presents
WebMD Community Talk Show
Serving up a new debate daily, this is the place where putting up your dukes and defending your opinion is encouraged.
Rescuing Those Who Ignore Mandatory Evacuations
Haylen_WebMD_Staff posted:
As hurricanes and other strong storms approach metropolitan areas, officials often call for mandatory evacuations like this one: Mayor Bloomberg orders mandatory evacuation for 375,000 New York City residents .
In addition to saving lives of those in the storm path, the evacuations also protect first responders who put themselves in danger for rescue operations.
Should the city/county have to provide rescue services to people who refuse to evacuate? Share your thoughts here!
Haylen
In addition to saving lives of those in the storm path, the evacuations also protect first responders who put themselves in danger for rescue operations.
Should the city/county have to provide rescue services to people who refuse to evacuate? Share your thoughts here!
Haylen
9 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Rescuing Those Who Ignore Mandatory EvacuationsAs hurricanes and other strong storms approach metropolitan areas, officials often call for mandatory evacuations like this one: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.salon.com/2012/10/28/mayor_bloomberg_orders_mandatory_evacuation_for_375000_new_york_city_residents/">Mayor Bloomberg orders mandatory evacuation for 375,000 New York City residents</a> . <br /> <br />In addition to saving lives of those in the storm path, the evacuations also protect first responders who put themselves in danger for rescue operations. <br /> <br />Should the city/county have to provide rescue services to people who refuse to evacuate? Share your thoughts here! <br /> <br />Haylen
Rohvannyn responded:
To me, if you don't want to evacuate you shouldn't have to, but you do waive your right to help if it puts others in danger. You as a human being have the absolute right to self determination, or you should anyway. Folks should have the right to make their own decisions, even if they turn out badly. You shouldn't expect rescue if you are wrong, however.
Report This| Share this:Rescuing Those Who Ignore Mandatory EvacuationsTo me, if you don't want to evacuate you shouldn't have to, but you do waive your right to help if it puts others in danger. You as a human being have the absolute right to self determination, or you should anyway. Folks should have the right to make their own decisions, even if they turn out badly. You shouldn't expect rescue if you are wrong, however.
Anon_11518 responded:
Yes, they should. While my gut reaction is that they shouldn't for the safety of the first resonders and because they were dully warned, the reality is people are often de-sensitized to these things because of past media hype that falls flat, or because they think they're invinsible and it couldn't happen to them. Others are ignorant or don't want to be told what to do, while still, some have no where to go. Sadly, someone has to look out for the welfare of these folks, and first responders know they are dealing with these kinds.
We'd be outraged to see a repeat of the Katrina response, no?
We'd be outraged to see a repeat of the Katrina response, no?
Report This| Share this:Rescuing Those Who Ignore Mandatory EvacuationsYes, they should. While my gut reaction is that they shouldn't for the safety of the first resonders and because they were dully warned, the reality is people are often de-sensitized to these things because of past media hype that falls flat, or because they think they're invinsible and it couldn't happen to them. Others are ignorant or don't want to be told what to do, while still, some have no where to go. Sadly, someone has to look out for the welfare of these folks, and first responders know they are dealing with these kinds. <br />We'd be outraged to see a repeat of the Katrina response, no?
butterflygarden responded:
I think there has to be rescue available, but perhaps they should be fined for utilizing services that wouldn't have had to be used if they had just followed the evacuation notification?
In a situation like a hurricane, emergency services are already very taxed, and top that with putting those men and women in grave danger to save YOU because YOU chose to make a poor choice? Doesn't seem quite fair.
Butterfly
In a situation like a hurricane, emergency services are already very taxed, and top that with putting those men and women in grave danger to save YOU because YOU chose to make a poor choice? Doesn't seem quite fair.
Butterfly
Report This| Share this:Rescuing Those Who Ignore Mandatory EvacuationsI think there has to be rescue available, but perhaps they should be fined for utilizing services that wouldn't have had to be used if they had just followed the evacuation notification? <br /><br />In a situation like a hurricane, emergency services are already very taxed, and top that with putting those men and women in grave danger to save YOU because YOU chose to make a poor choice? Doesn't seem quite fair. <br /><br />Butterfly
brunosbud responded:
If there was prior forewarning, as Gov. Christie (New Jersey) is alluding to, then, I say, "Yes. Rescue should be made available to those who choose to ignore instructions to evacuate...provided, a close family member or relative is working shoulder-to-shoulder with first responders, risking their lives, too."
Its OK if people choose risky behavior so long as they can live (or die) with the consequences. You can't ask others to respect your decisions, then, turn around and not respect your own.
Its OK if people choose risky behavior so long as they can live (or die) with the consequences. You can't ask others to respect your decisions, then, turn around and not respect your own.
Report This| Share this:Rescuing Those Who Ignore Mandatory EvacuationsIf there was prior forewarning, as Gov. Christie (New Jersey) is alluding to, then, I say, <b>"Yes. Rescue should be made available to those who choose to ignore instructions to evacuate</b>...<i><u>provided</u>, a close family member or relative is working shoulder-to-shoulder with first responders, risking their lives, too."</i><br /><br />Its OK if people choose risky behavior so long as they can live (or die) with the consequences. You can't ask others to respect your decisions, then, turn around and not respect your own.
timvasi responded:
I was a firefighter in New York for 25 years. When an evacuation order is issued, normally its done with a great deal of thought and consideration to the facts, as well as the forecast of the future conditions. These orders are not issued lightly, and they really should be followed for everyone's safety.
