Why do people continue to live in natural disaster hot spots? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Jesus Pimp · 05-06-2003, 05:56 AM

After reading this Midwest Digs Out From Tornadoes; 37 Dead , makes me wonder why humans continue to live in places where natural disasters are happening on a regular basis. Wouldn't someone figure out "hey it's not safe to live here, maybe we should find a safer place to live.." . What do you think?

Prophecy · 05-06-2003, 06:01 AM

cheap land?

but main reason I'd think some people stay where they are is simply b/c its home, its the only place they've ever really known and its hard to leave.

MikeyChalupa · 05-06-2003, 06:16 AM

I never understood it either. Especially Southern California and the ticking time bomb that place is.

-Mikey

gov135 · 05-06-2003, 06:23 AM

Good weather.
I don't think you can worry about stuff like that, and I think alot of people don't. I mean, you get yourself some candles, supplies, flashlight, etc. and put them in a safe place. After that, why worry? Its nothing you can control.

ARTelevision · 05-06-2003, 06:34 AM

People like to live dangerously and take risks.
People play the odds.
People don't think stuff will happen to them.

No one expects the Spanish Inquisition...

Cynthetiq · 05-06-2003, 06:50 AM

every place has natural disasters or phenomenon of some sort.. there isn't a place in the world that doesn't have something that can cause natural havoc of some sort... from bitter cold temperatures to hot muggy days.

then there is still LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION... due to trade routes, ease of egress/digress, and other places.

Jesus Pimp · 05-06-2003, 06:56 AM

Quote:

People don't think stuff will happen to them.

History doesn't teach people anything?

Quote:

every place has natural disasters or phenomenon of some sort.. there isn't a place in the world that doesn't have something that can cause natural havoc of some sort... from bitter cold temperatures to hot muggy days.

Yeah I know every place has natural disasters of some sort but wouldn't it make sense to live in an area with the least natural disasters?

Cynthetiq · 05-06-2003, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jesus Pimp
History doesn't teach people anything?

Yeah I know every place has natural disasters of some sort but wouldn't it make sense to live in an area with the least natural disasters?

sure... So. Cal doesn't have many of them, but when they do they are devastating. Same with people who live near volcanos... they don't erupt every generation, and sometimes if they do they don't harm anyone or damage anything.

New York City doesn't have many at all either.

rockogre · 05-06-2003, 07:21 AM

I have lived in Oklahoma for near 50 years, smack in the middle of "Tornado Alley".

I have yet to be harmed by a tornado. My house is over 60 years old and is situated on a hill top. We watch the weather and have a cellar.

If you have watched any news lately you know that this "Tornado Alley" affects several states so where should we live?

I can't imagine living somewhere where snow gets over a foot deep, or where hurricanes last for days.

A lot of natural disasters depend on what you are ready for. A few years back we had an ice storm and then 13 inches of snow. It pretty much shut the whole state down for days. People like me used four wheel drive to check on old or sick folks because they were trapped.

It was a natural disaster for us but I can't think of anywhere I would rather live.

yabobo · 05-06-2003, 07:35 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cynthetiq
[B]every place has natural disasters or phenomenon of some sort.. there isn't a place in the world that doesn't have something that can cause natural havoc of some sort... from bitter cold temperatures to hot muggy days.

I live on Florida's gulf coast. Waiting for hurricane season to start and wondering if we will get lucky again. This spring so far we have had four small tornados touch down within 15 miles.
My insurance is past sky high. Why do I live here?

Gotta live somewhere and I don't shovel snow and I'm not
going to die in an earthquake!No place is totaly safe.
When it's going to happen just be prepared and hope for the best!!

Liquor Dealer · 05-06-2003, 07:41 AM

We live in tornado alley! We don't have earthquakes (of any severity) we have never had a hurricane (that might be nice! we really need the rain!) We have never had a forest fire (we have never even seen a forest without leavin' the country) We have never had a mudslide (there are kids six years old here who have never even seen mud!).

No place is perfect. We don't have a lot of things some of you have and for that we are extremely grateful. Another point you might consider. It is very difficult to just up and leave one place for another. I have always wondered why anyone would live in NYC (and before you all jump down my throat I know all the arguments about why there is no other place in the world you'd rather be). It is all of those who live there that are unemployed or underemployed - living in less than desirable quarters stacked forty-seven deep on top of each other. We have some things you all (and around here that's pronounced Yawl) don't have.

Room
Blue Sky (when the dirts not blowin')
Fresh air (sometimes with a hint of manure)
Jobs

And we can go on for quite some time with this list.

