11:59:56 GMT

People, disasters can happen anywhere, not just the Gulf Coast. Should people not be allowed to live in California because of earthquakes? Or what about people who live in Tornado Alley? Should they not be allowed to live there because a tornado might strike and destroy their homes? People who live on the coast know the risks and their insurance rates prove it. I know, I lived there. Tragedy can happen anywhere, anytime. We all make choices, good and bad and hopefully we learn from the bad. Instead of everyone spending all of this energy criticizing these people, the government, etc. etc. etc., take a few minutes and pray for everyone effected and thank God that you weren't one of them.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Carolyn Burkhart Big Spring, TX — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:07:46 GMT

There just seems to be something in us as Humans that thinks we can defy the odds! I hate to say this for it sounds sexist but I bet allot of girlfriend's and wive's tried to talk their partners out of staying but they said; it won't be that bad or I can deal with it, whatever.Was it worth risking life and limb? I don't think so.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Tony, Edmonds, WA. — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:12:23 GMT

Sigh. I live in the Seattle Metro area. We actually have 13 major earthquake fault lines in the Puget Sound region. All are capable of a 6.0-7.0 magnitude. The actual Seattle fault line which runs directly beneath the city (right under Quest Field where the Seahawks play)can actually go as high as a 7.5 mag. In 2001 the Nisqually quake rocked Puget Sound with a 6.8. Except Nisqualy is 50 kilometers south of Seattle and the quake was 50 km deep. Had that quake actually occured on the Seattle fault which is about 3-6km in depth, Seattle wouldn't be standing. Our infrastructure is 20 years outdated. Seattle's Pioneer Square has buildings 100+ years old that have not been upgraded. The city is surrounded on 3 sides by water. The soil content for 50 miles south and north is nothing but soft soil, flood plains and river valleys which will amplify and continue shock waves further. 90% of the civilian population unprepared because past quakes "weren't that bad" despite the fact they weren't the Seattle fault line. Un-friggn'-believable. I have a 3 week supply on hand of food and water and at half rations could last 6 weeks. Me and mine are prepared. Always have been. When it comes, Seattle will be Katrina and Galveston all over again. Sigh.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Natalie TX — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:33:46 GMT

There are a lot of places that people live in the US that are not totally safe (NYC--sandbar too...also prone to terroristic attacks?). At least with a hurricane you do have a change at evacuating. Unlike a volcano...earthquake...tornado. So before some of you act all self-righteous...go look in your own environment. Or think of the places you visit. There is risk everywhere.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Melody Wainscott, Baytown, Texas — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:35:54 GMT

This attitude of pervasive, self-righteousness I'm seeing in many blogs and reports about not having any sympathy for the people who didn't leave because they were warned, and even that they should be fined for staying and needing to be rescued, tells me a whole lot about the general ignorance of our population who don't live on the coast. There are many reasons why people would stay behind.

And what does this self-righteous attitude do to help people NOW? Regardless of the decision making processes of those who stayed behind, they still need help. Perhaps you folks puffed up with your self-righteousness could teach courses in how to puff yourself up so you can float in flood waters.

And to those of you who can offer REAL help: Thank you for pulling together in our true American tradition of lending a helping hand to our brothers and sisters in need.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Mike Martinez — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:36:06 GMT

All of you people who are bad mouthing those who didn't evacuate are ignorant fools who don't know what they are talking about. The south is FULL of poor people who would LOVE to have an 'emergency fund' for when a hurrican comes by. They would LOVE to have the money to pick up and move out of state into an area where there is a different disaster to worry about. Maybe so they could be ridiculed for living in a mobile home in a tornado zone. Money doesn't grow on trees, and lots of people don't have much of it. And things that seem like common sense to some of you are simply not within reach of a lot of people. And the people who 'choose' to stay when they apparently have the means would certainly be poverty stricken if they decided to spend a week in a hotel every time it started to rain. Instead of passing judgement on these people, you should be sympathetic and charitable. If they were in your position, I assure you they would not be victims.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Marian Maxwell. Renton,WA — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:39:18 GMT

