Because Tropical Storm Florence inched its way across the Atlantic Ocean before it made landfall Friday, it would appear everyone and their dog had fair warning of its imminence and adequate time to flee to safety if they were in harms way.
Even so, hundreds have had to be rescued from rising waters, leaving public officials perplexed as to what more they could have done to convince people of the impending disaster.
While some residents were determined to stay no matter what, others remained behind because they did not have the means to leave. It takes resources to do such things, whether its by car or taking public transportation. For those lacking friends or family to stay with, staying in a hotel requires disposable income. For those whose jobs re-start once the first flicker of electricity returns, their employment hangs in the balance of showing up for work at a moments notice.
In a study conducted by the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, researchers found that of those who weathered the 2005 storm, their average income was $19,500. Of those, only 54 percent had cars.
So by and large, these people had no option but to stay put and hope for the best.
Theres also the mitigating factor that some residents chose to stay behind rather than abandon their pets.
As for our furry friends, after Katrina the Federal Emergency Management Association instigated the PETS Act, which provides for the rescue and shelter of pets and service animals as well as reimburses shelters and other facilities to take in the animals in areas that have been declared a federal disaster.
The actual effort is performed by local municipalities, after which they are to be reimbursed by the state, 25 percent, and federal government, 75 percent.
As for human beings, the study suggested the government provide free transportation in the instance of a natural disaster as well as vouchers to cover the expense of finding temporary accommodations and purchasing necessary food. This has yet to be devised.
IF PEOPLE know they can rely on such assistance in times of disaster, theyll be better prepared to handle its fallout.
Susan Lynn