Somenosuke · 05-06-2003, 08:41 AM

I was just having this conversation with scape this morning. I personally can't stand it here. I've wanted out for years, and being in tornado alley makes me want out more.

It's been a few years since we had twisters touch down in my city, but I wonder when our luck will run out. Back in '96, we had 5 small funnels at once, and they merged into one, and tore up a strip mall, a subdivision, and some of my friend's houses. I watched it happen with my family at our back door, and saying it was scary as hell is an understatement. To be perfectly honest, the only reason I'm still here is because I can't afford to live on my own, elsewhere at the current time.

I can honestly say I'd rather have to deal with bitter cold and snow than watching friend's homes get torn apart and wondering if that twister is gonna turn around and come for mine next. Luck doesn't last forever. I feel kind of embarassed admitting that I'd get away from here if I had the chance because it's tornado alley, cuz most people are okay with where they are, but I'm not. Call me a wuss or whatever, but that's how I feel.

ataylor20 · 05-06-2003, 08:43 AM

THis is so Ironic.. I was just saying the very same thing not 10mins ago to a co worker. Hmm If Tornados are common and my house gets destroyed I take it that I shouldnt be living here.

AT

clavus · 05-06-2003, 08:50 AM

Earthquakes, mudslides, floods, fire, riots - and I still love Northern California. Did I mention that Mt. Shasta is going to erupt?

We don't have ice-storms, blizzards, or hurricanes.

Everything is a trade-off.

Troublebot · 05-06-2003, 08:55 AM

People said the same thing 10 years ago, during the floods. People say the same thing about California when there's an earthquake. People say the same thing about Florida and the East coast when there's a hurricane.

There's dangers to living anywhere. There's natural disasters for every area of the country. Tornadoes don't bother me a great deal because they're fairly rare and, when they do strike, people usually have time to get somewhere safe. Out of the millions of people that live in the areas the tornados struck on Sunday, only 37 died. That's better than your average earthquake or hurricane.

G_Whiz · 05-06-2003, 09:48 AM

I think that most people have hit the general idea very well.

However, one of the problems is how these disasters are covered. Remember that they are very dramatic and visually impressive (both in their effect and how they look while they are going on).

What is the total population of the areas that have been hit by tornados? What is the total land area in square miles that are in these areas? If you put into those perspectives, the number actually impacted are relatively small. That is not to diminish the impact on those people, but in a larger sense the majority are not hit by it.

I live north of San Francisco. We have had earthquakes here about every 10-20 years. We've done our best to prepare for earthquakes. We know the devastation that they can cause. But in over 50 years of living here, I haven't yet had an earthquake that has caused me direct problems. In fact, the ones that I can remember riding out were kinda fun until the potential impact hit my consciousness. In between earthquakes, we have a great climate and a beautiful place to live and raise families.

In my area, we have had worse problems with flooding than we have with earthquakes. That was because we could expect floods annually with a big one every 5-10 years. Generally, the floods didn't kill anyone, but they caused all sorts of damage and rebuilding. Over the past 10 years, zoning laws have changed and homes and businesses are less likely to be built or rebuilt in flood areas.

Liquor Dealer · 05-06-2003, 12:04 PM

How disasters are covered hit the nail on the head - why do we need hours and hours of coverage? It is like an airplane crash - they're horrific when they occur and are plastered all over the news - but twenty people die in automobile accidents on their way to the airport for ever one that is killed in the airplane - this is never mentioned.

Met22 · 05-06-2003, 12:25 PM

Life is never perfect. Nature will do it's will no matter the local. We all have a level of accepted risk in where we live. The little ones kill just like the big ones. It all depends where you are. Spider bites can kill while a earthquake my shake the ground and break you acquisitions and leave you unharmed. The drunk driver on a country road kills an entire family. The forces of the earth kill fewer that the evils of mankind.

You live where you'll be the happiest. Not in fear but with the knowledge of what is possible. You step out the door with the intention of coming home. Fear is no way to live. Living where you want and how you want brings joy to the soul. Yes an earthquake may happen next week but I intend to survive. It is my will.

Reese · 05-06-2003, 12:33 PM

Natural disaster death are pretty rare when compared to other ways to die. Why do we still drive knowings that millions of people die by cars, why do we fly knowing that airplanes crash?

james t kirk · 05-06-2003, 03:36 PM

What i can't understand is people who live in flood planes. Sure, you live where you want to live, but there is no reason in hell to live in a flood plain.

Seems every couple of years some river is flooding its banks for the tenth time this century and people are crying for disaster relief.

Hmm, couldn't you live like a mile away? Like really what difference would it make in you life? " Oh, well i was raised on that patch of land, and dagnanit, i aint leavin"

Well fine, you bail your own water than you idiot.