Unfortunately...there aren't too many places in the US (and the world for that matter) that aren't prone to some disaster, whether it be tornadoes (Tornado Alley includes: TX,LA,OK,AR,MO,KS,NE,IA,SD,ND,IL,IN,OH,KY,TN but many of the states bordering these have a fair amount of tornadoes as well including WI,MI,PA,NY), Hurricanes:(States that have had at least a Category 3 hurricane since 1851 include TX,LA,MI,AL,FL,GA,SC,NC,VA,NY,CT,RI,MA,and don't forget HI with Iniki), Earthquakes: (You don't have to be on a fault line to experience this or have damage. States with an earthquake over 6.0 in their past include: AK,AR,CA,CO,HI,ID,MO,MT,NV,OR,SC,UT,WA,WY) Volcanoes: (which we know always have a danger potential are in AZ,CA,ID,NM,OR,SD,UT,WA,WY,HI), Mudslides (Just about any state except the flat ones), Drought, Forest fires (any forested area in the US), Plains or grassfires, Flooding (Significant flooding in the 20th Century in the US includes: OH,MI,KA,WA,OR,VI,WV,TX,AR,OK,SC,CO,PA,CA,MT,ND,NC,AK,GA and the New England states CT,ME,MD,NH,RI,VT)and Tsunami Risk (Highest in HI,AK,WA OR,CA)and Winter Storms with snowfall which can be excessive at times. I think we should use good judgement and in areas that are hit repeatedly...look for long term solutions which MAY include relocation of people. As it is though, no area is immune so I will continue to live in WA in spite of the occasional earthquake, volcano erruption, mudslide (including lahars from the volcanoes), forest fire, rare tsunami, grassfire, and flooding because frankly all the other states aren't that better statistically. We have only had rare tornadoes and haven't had a major hurricane yet. So pick your poison..Let me know if you find a disaster free state that we in all the states with disasters can move to..So basically my message is don't get too complacent about helping others in need..at some point your state will request FEMA or other aid too...it's only a matter of time..we're all in this together.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Ann - Galveston, Texas/Aberdeen Scotland — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 12:48:00 GMT

There are a lot of homeless who have ended up in Galveston. They are lost souls and have ended up there because once turned out of mental health facilities all over the country, they are put on buses with bus tickets to no where and left to their own devices. They found their way there because the weather is milder than it is in most places and the fact that it is small, is much easier to get around in for them. This is a fine system and something for all Americans to be proud of. Homeless people - according to studies - just want to be left alone. Feel free to build them homes where you are. Who's the first to offer? Thank you Houston mayor. Thank you all the rest of the experts from all over the rest of the US. It's easy to sit on your butts and type this drivel while your laws, not matter where you are, are nothing to brag about. Furthermore, all the new construction that stretches all the way up through the midwestern US has caused tides to rise and water to have nowhere to drain. Visit the bay side of Galveston some time and under normal conditions, see what's happened to land subsidence. Whatever happened to society. Get in your cars, drive down and give a helping hand or shut up! Armchair experts and critics. You can't read anything about this storm without hearing name calling from people who are really too selfish to give a flip. That's what lies beneath all this. A real selfishness and laziness and what the rest of the world in judging Americans by most harshly now. Fat, money obsessed arrogance!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Heart Warrior — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:09:06 GMT

MORE QUESTIONS, THAN ANSWERS
I have heard reports that 20 to 52 thousand people did not evacuate Galveston but only about 2 thousand people that were alive were found? This makes it seem that those NOT found may have washed out to sea along with their homes! I have NOT heard any mention of this anywhere but I can do the math! It is indeed tragic! Even more so if its lack of mention is because it is too shocking to admit. At this point I find the above public berating tax dollar comments, unwittingly cruel; where the local government officials of Houston and Galveston can read them as well as the survivors of Galveston.
Evidently the Creator or their own good karma protected them and to be negative toward them is the height of ignorance.
Two striking photos of "divine intervention" are clearly depicted in the pictures of a lone standing house on a peninsula when all the others were washed out to sea. Then there is the other lone house surrounded by the sea with a grazing horse next to it!!! Even the yards of those two homes were intact !I pray someone air lifts the horse out of there, especially since there are stinking oil slicks everywhere.
The fact is, the whole area of people took a terrible hit and are at this moment, suffering , no matter if they followed orders or not.
That misquote danger is a real threat! We had 100 mile an hr straight line winds in Northern Minnesota a few years back and the lakes were churned up so bad the water was unfit to drink and the mosquitoes so thick you could hardly breath with out eating a bug sandwich.This condition lasted for several summers! The trees in its path were flattened or thrown great distances, spring loaded and snarled and piled so high many portage paths are closed to this day.This wind cut across the forest, lake country in northern Minnesota from east to west.
Another factor is the energy of such a wind. It seemed to scramble the blood of anything in its path causing unknown types of inner damage or possible healing to the body, let alone the psychological destabilization.I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about this?

