Residents Turn a Blind Eye To Hurricanes?

CNN Headline News is running a video shortly before each hour today talking about the lack of Americans' preparedness for hurricanes. They don't have the video, nor a similar story, on their website as of this writing. The last time it played, it played only halfway through so I couldn't tell if it was the same survey that I had blogged about in May. However, the New York Times ran this article today, with a similar theme, quoting "a dangerous level of complacency," but concentrating on Florida residents.

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Some of the main points from both:

- Gas prices are having an effect on how much (if any) gas people stockpile - Most people avoid preparation until a Warning is issued (this is far too late) - Most people scramble at the last minute and scrape by afterwards - Florida's poor economy has led to less preparedness - A Lack of storms hitting the state since 2005 has also led to complacency - Lack of preparedness will lead to additional economic woes after costly cleanups

One thing I think would be helpful would be if the Media could reinvent the campaigns to point out that, in addition to preparing *for* the storm, you must prepare for the aftermath of the storm. I believe this is something that has not been expressed well. They should ask questions like:

- If you want to leave, will you be able to? (gas, tire repair) - What will you eat? (if there is no power, no stores or restaurants will be open) - Will you be able to cleanup without undue injury? (sunblock, extra gloves, etc.) - Can you survive for days or weeks without power in 90-degree heat and humidity? (generators, etc.)

What do YOU think? Leave me a Comment below.