WhoaitsZ · 05-06-2003, 07:18 PM

I often wondered why some people have never moved, as well. I for one have no choice whatsoever and have to ponder taking a ride on a tornado any day.

BudTheSpud · 05-06-2003, 07:22 PM

People stay where they are because they cant afford to go anywhere else. You cant just take a community and move them somewhere else, it would take millions and everyone would want to have to go.

Most people couldnt leave if they wanted to.

Somenosuke · 05-06-2003, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BudTheSpud
People stay where they are because they cant afford to go anywhere else. You cant just take a community and move them somewhere else, it would take millions and everyone would want to have to go.

Most people couldnt leave if they wanted to.

Thanks, Bud. This is very true. I think a lot of people don't realize that.

Macheath · 05-06-2003, 07:46 PM

The instance that seems reasonable to me is farmers growing crops around volcanos. Damn good soil because of all the nutrients provided by the volcanic ash.

The one kind of natural disaster I've read about that really freaked me out was Lake Nyos in Cameroon. In 1986 the lake "burped" up a whole shitload of carbon dixode. The CO2 (heavier than air) hugged the ground and flowing into valleys. I spread fast enough to blow down vegetation and travelled 25km from the lake.

1700 people in the area were suffocated and never saw it coming, they just "fell asleep" and never woke up. Creepy.

Troublebot · 05-07-2003, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by james t kirk
What i can't understand is people who live in flood planes. Sure, you live where you want to live, but there is no reason in hell to live in a flood plain.

Seems every couple of years some river is flooding its banks for the tenth time this century and people are crying for disaster relief.

There is a reason to live on a flood plain. Some of the best soil and easiest irrigation is there. You're going to grow more crops, provide better for your family and the nation in general. That land is practically gold to a farmer.

As for the disaster relief, farmers pony up large amounts of cash at the beginning of the planting season for seed, impliment maintainance, fuel, etc. hoping to break even, or come out a little ahead, come harvest. When they ask for disaster relief, they're looking at a total loss for that year. If someone doesn't bail them out, they're probably done with farming for good.

05-06-2003, 05:56 AM	#1 (permalink)
Jesus Pimp The Original JizzSmacka	Why do people continue to live in natural disaster hot spots? After reading this Midwest Digs Out From Tornadoes; 37 Dead , makes me wonder why humans continue to live in places where natural disasters are happening on a regular basis. Wouldn't someone figure out "hey it's not safe to live here, maybe we should find a safer place to live.." . What do you think? __________________ Never date anyone who doesn't make your dick hard.

05-06-2003, 06:01 AM	#2 (permalink)
Prophecy Oracle & Apollyon Location: Limbus Patrum	cheap land? but main reason I'd think some people stay where they are is simply b/c its home, its the only place they've ever really known and its hard to leave. __________________ La Disciplina È La Mia Spada, La Fede È Il Mio Schermo, Non salti Ciecamente In Incertezza, E Potete Raccogliere Le Ricompense. Last edited by Prophecy; 05-06-2003 at 09:05 AM..

05-06-2003, 06:34 AM	#5 (permalink)
ARTelevision I change Location: USA	People like to live dangerously and take risks. People play the odds. People don't think stuff will happen to them. No one expects the Spanish Inquisition... __________________ create evolution

05-06-2003, 06:50 AM	#6 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	every place has natural disasters or phenomenon of some sort.. there isn't a place in the world that doesn't have something that can cause natural havoc of some sort... from bitter cold temperatures to hot muggy days. then there is still LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION... due to trade routes, ease of egress/digress, and other places. __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

05-06-2003, 07:21 AM	#9 (permalink)
rockogre I aim to misbehave! Location: SW Oklahoma	I have lived in Oklahoma for near 50 years, smack in the middle of "Tornado Alley". I have yet to be harmed by a tornado. My house is over 60 years old and is situated on a hill top. We watch the weather and have a cellar. If you have watched any news lately you know that this "Tornado Alley" affects several states so where should we live? I can't imagine living somewhere where snow gets over a foot deep, or where hurricanes last for days. A lot of natural disasters depend on what you are ready for. A few years back we had an ice storm and then 13 inches of snow. It pretty much shut the whole state down for days. People like me used four wheel drive to check on old or sick folks because they were trapped. It was a natural disaster for us but I can't think of anywhere I would rather live. __________________ Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom

05-06-2003, 06:16 AM	#3 (permalink)
MikeyChalupa Squid Location: USS George Washington	I never understood it either. Especially Southern California and the ticking time bomb that place is. -Mikey

05-06-2003, 06:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
gov135 Junkie Location: Midwest	Good weather. I don't think you can worry about stuff like that, and I think alot of people don't. I mean, you get yourself some candles, supplies, flashlight, etc. and put them in a safe place. After that, why worry? Its nothing you can control.

