Hurricane Katrina

When Hurricane Katrina hit no one knew how big of an affect it would have on the gulf coast. Being from Birmingham, Alabama, located only four hours from the gulf coast, we were also preparing for the bad storms that were to come with the Hurricane. We have a condo down at Orange Beach, Alabama, and had gone down to prepare for the enormous storms that were headed our way. School was canceled for two days for the storm and we were located only a few hours from the coast.
It is very strange to me why some individuals would refuse to leave their homes. If I knew that an enourmous hurricane was coming I would be packed up and ready the second I heard that it was headed my way. Some people say that they cannot leave their homes that they have occupied for years, that there are too many memories. I just don't understand how someone could want to stay and know that they may not come out alive.
I do understand that some people cannot afford to travel the long ways to a safe area, or they may be unable cause they are in the hospital, or handicapped, but for those that can I find it very interesting. Even if you have little children I would be out of there early because I couldn't control myself if something were to happen to them. In a way I think that is selfish for someone that has children to stay behind and try and survive the storm. Yes, traveling may take long, but if they were to leave early enough then they would be able to make it inland to safety.
There are many reasons as to why some people decide to try and make it through Hurricane's in their own house, but for me it is stupid to even try. I do not think that it is worth risking your own life and even the life of your family members just because you are attached to your house. If your house is destroyed, rebuild a house that you can start more memories in. For me, I don't understand how when people know an enormous Hurricane like Katrina is coming and they are able to try and get to safety, how they couldn't pack up and try and get your family to safety.