17 replies to this topic

[Shortpoet-GTD]

We all know that local/national weather centers issue storm and tornado warnings,
but there is no distinction between a cat 1 or a cat 5, (until touchdown) and some people
do not seek shelter quickly enough or ignore the warnings to take pictures-etc.
(This is not addressing the no warning storms-that's another thread.)

Weather services are now considering the idea of scarier words in their broadcast
to get people to move quicker to shelters.

Words like "mass devastation," ''unsurvivable" and "catastrophic".

Do you think they should employ these tactics
or will they just scare the bejeesus out of folks-or in time, would people become
complacent and ignore them, again?

[rbaker_59]

The biggest problem I see in regards to storms is the fact that all people do not have storm cellars or places they can go.  I really don't see a lot of change from people just because they decide to add phrases, such as "mass devastation".   Another problem with the weather forcasting is they are not exactly accurate and most people comment all the time about this.  Scare tactics do not usually work in the first place.

[dconklin]

I am sure that you will still have the people that will hang out and wait for the storm either way.  It seems that sometimes people do not think that anything could possibly happen to them!

Some people would probably be in a mass panic the first couple times and then when it is really a big emergency, people will probably say "yeah yeah, heard it before."  Kind of like the boy who cried wolf.

[mariaandrea]

The thing is you provide the tools and warnings and people have to take some responsibility for themselves. I'm definitely not talking about people who can't go somewhere safe or do their best under inadequate circumstances, but people who refuse to believe any warnings or take any action. Lots of people shelter in place during hurricanes who don't have to and are perfectly capable of evacuating. The saddest case ever was an old man named Harry Truman who refused to leave his home on Mt. St. Helens when they thought it would blow. At least he knew what he was doing and accepted that he might die (he did). So, anyway, they can word the warnings any way they want, but there will always be people who "know better" and it's really difficult to feel sorry for them when disaster strikes.

[zararina]

I still think that authorities should give or tell accurate data about weather situations. People should be given proper information on when they should go to the evacuation centers and what should be done. Those who are hardheaded should be forced to leave or let them be responsible for their decisions.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

(This note is off topic, but if ryan's budget were to go through, the weather channel folks wouldn't be
as effective/knowledgeable in warning us,
because the budget for weather satellites would be slashed or eliminated completely.
More of their "you're on your own" mo.)

One of the things they were talking about yesterday on the weather channel, with all those tornadoes
and thunderstorms, was the fact that the sirens were blaring off and on all day.
People do ignore the warnings, but it was so bad, that people were paying attention this time,
and no injuries were reported.
But I didn't hear words like "unsurvivable" yesterday, as it was only EF1-2 twisters.

[artistry]

When the last hurricane came through New Jersey, the Governor made an announcement, to all those who were hanging out on the beach. Very emphatic, "Get your a** off the beach!"  It worked wonderfully. Sometimes you need an increase in volume and tone, otherwise people don't pay attention.

[MakingCents]

I honestly think that over time people will become complacent again.  People around here are always complaining about the tornado sirens going off and there not being a tornado.  I just don't understand that rationale.  Wouldn't you rather be warned and have the storm NOT come than to not be warned and have a storm show up?

[artistry]

You would think that would be the case, but look at the people out, during hurricane warnings, who insist on surfing the waves. Craziest thing I have ever seen. Life is something that should be a precious thing, not something to be played with.

[MakingCents]

People just don't think it can happen to them.  Everyone thinks they are invincible and bad things only happen to other people.  That's why I don't feel sorry for people who don't heed the warnings and they get into trouble because of it.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

I know if I heard it was "unsurvivable" except underground, I'd be running down those stairs.

Even if the storm doesn't kill you, many, many people are seriously hurt from flying debris. When the
winds can push a 2 x 4 through a building, it's time to listen.

We'll have to get more data of course, but these storms seem to be getting more powerful, with higher
winds speeds every year. Imo, they'll have EF 6 before too long. Same with hurricanes. Higher category.

[artistry]

Somehow, it needs to penetrate people's brains, that the warnings are for their safety. More lives would be saved in serious weather conditions, if they just paid attention and adhered to the warnings.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

artistry, on 27 April 2012 - 10:39 AM, said:

Somehow, it needs to penetrate people's brains, that the warnings are for their safety. More lives would be saved in serious weather conditions, if they just paid attention and adhered to the warnings.

They could just say this every 30 seconds.
'LOOK OUT!"

[artistry]

For sure. There are certain kinds of people who like to fool around in dangerous situations. Sometimes just for the thrill. Then they wind up in one thrill seeking adventure, that is the wrong one, in the wrong place..

[Shortpoet-GTD]

artistry, on 27 April 2012 - 04:03 PM, said:

For sure. There are certain kinds of people who like to fool around in dangerous situations. Sometimes just for the thrill. Then they wind up in one thrill seeking adventure, that is the wrong one, in the wrong place..

Like that guy that went to see/photograph Japan's tsunami as it hit the coast of California? He was swept out to sea.

[Sandra Piddock]

The annoying thing is that the same people who refuse to heed the warnings are there on the TV after the event, asking why they were not warned, and demanding compensation. I'd rather get the hell out of it a hundred times and live to tell the tale. That one time you decide not to take notice could turn out to be the last decision you ever make.

[MakingCents]

Sandra Piddock, on 28 April 2012 - 01:57 PM, said:

The annoying thing is that the same people who refuse to heed the warnings are there on the TV after the event, asking why they were not warned, and demanding compensation. I'd rather get the hell out of it a hundred times and live to tell the tale. That one time you decide not to take notice could turn out to be the last decision you ever make.

I agree, or they are the ones wanting to know why help isn't getting to them faster.  Well if you would have heeded the warnings and evacuated/taken cover you wouldn't be needing help when the storm was over.

[artistry]

Shortpoet-GTD, on 28 April 2012 - 03:08 AM, said:

Like that guy that went to see/photograph Japan's tsunami as it hit the coast of California? He was swept out to sea.

Swept out to sea. Now the family is left to mourn and grieve, for someone who never should have been doing what he did. Unbelievable.