NPR

Why Stay During A Hurricane? Because It's Not As Simple As 'Get Out'

As rescues continue after Hurricane Michael, officials expressed frustration at people who didn't evacuate. But experts say people's decisions to stay are almost always carefully considered.
Brian Bartlett from the South Florida Search and Rescue team, right, checks in on Tom Garcia after Hurricane Michael passed through Mexico Beach, Fla. Mr. Garcia said he stayed in his home through the storm and he had to hold the sliding glass doors shut as the wind tore through.

Brock Long was frustrated. Yet again, the FEMA administrator said, people in the path of a powerful hurricane had ignored evacuation orders.

Hurricane Michael had leveled the small Florida city of Mexico Beach and destroyed large parts of nearby Panama City. The death count was rising as search and rescue workers pulled bodies from the rubble.

"Unfortunately in this country we seem to not learn the lesson," Long said, his exasperation audible as he spoke to reporters a few days after the storm. "When we ask people at the local and state level to heed the warnings, dang it, do it! Get out!"

More than a

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR2 min read
FAA Is Investigating Boeing For Apparent Missed Inspections On 787 Dreamliner
The FAA says Boeing informed the agency in April that required inspections to confirm that the wings were properly bonded to the carbon fiber fuselage on certain 787 jets were not completed.
NPR2 min readWorld
Israel Orders Rafah Evacuations; Boeing Plans To Launch A Spacecraft
Israel has ordered Palestinians to evacuate parts of Rafah after cease-fire talks failed. Boeing is set to launch two astronauts to the International Space Station tonight.
NPR2 min readInternational Relations
Israeli Forces Take Control Of The Gaza Side Of The Rafah Crossing With Egypt
An Israeli tank brigade seized control Tuesday of the Gaza Strip side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, authorities said, as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remain on a knife's edge.

Related Books & Audiobooks