When you choose to ignore an evacuation order, you impact many more people than you think. Obviously there is your personal safety... but in addition you now impact the safety of the emergency personnel, anyone they have to cross paths with to get to you, as well as potentially other people they could be rescuing outside of the evacuation area, that now have to wait in possibly life threatening situations while emergency staff tends to your needs.
Should the city/county have to provide rescue services if you refuse to evacuate? Yes absolutely, but if you were ordered to evacuate and refused, you should also receive a citation, a fine, and bear the cost of the rescue. A disaster like this is hard on everyone, but put yourself in the shoes of the people tasked with providing emergency services to you, even while their own family's property and safety is probably at the same risk.
When you choose to ignore an evacuation order, you impact many more people than you think. Obviously there is your personal safety... but in addition you now impact the safety of the emergency personnel, anyone they have to cross paths with to get to you, as well as potentially other people they could be rescuing outside of the evacuation area, that now have to wait in possibly life threatening situations while emergency staff tends to your needs.
Should the city/county have to provide rescue services if you refuse to evacuate? Yes absolutely, but if you were ordered to evacuate and refused, you should also receive a citation, a fine, and bear the cost of the rescue. A disaster like this is hard on everyone, but put yourself in the shoes of the people tasked with providing emergency services to you, even while their own family's property and safety is probably at the same risk.
Report This| Share this:Rescuing Those Who Ignore Mandatory EvacuationsI was a firefighter in New York for 25 years. When an evacuation order is issued, normally its done with a great deal of thought and consideration to the facts, as well as the forecast of the future conditions. These orders are not issued lightly, and they really should be followed for everyone's safety. <br /><br />When you choose to ignore an evacuation order, you impact many more people than you think. Obviously there is your personal safety... but in addition you now impact the safety of the emergency personnel, anyone they have to cross paths with to get to you, as well as potentially other people they could be rescuing outside of the evacuation area, that now have to wait in possibly life threatening situations while emergency staff tends to your needs.<br /><br />Should the city/county have to provide rescue services if you refuse to evacuate? Yes absolutely, but if you were ordered to evacuate and refused, you should also receive a citation, a fine, and bear the cost of the rescue. A disaster like this is hard on everyone, but put yourself in the shoes of the people tasked with providing emergency services to you, even while their own family's property and safety is probably at the same risk.
worn1 responded:
No. If they refuse to leave then their survival is in their hands not rescue survice. It is one thing to help some one who is in a dangerous situation through no fault of their own and for someone to put some one else's life in danger due to their refusal to evacuate causing thier life to be in danger. You do not have the right to expect rescue.
I would not help some one who refused to evacuate. I would put my life on the line for those caught up in a situation beyond their control.
Jo H
I would not help some one who refused to evacuate. I would put my life on the line for those caught up in a situation beyond their control.
Jo H
Report This| Share this:Rescuing Those Who Ignore Mandatory EvacuationsNo. If they refuse to leave then their survival is in their hands not rescue survice. It is one thing to help some one who is in a dangerous situation through no fault of their own and for someone to put some one else's life in danger due to their refusal to evacuate causing thier life to be in danger. You do not have the right to expect rescue. <br /> I would not help some one who refused to evacuate. I would put my life on the line for those caught up in a situation beyond their control. <br />Jo H
1nt3rnalC0mbu5t1on replied to timvasi's response:
Tim,
First off thank you for your years of service. I would have to agree with you, especially about the part of them being fined or paying part of the cost.
The people that ignore the evacs, assume that they will be helped, in a dire situation. But if they knew there would be some sort of consequence for their ignorance, they might be more inclined to listen.
First off thank you for your years of service. I would have to agree with you, especially about the part of them being fined or paying part of the cost.
The people that ignore the evacs, assume that they will be helped, in a dire situation. But if they knew there would be some sort of consequence for their ignorance, they might be more inclined to listen.
Report This| Share this:Rescuing Those Who Ignore Mandatory EvacuationsTim,<br /> <br />First off thank you for your years of service. I would have to agree with you, especially about the part of them being fined or paying part of the cost. <br /> <br />The people that ignore the evacs, assume that they will be helped, in a dire situation. But if they knew there would be some sort of consequence for their ignorance, they might be more inclined to listen.
lystra responded:
Sometimes there's no way to help, most people think that help will come when the storm is over, but the danger is still there, and it takes a long time to help people. Most people don't understand that. then the get upset.
Report This| Share this:Rescuing Those Who Ignore Mandatory EvacuationsSometimes there's no way to help, most people think that help will come when the storm is over, but the danger is still there, and it takes a long time to help people. Most people don't understand that. then the get upset.
"Most people don't understand that"
I think it's simpler than that - I think a lot of people don't understand that if they don't evacuate they might DIE.
I think it's simpler than that - I think a lot of people don't understand that if they don't evacuate they might DIE.
Report This| Share this:Rescuing Those Who Ignore Mandatory Evacuations"Most people don't understand that"<br /> <br />I think it's simpler than that - I think a lot of people don't understand that if they don't evacuate they might DIE.
WebMD Talk Show
Feel like a friendly debate? Take the gloves off and defend your viewpoint.
Learn More
Related News
Expert Blog
Diagnosis: Reality Check
Putting perspective on health news and names in the spotlight.Read More
Other Great Information
- WebMD News Center Read the latest in health news and features.
- WebMD Newsroom Blog Breaking health news at your fingertips.
- WebMD Reality Check Blog Your daily dose of reality around fun and intriguing health topics.
-
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.