Hurricane Safety Zone - Evacuating Floods

Evacuating Floods -- Costly, But Effective

Evacuating Floods Can Save Your Life

What do the names Katrina and Rita have in common? In 2005, the struck fear into the hearts of the residents along the Gulf Coast. Katrina caused billions of dollars in damages and claimed hundreds of lives. Most damage and death caused by hurricanes is not caused by the wind, but by flash flooding and flooding in general. It just goes to show that warnings are for a reason. Unfortunately, most people in Louisiana and Mississippi had nowhere to go.

And this is only what the reporters are allowed to report about the flooding in New Orleans and Mississippi; the hurricane flooding caused by Katrina (September 2005). Many residents -- particularly the elderly who have grown attached to their beloved city -- refused to participate in evacuating floods. Why? Because to them, it is the fear of the unknown. However, as part of the hurricane safety effort prior to the storm, residents were told to leave or find higher ground. No one knew just how bad this hurricane would be, but some predicted total devastation. If all of the residents had been evacuating floods, would there have been this much damage and loss of life? It's hard to tell. But during hurricane season, when there is an evacuating floods warning, it's best to comply. Life is way too important to risk over property and belongings.

Evacuating floods is hard enough on both the victims and the helpers. But if everyone does their part, the evacuation process can go a lot smoother. Evacuating floods may be a little costly, but what's money when it comes to saving lives?

"We're starting an operation today going block by block through the city, requesting people to leave their homes. We need everyone out so we can continue with the work of restoring this city." -- New Orleans City official to News Anchor