another katrina

[messiah023]

Unfortunately, many people who live in New Orleans are well below the poverty line. To evacuate is almost impossible (via car or plane) due to the cost. Even if they did own a car, which many don't, the expense of fuel & hotel is not in the cards for them.

It's an unfortunate situation that these people don't have the means to save themselves.

Judging by the looks of the "Shelters" from Katrina, I would have to say that I would probably be tempted to roll the dice and stay at home if I didn't have the means to evacuate......The shelters weren't equipped for the amount of people who needed them. People were hungry, HOT (summer in LA is not comfortable without AC), the restrooms were broken, and people were getting raped....RAPED, can you believe that?

Wow.....I think I have to tone down my compassion, someone might mistake me for a Democrat.

[RyanG]

Damned bleeding hearts! haha. Seriously though many people poor or otherwise that live in urban areas dont drive. It not a factor in their lives.

[dustin_P74]

but this time there shelters are more prepared now

[Brat]

Okay seriously, some of the comments about New Orleans are a little harsh. New Orleans was built for a reason and I won't go into all the history and stuff. It's a beautiful place and I love living here, but I will return home to MS where because I am through with Hurricanes.

The reason we are so prepared now is because we have a Governor who is not waiting until the last minute to do something. When Hurricane Ivan was a threat many people got really upset and started to file lawsuits because they had a mandatory evacuation and nothing hit. So when Katrina was threatening to come, many people remembered Ivan and decided to stay and many Parishes only had a voluntary evacuation and no real plan. Counterflows started very late so people were stuck in New Orleans for 36 hours. The Governor also decided to place people in the Superdome which was a very stupid idea if you are requiring a mandatory evacuation. The storm surge went over the levees during Katrina and when it goes over the levees there is nothing that can be done. You can think Bush for cutting funding to upgrade the levees.

The new Governor has plans in action to pull people out and to the North and get everyone out as quickly as possible but in an orderly way. Each Parish has a different time to evacuate to keep the roads for clogging and personally the traffic is way better than Katrina or Ivan. They are still trying to fix and upgrade the levee system now, but the levees aren't going to make a bit of difference if the natural buffers that we once had like the swamps and bayou aren't there to provide a buffer system and slow down the storm surge. If the water goes over the levees it will just sit in New Orleans.

Before some people start calling people who stay behind morons or idiots, you really need to walk in their shoes and understand what's really going on. Some people are unable to get out because they have no where to go. This was true for Katrina. Now people are able to get out, but many people will still decide to stay and board up and weather it out. While I don't think it's the best idea I will not pass judgment on them, especially after going through Katrina and experiencing the anxiety of having to pack up, leave home and sit in traffic for 36+ hours and still uncertain of where to go because all the hotels are booked.

Some people are also unable to leave because they are essential personnel at Hospitals and other facilities. This time around New Orleans and surrounding areas are better prepared and are well aware of what's going on. This time we have been kept up to date about everything and are preparing for the worse.

[yote]

Southern La. is a pretty place.Dont really care for New Orleans myself,but dont like any city.Also understand why some people stay and ride it out.For some,they have no choice.But there will still be others that stay just because they want too.
Last night they were saying it'll make landfall 100 or so miles west on New Orleans.Around the Lake Charles area.But that will put New Orleans on the worst side of the storm.

[Brat]

I'm not a fan of cities either. New Orleans is a wonderful place, but I don't want to live in New Orleans anymore. Too dangerous. I'd rather live on the outskirt of the city. Yes, the east of the Hurricane is the worst side so I'm hoping the levees hold.