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I’M NOT LEAVING NOW, RESCUE ME LATER!

By
Real Estate Agent with InActive Agent

 

It never ceases to amaze me when disaster is imminent, and warnings to evacuate are given, some just sit there. Many say the same brave words "If the Lord wants to take you, he will". Yet it seems when the Lord comes knocking on the door, they call 911.

That's what irks me the most when these disasters strike and tens of thousands of homeowners loose everything they've worked for. At a time when resources are already stretched thin, they have to be stretched further to accommodate those hardheaded holdouts that have such bravado in the beginning, and none in the end.

I can't help but ask myself these questions:

  • How many people should risk their lives to go rescue these former brave souls?
  • How many millions should be spent?
  • Should these people face criminal charges for ignoring a mandatory evacuation order?
  • Should they bear civil penalties for the expenses incurred rescuing them?
  • Should they face criminal prosecution for the death of anyone that's attempting to rescue them?

Although I've been fortunate enough to never face an evacuaiton warning, I have lived in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida; and believe me, you only need to tell me once its evacuation time. By current estimates, in Texas alone 140,000 people ignored the warnings and stayed; now they all need to be rescued.

Before the choppers carry them to saftey, perhaps they should leave a note for the Lord and let him know they've changed their mind.

 

Comments(12)

ARDELL DellaLoggia
Better Properties Seattle - Kirkland, WA

Kim and I were talking about this today.  At least the guy interviewed said he was so very sorry for having to put everyone through the trouble of having to come and get them out.  Lesson learned the hard way.  I'm sure we've all learned at least one lesson the hard way in life. ;)

Sep 13, 2008 04:21 PM
Dinah Lee Griffey
Windermere Peninsula Properties - Allyn, WA
Managing Broker Windermere Peninsula Properties

My husband is a firefighter, and I understand your words. I miss him and worry about him while he is on shift. I am proud of his courage, and what he does for others. But please do not take my husband away from his family, because you are too proud to have common sence. Thank you for sharing Michael it has to be said!

Sep 13, 2008 04:22 PM
Cameron Novak
The Homefinding Center - 1000 Palms, CA
Real Estate Broker since 2008

That's just the problem Ardell... they don't learn lessons.  They're not bright enough to learn from the news and police warnings... what makes you think a rescue will change anything???

Sep 13, 2008 04:32 PM
Mara Hawks
First Realty Auburn - Auburn, AL
Inactive-2012 REALTOR - Homes for Sale Auburn Real Estate, AL

VERY, very, very well-said, Michael... and you said it so very well! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

Sep 13, 2008 04:36 PM
Pamela Elder
Gaines Realty - Inman, SC

I couldn't agree more... 

Sep 13, 2008 04:40 PM
Mary Warren
Las Vegas, NV

I think that when a 'mandatory evacuation' is ordered then anyone who opts not to evacuate needs to be charged for the cost of rescueing them.

Sep 13, 2008 05:24 PM
Michael Creel
InActive Agent - Bellevue, WA

I'm glad you all agree with me. I think they should make "MANDATORY EVACUATION" a Court Order and then to ignore it becomes criminal. Then if a true brave soul is killed trying to rescue the wannabe brave soul, the wannabe can be charged in the death. In most States you are held accountable if a person is killed as a result of your criminal action.

As for them "learning a lesson", I suppose if this was this first flood in history that would be true.

Sep 13, 2008 06:03 PM
Liz Moras Migic
Chilliwack, BC
Chilliwack, British Columbia - Realtor

It defies all logic - so those decisions must be made on some other basis?  Denial......invincibility?........In emotional breakdrown?  And they're staying behind to protect what????? I think in times of extreme stress many people just don't think rationally........And sometimes the unknown of travelling, not knowing where or for how long, is just scarier then staying put and hoping against hope for the best...............i'm thinking that might be part of it?

Sep 13, 2008 07:18 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Michael, We were talking about this today and I was amazed how many people were supporting these citizens who refuse to leave their homes but by chopper in the aftermath of the storm. Charge them for the ride...

Sep 13, 2008 07:30 PM
Michael Creel
InActive Agent - Bellevue, WA

I was reading an article on this new breed of fearless Americans and couldn't believe the utter naivete' of some of them. Here's a direct quote from one:

"HURRICANE Ike may be taking aim for the low-lying coast of Texas, but supermarket worker Jacqueline Harris is staying put - in a flimsy, wooden beach bar. "If nature is going to come and get us, bring it on!" Harris said as she sipped a beer at the Poop Deck, a tavern a stone's throw from the sandy coastal strip thrashed by white-capped wave. "Everything I own and love is on the island; I'm going down with the ship," she said."

I have no doubt, if she's still alive some poor guy had to go save her from her own foolishness.

Sep 13, 2008 09:01 PM
Susan Mangigian
RE/MAX Preferred - West Chester, PA
Chester & Delaware County Homes, Delaware and Ches

Hi Mike, I hope to God that I never have to choose to leave my home in an evacuation.  But, for the sake of other's safety and my own, I would.  Are you, by any chance, related to Neal Bloom, The Real Deal?  Lol!

Sep 14, 2008 11:11 AM
Michael Creel
InActive Agent - Bellevue, WA

So susan, no relation that I'm aware of

I just spoke with a friend that lives in Houston, and from what he tells me, the destruction is massive. It's likely many of the holdouts have likely paid the maximum price for their foolishness. Hopefully, people will learn from this and not sit there and yell "Bring it on!" next time.

Leaving home in the face of mother natures wrath is an easy choice. Theres nothing you can do to defend your property against the angry giant known as a hurricane. You can always buy a new house (or rent), and although there will be things you can't replace, you will be alive and no one will need to risk their life to help you.

I just don't understand why these people have so little regard for the lives of those will will have to come to their rescue; it's pathetic.

Sep 14, 2008 03:27 PM