05-06-2003, 07:35 AM	#10 (permalink)
yabobo Lust Puppy Location: in your closet and in your head...	[QUOTE]Originally posted by Cynthetiq [B]every place has natural disasters or phenomenon of some sort.. there isn't a place in the world that doesn't have something that can cause natural havoc of some sort... from bitter cold temperatures to hot muggy days. I live on Florida's gulf coast. Waiting for hurricane season to start and wondering if we will get lucky again. This spring so far we have had four small tornados touch down within 15 miles. My insurance is past sky high. Why do I live here? Gotta live somewhere and I don't shovel snow and I'm not going to die in an earthquake!No place is totaly safe. When it's going to happen just be prepared and hope for the best!! __________________ Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections? Only in America......do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: 'Poli' in Latin meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures'.

05-06-2003, 07:41 AM	#11 (permalink)
Liquor Dealer Super Agitator Location: Just SW of Nowhere!!! In the good old US of A	We live in tornado alley! We don't have earthquakes (of any severity) we have never had a hurricane (that might be nice! we really need the rain!) We have never had a forest fire (we have never even seen a forest without leavin' the country) We have never had a mudslide (there are kids six years old here who have never even seen mud!). No place is perfect. We don't have a lot of things some of you have and for that we are extremely grateful. Another point you might consider. It is very difficult to just up and leave one place for another. I have always wondered why anyone would live in NYC (and before you all jump down my throat I know all the arguments about why there is no other place in the world you'd rather be). It is all of those who live there that are unemployed or underemployed - living in less than desirable quarters stacked forty-seven deep on top of each other. We have some things you all (and around here that's pronounced Yawl) don't have. Room Blue Sky (when the dirts not blowin') Fresh air (sometimes with a hint of manure) Jobs And we can go on for quite some time with this list. __________________ Life isn't always a bowl of cherries, sometimes it's more like a jar of Jalapenos --- what you say or do today might burn your ass tomorrow!!!

05-06-2003, 08:41 AM	#12 (permalink)
Somenosuke Insane Location: The 7th Level..	I was just having this conversation with scape this morning. I personally can't stand it here. I've wanted out for years, and being in tornado alley makes me want out more. It's been a few years since we had twisters touch down in my city, but I wonder when our luck will run out. Back in '96, we had 5 small funnels at once, and they merged into one, and tore up a strip mall, a subdivision, and some of my friend's houses. I watched it happen with my family at our back door, and saying it was scary as hell is an understatement. To be perfectly honest, the only reason I'm still here is because I can't afford to live on my own, elsewhere at the current time. I can honestly say I'd rather have to deal with bitter cold and snow than watching friend's homes get torn apart and wondering if that twister is gonna turn around and come for mine next. Luck doesn't last forever. I feel kind of embarassed admitting that I'd get away from here if I had the chance because it's tornado alley, cuz most people are okay with where they are, but I'm not. Call me a wuss or whatever, but that's how I feel. __________________ Sex is not the answer. Sex is the question. Yes is the answer.

05-06-2003, 08:43 AM	#13 (permalink)
ataylor20 Insane	THis is so Ironic.. I was just saying the very same thing not 10mins ago to a co worker. Hmm If Tornados are common and my house gets destroyed I take it that I shouldnt be living here. AT __________________ I'd bend her over... How about You?

05-06-2003, 08:50 AM	#14 (permalink)
clavus pow! Location: NorCal	Earthquakes, mudslides, floods, fire, riots - and I still love Northern California. Did I mention that Mt. Shasta is going to erupt? We don't have ice-storms, blizzards, or hurricanes. Everything is a trade-off. __________________ Ass, gas or grass. Nobody rides for free.

05-06-2003, 08:55 AM	#15 (permalink)
Troublebot Intently Rocking Location: Davey's	People said the same thing 10 years ago, during the floods. People say the same thing about California when there's an earthquake. People say the same thing about Florida and the East coast when there's a hurricane. There's dangers to living anywhere. There's natural disasters for every area of the country. Tornadoes don't bother me a great deal because they're fairly rare and, when they do strike, people usually have time to get somewhere safe. Out of the millions of people that live in the areas the tornados struck on Sunday, only 37 died. That's better than your average earthquake or hurricane. __________________ Howard Moon: The wind is my only friend. Wind: [whistling] I hate you.

