Why Some People Do Not Evacuate

[themusk]

Actually, public policy is exactly the opposite -- shelters are a place of last resort. They're where you go when you have no other options left to try

Actually, as one that works in the county EOC on occasion, shelters are divided into three basic types. Special needs, risk and host. In other words here in Florida, we opened shelters for those who felt unsafe where they live. In Florida, state statute requires all new schools be built to shelter code. Our designated shelters are not "last resort" but first resort to those homeless, in mobile homes or from other areas. To us here in hurrincane land. a shelter of last resort is ANY building other than a designated shelter. For more information contact your local emergency management department.

You're right, technically -- it's refuges that are "last resort". By "last resort" I mean that evacuees with other options (hotels, family) are urged to use those options.

[Stormelf]

As a geriatric psychiatric nurse (trained to work with Alzheimer's patients and so on) I feel that evacuation plans should really include yearly outreach to all senior citizens, specifically identifying those that may not have the full cognitive functioning they need to evacuate. When stress levels are high, it's hard for anyone to think straight, but for those suffering brain diseases like Alzheimer's or stroke dementia, who are not in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, it's much more difficult. Maybe such people could have "buddy" families assigned, who would know to contact them and help them, and contact authorities if the person refused to evacuate. Nurses could certainly be involved in this. The same goes for those suffering any illness which makes it difficult to cope quickly with such stressful situations.

[Aquawind]

As a geriatric psychiatric nurse (trained to work with Alzheimer's patients and so on) I feel that evacuation plans should really include yearly outreach to all senior citizens, specifically identifying those that may not have the full cognitive functioning they need to evacuate. When stress levels are high, it's hard for anyone to think straight, but for those suffering brain diseases like Alzheimer's or stroke dementia, who are not in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, it's much more difficult. Maybe such people could have "buddy" families assigned, who would know to contact them and help them, and contact authorities if the person refused to evacuate. Nurses could certainly be involved in this. The same goes for those suffering any illness which makes it difficult to cope quickly with such stressful situations.

Welcome to the board...

Thanks for your well said input..