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

JMiller , fortwanye , Indiana — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:11:22 GMT

Hurricane Ike , was one almost as bad as hurricane katrian and hurricane galveston or whatever.
this is something people are taking for granted.
they shoulda' left when the had timee.
im not judging anyone.
this is a bad hurricane.
& i hope that in a year everything will get backk to normal!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Germando St. Joseph, Missouri — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:44:43 GMT

God Helps Them Who Help Themselves..... Very simple. If I choose to live on a sand bar, I have to accept the consequences of making that choice. While living on this sandbar might be nice for 364 days a year or even for years, I have to recognize the fact that "it ain't always gonna be this nice." Therefore, I have to plan accordingly <emergency fund, move somewhere else, etc.... "God Helps Those Who Help Themselves" ... Government, laws, evacuation orders, etc. cannot solve what people should do themselves... makes no difference if I am rich or poor. I have to accept the consequences of my earlier decisions

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

p laskoski fort worth texas — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 13:49:43 GMT

In direct contradiction to all warnings and the very reporting TV journalists offer, the news people get out and stand in the middle of the storm. Perhaps if the residents are to take the warnings more seriously, the television stations should do the same. It seems a bit ludicrous to watch the rain-soaked, wind-blown newscaster yelling into the mike about how everyone should get out.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Victor J. — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:03:38 GMT

Billions spent on repairs due to Hurricanes, why?
Bad investment.....
Rebuild towns and move them away from the coast.
Lessons are not being learned.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Katrina survivor — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:08:37 GMT

This was a good article and I also understand how people CAN'T understand why we don't leave for a storm. I grew up on the Mississippi Coast and I have been here through every hurricane that hit since Camille, including Katrina. Yes, my house flooded but I stayed on high ground.

It can sometimes be very hard to leave days in advance when a storm may or may not be a direct hit. Once it turns, usually at the last minute, it's really too late to leave. Many people cannot just take off work days in advance and there are other considerations too. Yes, I know it might be a regretful choice but it really is a gamble and sometimes you have to weigh staying or leaving. Evacuation is VERY, VERY stressful in itself.

I understand why people "cry wolf" as one writer said and say they aren't leaving the next time but they are just tired. They will leave if it's a bad one. In my case, I'm outta here if it's a Cat 4!! Unless there is a surge predicted, I will ride out a cat 3 or lower. Make no mistake...it is extremely scary stuff.

Personally, I believe everyone should experience a hurricane once and you will be a much better person for it. It strips you down to the bare minimum and you know exactly the most important things in your house to take with you...... Family 1st and Pictures 2nd!

One more thing....Thank You to all who helped the Mississippi Coast after Katrina. We are forever grateful and in awe of your generosity.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

David T, Austin, TX — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:36:32 GMT

What I have learned is to stay put. Because if you don't evacuate, you are allowed stay to clean up and salvage your home and belongings. If you leave, you are not allowed back in to do the same. Each resident should be allowed to return to do what they can to help in the recovery and cleanup.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Ken Takamatsu, Abilene, TX — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 14:59:49 GMT