05-06-2003, 09:48 AM	#16 (permalink)
G_Whiz Junkie Location: Northern California	I think that most people have hit the general idea very well. However, one of the problems is how these disasters are covered. Remember that they are very dramatic and visually impressive (both in their effect and how they look while they are going on). What is the total population of the areas that have been hit by tornados? What is the total land area in square miles that are in these areas? If you put into those perspectives, the number actually impacted are relatively small. That is not to diminish the impact on those people, but in a larger sense the majority are not hit by it. I live north of San Francisco. We have had earthquakes here about every 10-20 years. We've done our best to prepare for earthquakes. We know the devastation that they can cause. But in over 50 years of living here, I haven't yet had an earthquake that has caused me direct problems. In fact, the ones that I can remember riding out were kinda fun until the potential impact hit my consciousness. In between earthquakes, we have a great climate and a beautiful place to live and raise families. In my area, we have had worse problems with flooding than we have with earthquakes. That was because we could expect floods annually with a big one every 5-10 years. Generally, the floods didn't kill anyone, but they caused all sorts of damage and rebuilding. Over the past 10 years, zoning laws have changed and homes and businesses are less likely to be built or rebuilt in flood areas. __________________ If love is blind, why is lingerie so popular?

05-06-2003, 12:04 PM	#17 (permalink)
Liquor Dealer Super Agitator Location: Just SW of Nowhere!!! In the good old US of A	How disasters are covered hit the nail on the head - why do we need hours and hours of coverage? It is like an airplane crash - they're horrific when they occur and are plastered all over the news - but twenty people die in automobile accidents on their way to the airport for ever one that is killed in the airplane - this is never mentioned. __________________ Life isn't always a bowl of cherries, sometimes it's more like a jar of Jalapenos --- what you say or do today might burn your ass tomorrow!!!

05-06-2003, 12:25 PM	#18 (permalink)
Met22 Junkie Location: X-posed	Life is never perfect. Nature will do it's will no matter the local. We all have a level of accepted risk in where we live. The little ones kill just like the big ones. It all depends where you are. Spider bites can kill while a earthquake my shake the ground and break you acquisitions and leave you unharmed. The drunk driver on a country road kills an entire family. The forces of the earth kill fewer that the evils of mankind. You live where you'll be the happiest. Not in fear but with the knowledge of what is possible. You step out the door with the intention of coming home. Fear is no way to live. Living where you want and how you want brings joy to the soul. Yes an earthquake may happen next week but I intend to survive. It is my will. __________________ Living on the west end dreaming of the theater playing in the Metropolis - Dream the Dream Live the Dream

05-06-2003, 12:33 PM	#19 (permalink)
Reese Delicious	Natural disaster death are pretty rare when compared to other ways to die. Why do we still drive knowings that millions of people die by cars, why do we fly knowing that airplanes crash? __________________ “It is better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick” - Dave Barry

05-06-2003, 03:36 PM	#20 (permalink)
james t kirk Junkie Location: Toronto	What i can't understand is people who live in flood planes. Sure, you live where you want to live, but there is no reason in hell to live in a flood plain. Seems every couple of years some river is flooding its banks for the tenth time this century and people are crying for disaster relief. Hmm, couldn't you live like a mile away? Like really what difference would it make in you life? " Oh, well i was raised on that patch of land, and dagnanit, i aint leavin" Well fine, you bail your own water than you idiot.

05-06-2003, 07:18 PM	#21 (permalink)
WhoaitsZ Crazy Location: right behind you...	I often wondered why some people have never moved, as well. I for one have no choice whatsoever and have to ponder taking a ride on a tornado any day.

05-06-2003, 07:22 PM	#22 (permalink)
BudTheSpud Upright Location: Canada	People stay where they are because they cant afford to go anywhere else. You cant just take a community and move them somewhere else, it would take millions and everyone would want to have to go. Most people couldnt leave if they wanted to. __________________ Vaseline in a sock does not a Bill Cosby make

05-06-2003, 07:46 PM	#24 (permalink)
Macheath Junkie Location: Sydney, Australia	The instance that seems reasonable to me is farmers growing crops around volcanos. Damn good soil because of all the nutrients provided by the volcanic ash. The one kind of natural disaster I've read about that really freaked me out was Lake Nyos in Cameroon. In 1986 the lake "burped" up a whole shitload of carbon dixode. The CO2 (heavier than air) hugged the ground and flowing into valleys. I spread fast enough to blow down vegetation and travelled 25km from the lake. 1700 people in the area were suffocated and never saw it coming, they just "fell asleep" and never woke up. Creepy.