I have spent a large part of my vacation watching The Weather Channel http://www.weather.com/ broadcast of Tropical Storm/Hurricane Isaac. I know that there have been areas of mandatory evacuations, yet some people did not evacuate, especially in Plaquemines Parish. http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/plaquemines-parish-long-history-disasters-17109583. And, a nursing home did not evacuate. What does a mandatory evacuation order mean? Get out.
I get it. I do not want anyone telling me to leave my home to the ravages of nature and hoodlums. I want to think I can cope no matter what. I can imagine a couple of scenarios in Lubbock, Texas that would require an emergency evacuation. I can imagine my initial instinct to want to stay, and try to take care of my home. But the truth is, sometimes, I am not as self-sufficient and powerful as I want to be. And I need someone with more information, power, and authority to take care of me.
I understand that the logistics of evacuating nursing home patients is difficult, but it is a lot easier if it does not have to occur when the storm requiring it is putting its full force energy into the area. I think the administrators of any nursing home in Plaquemines Parish that did not evacuate when mandated, and had to be evacuated in the midst of the storm, should be investigated.
My hope is that everyone who did not comply with the mandatory evacuation order is now safe. More importantly, my hope is that everyone who tried to rescue those non-compliants is also now safe. The rescuers are true heroes and to them, I offer my thanks and prayers.
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