I have a lived through numurous Typhoons that would make Ike and Katrina seem like spring showers. During Sept 11th 2001 I was locked in my home weathering 150MPH winds for 4 days and never lost power or internet. Where is this magical location Okinawa Japan. I am sorry that peoples lives were lost or destroyed that is always sad. It is time America to take note before you rebuild get in touch with Okinawa and build to their standards Their seawalls are built to with stand the waves and they place stages of wave breaking concrete jacks offshore to reduce the surge effect. Houses are poured concrete with safety glass power lines are buried etc... So before my tax dollars have to pay for another disaster site Lets rebuild properly.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Rev. S — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:07:18 GMT

Well written, compassionate article. People do not evacuate for many reasons. Many, many of the pictures I saw of rescued people (though not all) were of frail, elderly people. Many people could not even get to the buses offered.
Also, remember that natural disasters happen everywhere! Why do people live on the coast? Jobs, home, and family. Yes, they face risk. But so do people who live in the Midwest (torndado alley); no one questions people who rebuild after torndados! flooding can happen anywhere in the US. As we have seen after this particular hurricane, and pretty much every spring! Why do people live in California, when there are earthquakes and wildfires? Why do people live in states that have blizzards every winter? Why are there homes built on mountains when there is the possibility of an avalanche, or a rockslide?

Come on people, virtually everyone on this planet is at the mercy of nature in some way or another. I agree that people need to take responsibility, and be prepared. But to consider abandoning entire parts of the country because there is a "risk" is extremely short-sighted, and impractical.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

The Redneck Politician — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:37:06 GMT

To those that say we should permanently evacuate these coastal areas I ask where do you live? We can see Hurricanes coming for days if not a week or more! Do you have ANY warning about an earthquake? Well then lets just permanently seal off California! What about all those floods in Iowa? That was more devastating than this hurricane! And the major snowstorms that wreak havoc on the North East in the last few years? Are we going to tell New Yorkers "ok, the winter is coming, you need to leave now because we might get some heavy snow." Tornadoes have less warning and kill more people than hurricanes do each year, so anywhere that might get a tornado we need to permanently relocate all those people and industries! I am beginning to wonder where exactly I am supposed to move to that is safe! Maybe we should all go live in a bubble on the moon! Oh, wait, there are storms there too and an elevated risk of being hit by a meteor! I have hunkered down in -20+ blizzards as well as a few hurricanes, quite frankly, I'll take the hurricane!
I agree that some should not have stayed (mandatory evacuation zones and barrier islands) but more people died during the Rita EVACUATION than during Ike killed in 9 states! You can't just evacuate the 5th largest city in the US! I would like to see you try to completely evacuate LA, NY, or Chicago! It's just not going to happen!
I am a former first responder myself and yes, a lot of the people that I 'rescued' had to be rescued due to their own stupidity or ignorance, but we do it anyway because that is what we are here for!
Currently I live 150 miles inland from where Ike struck. The eye passed a mere 60 mile east of here. Should I too have evacuated? It could have very easily come here! The only people here that were told to evacuate (told, but not mandated) are those in mobile homes and trailers! yet by the time that they were told to evacuate, all of our local shelters were full of people from Houston/Galveston! Corpus Christi was prepared with buses and ready to turn I-37 into a 1 way leaving the area, but without need so the buses went to Houston to bring people south! There were buses and 'out of harms way' shelters available!
I have a problem with the 'entitlement' that some people feel after the storm. In San Antonio/Austin there are still people living solely on welfare from Katrina! They feel they are 'entitled' to it. Last year Austin set up a job fair and dedicated a number of buses strictly to helping out the Katrina 'victims'. They only had 1 rider. Nobody else showed up. Those are the people that 'get my goat'!
Also, to the one that said Louisiana had no warning about the potential storm damage from Ike, you really need to watch the news a little more, you apparantly don't know ANYTHING about hurricanes! Ike covered the entire Gulf of Mexico! It was 'as big as Texas' literally! Louisianans knew that they were going to get at least a partial hit. The north side of a hurricane is always the strongest! That is just scientific FACT.
I personally had plenty of food and water in case the storm hit hard here. there is still major power outages and lack of clean water just to my east (less than 15miles!) and further north (inland). Should we have evacuated everything east of I-35?
We are working to re-build. We will get poser back and resume oil refining as soon as we can so that the rest of you aren't bothered by the 'lack of intelligence' that those of us have that live in one of the highest oil producing regions so that you can have gas for your car and heat for your home where you feel you are safe from harm! We have survived worse, we will survive and rebuild this. Remember, we paid our taxes too, so you aren't the only ones 'paying' for our assistance! Just go back to your 'safe' hole and quit worrying your pretty little heads about us down here on the coast!

