Comments on: OT: This is Why People Should Evacuate

By: Tim

Tim — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:49:33 +0000

I think Darwin should take his course with these people. We always show the poor person needing to be rescued in a situation like Ike, when people were defiant about leaving. Heck, I remember reading news articles about lots of people simply refusing to evacuate. For every idiot who refused to evacuate and could, there were several dozens more rescue personnel who had to risk their lives for the idiot decision of one. I have no sympathy for Gail…she was right, she did screw up this time. unfortunately, her screw up not only cost her life, but put dozens more in jeopardy. what a shame.

By: Kin

Kin — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:57:55 +0000

I live in Australia in a Cyclone prone area. I have an evacuation plan that involves my family, kids and pets in a car and driving as far as I can get. Becki is right, it’s just stuff. This is why we have insurance.

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 20:47:08 +0000

I worked with Gail for the past 8 years. Gail was not materialistic, she was practical. Enjoyed simple living, outdoors, theater, and reading. Highly intelligent. She was stocking up with food and ice the last time I spoke with her before the storm. She rode out Rita and various other storms from her home. Rita was a Cat 3 storm, Ike was just a Cat 2. Many people did not know how strong the storm surge was going to be until the final 12 hours before it hit.

By: No Debt Plan

No Debt Plan — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 18:43:50 +0000

Sad. No idea why anyone would consider staying. You’re not stronger than mother nature.

By: Mary

Mary — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:23:48 +0000

I wouldn’t call that “chickening out” I would call it “smartening up”. No one who stays expects to die and when they find out they’ve made a poor choice, like this woman, it’s too late. What a sad story. I’m glad you smartened up and got out!

By: Chief Family Officer

Chief Family Officer — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:55:27 +0000

Goodness, that’s a terrible and terrifying story. I’m sorry I wasn’t around when you were evacuating, but wanted to say that I’m glad you and your family are all safe and that your house is relatively unscathed!

By: philip

philip — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 13:01:58 +0000

I know it is hard to decide to leave because it is so easy to get the mindset that “it won’t happen to me”. Yes it is a horribly bad idea, and if you were that close then they really should go. But everytime some people are going to value their stuff and memories of where they are too much.

By: Laura

Laura — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:55:07 +0000

Sorry about Gail’s story. I live on the East coast and if a hurricane is coming, I leave. I do need to refill some my emergency kit. Don’t have everything.

By: Becki

Becki — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:50:57 +0000

I saw an excellent photo of a structure in Galveston with the phrase “It’s just STUFF!” written on it. I think that pretty much sums it up for me! My home is wherever my husband and children are.

By: Preston

Preston — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:20:46 +0000

Yikes