Waiting for Sandy!

I don't usually get too hyped when we expect a big storm, mainly I suppose because I live in the safest area of New York City:  smack in the middle of the city, so about equal distance from the Hudson and East Rivers.  Also, I'm on the first floor in the back so unlikely to have any wind issues.  Can't remember the last time we lost electric in my area of the city.  But my recent visit to Maine, where we had five inches of rain in two days (with at least four inches settling in my basement) and lots of damage from humidity, I'm really feeling empathy for those who will experience the worst of Sandy.

So what point do I want to make, other than stating my concern and empathy. This is a political blog, after all. I'm disgusted by those people who live in evacuation areas and refuse to leave, either doubting the predictions or sure they can weather the worst. When they defy evacuation orders they put the lives of others at risk: responders who will have to risk their lives to save these fools. I've thought for a very long time that we should codify emergency procedures into law such that people who disregard instructions be left on their own (other, of course, than the handicapped, whether physical or mental, who can't manage on their own or don't understand directions). Why risk the lives of responders to save those who deliberately put their own lives at risk? At the very least, anyone who needs to be rescued because they disregarded warnings should be subjected to heavy fines (at a minimum covering the cost of the rescue) and in some cases prison time if any first responder dies or is injured during a rescue. I suspect if we did this, this type of selfish, me-me-me attitude, would soon disappear.

I'm remembering the little girl who lost her life in Acadia Park, Maine last year during a storm. Her father was told by park rangers to move away from a rock from which they were watching the waves, so the father took his family to another spot in an equally dangerous spot absent park rangers. The entire family was swept into the ocean by a huge wave and the youngest child, a girl, died. I doubt this man will have another day of life without remembering the unnecessary loss of his little girl. When the authorities tell you to leave, leave!