Hurricane Preparedness Blog

Until we’ve created a culture of preparedness in our communities, individual planning must rest in part with the government. -Moi

Terry Ebbert, New Orleans head of homeland security says that “Responsibility for individual planning rests not with government but with individuals.” While that sounds peachy in theory, the latest statistics from a Harvard School of Public Health study present a reality that government officias can’t ignore - people will need your help, and blaming them for not preparing themselves will never look good on camera.

• Nearly one-third of residents in U.S. coastal areas vulnerable to hurricanes say they won’t obey orders to evacuate if a major storm threatens, according to a new survey on preparedness released today.
• In a survey last year, only one-fourth of hurricane-zone residents said they would not evacuate.
• Almost two-thirds of New Orleans residents don’t know the location of an evacuation shelter.
• More than half have not prearranged with their family where to meet after a storm.
• More than half who don’t evacuate fear overcrowded roads.
• One-third fear danger during evacuation and theft or damage of property left behind.
• Two-thirds of respondents think shelters would be unsanitary, too crowded and short of water.
• Among those reluctant to leave, three-quarters say their houses are sturdy enough to withstand hurricanes.
• New Orleans leads in one positive category: It boasts the fewest number of respondents who say they would refuse to evacuate, only 14%.

Every day that goes by without a hurricane, it becomes harder and harder to convince people to prepare. This isn’t to say that I’m wishing for one, it’s saying that short-term memory sucks. 1/3 of people won’t evacuate 1-year post-Katrina, 1/4 won’t evacuate 2-years post-Katrina.

How prepared is your family today? August is just 8 days away. Get crackin.