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Steve G, New Brighton, MN — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 15:54:17 GMT

Would anyone like some cheese with thier whine?

Stop whining on behalf of the first responders if you aren't one. They choose to do what they do either because they want to help or like the money or for whatever reason. If you are a first responder and u are unhappy with people being stupid you are in the wrong job.

Stop whining about people making bad choices. They most certainly have to live with them (or die from them). No need to rub it in anyone's face when they are being dumb. Hopefully they are smart enough to see the errors after the fact. If not then the complaints mean nothing because the ones you need to reach are too ignorant in the first place.

Enough whining about being too poor for this and that, asking for people to pity you and give you things, government handouts and general compassion and sympathy. If you put yourself in a situation that is unsafe then deal with the consequences. 'O my gosh this house sure is cheep out on the beach. I can barely afford a house at all i think i'll move there.' OK think for a second why its so cheep. the same goes for houses on cliffs, in deasert areas prone to fire, river deltas, flood planes etc. If you buy something cheep theres most certainly a reason. Don't play ignorant after the fact. Hurricanes are a regular occurance. If you don't know where they are likely to hit maybe do some research before buying a $3 house on the beach.

No one likes to take responsibility for thier mistakes and ignorance. I'm not sure why there is a distinct lack or values being taught in America about responsibility and accountability. I was taught that adults are expected to be responsible for thier own choices. Ignorance is not a valid excuse. If you can't take care of yourself then find some help but thats your responsibility. No one is going to give you the world while you sit there and do nothing for yourself

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Paul — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:17:25 GMT

Who do you think will be paying for the rebuilding of the homes in Galveston? The Insurance Companies. Where will the Insurance Companies get the money from?
You and me. You don't really believe that the Insurance Companies will take monies from their profits to rebuild do you? No, they'll just raise your rates.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Robert, Florida — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:43:03 GMT

People who say those that stay behind should be punished in any way are blind and ignorant. (Or simply live far from hurricanes and not educated at all on the matter.) Consider this: Some people know only what they have lived with their whole lives. They are not as wealthy as others and they know that they do not want to give what they earned up. When you have to struggle to make ends meet you cannot fathom what would happen if you lost it. So they stay behind. If the storm takes away their town and all they know its as good as being dead. Therefore, they want to go through it just as all they know must go through it. Its not our right to tell them if they choose to stay IN THEIR HOMES they will be punished. Shame on people who say they should.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Lisa — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:50:31 GMT

I live 40 miles north of Houston ( Tomball) and I will not have electricity for atleast 3 weeks!..My son lives in Galveston and left 48 hrs prior to the storm when they said to get out. 3 days before the storm I bought water,diapers etc..took cash out..etc.and got my grandchildren to safety.So what happens when I try to get ice...I was threatened by people who said " i do not have money, give me your ice"..because they did not want to stand in the free line....People be responsible for yourself..try saving money instead of drinking beer and smoking cigs..put an emergency fund aside..this is Texas..the weather is prone to Hurricane from May until October 1st!..and get out of the gas line if you do not have a job to go to ...I am a nurse..I need to get to work to help YOU...idiots..stay at home

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Cody Lee, Las Vegas, NV — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 16:54:29 GMT

It's amazing to me that people are allowed to live in these areas in trailors.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Ryan Fort Edward, NY — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:04:34 GMT

The simple solution is to refuse rescue for those who decided to stay. It was their choice to stay and I believe their right. However, by exercising their right to stay in their homes, they forfeit any assistance by the tax payers. It is then their duty to figure out how to rebuild or make their way to safety etc.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Terri Lewis Stevens, Beaumont (Hurricanes Rita and Ike), Texas — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:58:27 GMT

