@patchoullijulie

Thank you.

@JackPedigo

Some states, including New Jersey, California, New York and South Carolina, have passed legislation providing for criminal sanctions for failing to obey an evacuation order.

Although a person refusing to evacuate may be civilly liable, the rescuer, on the other hand, will not be subject to liability in an emergency situation. First, by failing to evacuate, the person in danger has assumed the risk of any loss, injury or damage that may occur. He or she, therefore, cannot take any action against the state or emergency responders for failure to rescue or for any damages that may occur as a result of an attempted rescue. Moreover, many states have adopted emergency management acts that give responders immunity in emergency situations.

"When a person chooses not to evacuate in light of mandatory orders to do so, they risk their lives as well as the first responders, who may need to rescue them. Typically, a Storm Rider changes his mind after ignoring the evacuation order and realizes the gravity of the forecast.

According to New Jersey Governor, Chris Christie, Storm Riders were “stupid,” “selfish,” and put first responders in danger. The National Weather Service even sent the following warning to those considering not evacuating: “THINK ABOUT THE RESCUE/RECOVERY TEAMS WHO WILL RESCUE YOU IF YOU ARE INJURED OR RECOVER YOUR REMAINS IF YOU DO NOT SURVIVE.”

"Despite warnings, however, many residents chose not to leave their homes. Their failure to evacuate raises the potential of both criminal and civil liability."

[fromthesidebar.com]

The local and state governments should set up hotlines (and probably already do) that these people and/or their families can call to arrange evacuation before the storm hits. As someone mentioned, typically what happens is someone who ignored the evacuation order realizes too late the gravity of their mistake and then tries to leave putting themselves in even greater danger.

Quite a number of people involved in rescue missions are volunteers.

@Holysocks OK... They help for reasons of their own... I don't think they would leave anyone stranded because they were stubborn...

@Cutiebeauty
You're right. It's a bit selfish for stubborn people to put them at risk though.

@Holysocks no, volunteers put themselves at risk for the benefit of others who need their help... If someone chooses to stay put, that's their decision... Just like it's anothers decision to volunteer... It's dangerous work...

@Cutiebeauty
And unfortunately, stupid people put everyone in dangerous situations all the time.