Letters to the Editor 11-08-2005
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
- Response To Evacuation - Out Father's House
Response To Evacuation
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in response to the article that appeared titled "Mandatory Evacuation."
It is clear to me that Ms. Zehr has never experienced a hurricane personally. Evacuation of a densely populated area is not so simple as it may seem. First of all, many of the people who are unable to evacuate in these circumstances neither have the financial resources or ability due to other reasons (i.e. work obligations, failing health, etc.). For those who can choose to evacuate, there are other considerations. Many times these people must report to work up until the day before the hurricane. Imagine then trying to get on the road with literally millions of other people. I can tell you first hand that the traffic does not move very quickly. Those individuals on the road run the risk of running out of gas. The lines for gas (assuming the gas station does not run out as many do) are miles long. Finding an available hotel is literally impossible. In addition, do not forget that the storm is often chasing you as you desperately try to get away.
If you think that a government-ran evacuation would be more efficient, you are sadly mistaken. It is demonstrated time and again that the responsiveness and efficiency of our government is not good in times of immediate need. This is not a "freedom of choice" issue for those who do not evacuate but rather a "no choice" or "no good choice" issue. In most cases, these people struggle literally with life or death decisions coupled with the impending realization that they could lose it all. The distress associated with these disasters are beyond comprehension for those who have not experienced them. The people victimized by these storms often lose a significant part of their financial livelihood. Many lose their jobs and all are faced with the expenses associated with the storm and resulting damage.
Yes, there is a terrible financial burden that results from these occurrences. However, that will not be alleviated by governmental intervention and mandatory evacuations. I suspect that the price tag would only rise higher. Now much of the financial burden for those who can choose to evacuate is bore by the individual. This is quite expensive. Consider the cost of transportation, lodging, and meals for all of these people.
Jack Heeter
Port Saint Lucie, Fla., via e-mail
Out Father's House
Editor, Times-Union:Our Father's House has only one collection site and store in Warsaw. It is at 401 Argonne Road, Warsaw. We have a large drop box in the front of our building. We are grateful for all of the people who contribute things in our box because this is how we support our mission to serve the needs of the poor. If you donate goods or monetary donations to Our Father's House, it is tax deductible and we would be happy to provide you with the IRS-approved documents.
We are serving in our dining room at no charge to any one who is hungry Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Come have lunch at our table - you are all welcome.
Roz Morgan
Director
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- Response To Evacuation - Out Father's House
Response To Evacuation
Editor, Times-Union:I am writing in response to the article that appeared titled "Mandatory Evacuation."
It is clear to me that Ms. Zehr has never experienced a hurricane personally. Evacuation of a densely populated area is not so simple as it may seem. First of all, many of the people who are unable to evacuate in these circumstances neither have the financial resources or ability due to other reasons (i.e. work obligations, failing health, etc.). For those who can choose to evacuate, there are other considerations. Many times these people must report to work up until the day before the hurricane. Imagine then trying to get on the road with literally millions of other people. I can tell you first hand that the traffic does not move very quickly. Those individuals on the road run the risk of running out of gas. The lines for gas (assuming the gas station does not run out as many do) are miles long. Finding an available hotel is literally impossible. In addition, do not forget that the storm is often chasing you as you desperately try to get away.
If you think that a government-ran evacuation would be more efficient, you are sadly mistaken. It is demonstrated time and again that the responsiveness and efficiency of our government is not good in times of immediate need. This is not a "freedom of choice" issue for those who do not evacuate but rather a "no choice" or "no good choice" issue. In most cases, these people struggle literally with life or death decisions coupled with the impending realization that they could lose it all. The distress associated with these disasters are beyond comprehension for those who have not experienced them. The people victimized by these storms often lose a significant part of their financial livelihood. Many lose their jobs and all are faced with the expenses associated with the storm and resulting damage.
Yes, there is a terrible financial burden that results from these occurrences. However, that will not be alleviated by governmental intervention and mandatory evacuations. I suspect that the price tag would only rise higher. Now much of the financial burden for those who can choose to evacuate is bore by the individual. This is quite expensive. Consider the cost of transportation, lodging, and meals for all of these people.
Jack Heeter
Port Saint Lucie, Fla., via e-mail
Out Father's House
Editor, Times-Union:Our Father's House has only one collection site and store in Warsaw. It is at 401 Argonne Road, Warsaw. We have a large drop box in the front of our building. We are grateful for all of the people who contribute things in our box because this is how we support our mission to serve the needs of the poor. If you donate goods or monetary donations to Our Father's House, it is tax deductible and we would be happy to provide you with the IRS-approved documents.
We are serving in our dining room at no charge to any one who is hungry Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Come have lunch at our table - you are all welcome.
Roz Morgan
Director
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