Be it a hurricane, tornado, flood, earthquake or winter storm prone state-quit blaming the unfortunate recipients of these random acts of nature and find some compassion in whatever reasons those who stayed might have had! We all live in places where some natural disaster might strike! Fema is learning, as is the country-so spend your energies seeking better solutions by listening to the needs of the affected rather than casting judgement against them until you have walked a mile in their shoes. You, too, may one day be in need of some compassion and assistance.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Will Brown, Paris, Texas — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:21:12 GMT

Until three years ago, I lived in the Orlando, Florida area. I had lived in different parts of Florida for many years and have seen the efforts to prepare(in some cases the lack of effort)when a hurricane is projected to come our direction. I do think that a lot of the lack of efforts stems from two things. 1. Stupidity 2. Lack of knowledge as to the possible force of a storm. (My first year in Florida, I did not have a clue of what to do or expect.) I do feel that in all cases we should feel bad for those that are adversley effected by the storm but the financial responsibility should lie with those that stayed behind. You can always pack up and move to other areas and not take the risk of living that close to a possible storm every year. I have lived on the East coast in Florida, the Gulf coast in Florida, South Florida, Denver, Bay area of California, Oklahoma and now in Texas and I belive that eash pose a certain risk with the weather but I would never expect the Goverment to pay for any problems I have because I live there. It was me that decided to live there not the goverment.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Nancy, Houston, Texas — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:44:32 GMT

Having just "survived" Hurricane Ike here in Houston, I would like to say something. Word went out several days prior to Ike's landfall that those who couldn't afford transportation to a safer area were to sign up for such transportation. A large number of people did just that. Unfortunately, a large number of people did not. Did the memories of the crimes that took place in our Houston stadium that was housing thousands of people during Katrina influence some to remain where they were. I don't know. I would not have gone to a shelter of that kind. I agree with many of you that most of the people who remained on the island were ignorant of the consequences their staying would create in the long run. One woman in particular wanted her children to see what a hurricane was like. Those kids were under ten years of age! It really angered me that someone did not force her to at least get her kids to safety. Even though I did not leave, the structure I "hunkered down" in was a good, solid structure and I was prepared with food, water, flashlight batteries, and a battery-operated radio for two people plus two dogs. Other than rising water from a bayou keeping us housebound for a couple days, and the loss of electricity for almost four days, we did very well. My family and friends were spared any damage as well.
As one other writer said, you really have to experience one of these hurricanes to understand what might go through the minds of people who foolishly choose to remain here. While our logic and their logic may differ considerably, some of these people have nothing else and to leave everything they own, not knowing what they will come back to, can also influence their decisions. Their insecurities can overcome their sense of being able to make a good decision. None of us really knew the strength of this hurricane. Let's hope this one is THE one we really learn from.
Thanks for listening.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Melissa,houston,tx — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 16:30:09 GMT

I bunkered down with enough water and non-perishable food but forgot about bug repellant. My small kids didn't suffer because we have battery powered radio, television and lamp. I also filled up my gas tank. I only make 14k a year and i don't have any government assistance. So, what is everyone else's excuse. I am thankful for the pod because I really needed the ice for the milk and I am thankful for the national help on getting our power back. My mom and sis on the other side, didn't prepare and they are too lazy to wait in a long line for ice and water. So they ate MY supplies that I bought for MY CHILDREN! that disgusted me so much but i didn't tell them anything. Next time, I will just keep it to myself.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

Rich Parilla Miami Florida — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 19:31:59 GMT

My heart goes out to the victims of Ike,no matter what decisions where made.It is not for us to say that it was right or wrong to ride out Ike or to evacuate, it is not for us to decide.People make their own decisions and that's how we all learn.We as americans,need to remember one thing.When our people are in need, WE need to be there for them.No Matter What. UNITED WE STAND Let;s come together and make that happen.Work with each other not against each other.Let's represent the UNITED STATES.

Hard lessons in hurricane's aftermath

James shinglehouse Pa — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 23:16:01 GMT

I feel horriable for all the people that did not get out. No matter what the reason. anyone and everyone has there opinion on this whole matter. But I also beleve that everyone should do any thing they can to help. I personally am Going down there myself to volanteer for 2 weeks doing construction. and I personally think everyone should do all they can .