Hundreds Instead of Thousands & Lessons Learned

[sponger]

I know many of us are in shock and disbelief at the unfolding magnitude of todays events. We may ask ourselves, how can this happen? We may take some comfort that although hundreds have likely perished, in another time it could easily have been tens of thousands. While many chose to stay, most headed the warnings given.

In our 10 hour work day, go go society, we often lament having evacuated when the worse does not pan out. Now we are reminded why evacuation orders are given. We learn that it is better to be in an air conditioned hotel room than a flooded house with out power.

My prayers go out to the families who have suffered the most extreme loss. And while likely, in some future storm some will not head the warnings, many more will leave. The next time you evacuate and come home to a untouched neighborhood, instead of "I cant beleive I left...thank god the worst case didnt happen.