What would happen if?

**Texasgirl** · 09-14-2008, 11:13 PM

What do you think would happen if the government started charging people for rescues when they where given a mandatory evacuation notice?

It amazes me that people are so stupid to think that when given a mandatory evacuation that they think it does not include them.

I say start charging them for being so stupid and putting other peoples lives at risk.

So what do you think?

**Michelle68** · 09-14-2008, 11:36 PM

Here in San Antonio they do just that. We have a big problem with flash flooding when it rains a lot. The city puts barricades to prevent people from entering areas with high water. Inevitably, some idiot will go around the barricades into a high water crossing and get stuck, hanging on for dear life to the roof of their car. After the big floods of 1998, the fire department started charging a fine to those who have to be rescued because they ignored the barricades. Personally, I think it's a great idea.

--Michelle

**frugalbabe** · 09-14-2008, 11:59 PM

Great idea. And if you can't pay than you have to do community service or whatever to make up for it.

**MomToTwoBoys** · 09-15-2008, 12:17 AM

I totally agree with this. People already have to pay fees for certain emergency services, and this should be of no exception.

If I was the EMS or the FD or the city PD, I'd bring them in and lock them up until they can pay the fine.

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 09-15-2008, 12:59 AM

Sounds fair to me!! I wish everyone would just pull their own weight (so to speak) in all areas of life...we'd have a country that was far less in debt.

**Palooka** · 09-15-2008, 01:22 AM

Here if you get caught stuck in the snow without snow tires you pay a fine.

But then I also wonder in places by the coast how much it really does take to evacuate(i think there is a thread about it here) if they really didn't have the money.

Even I heard the coast guards saying that they are payed to do this and this is their job, but I also agree that it is stupid not to listen and take it seriously and get out if possible.

**nandmsmom** · 09-15-2008, 08:09 AM

It is costly to evacuate, but an unfortunate part of living in an area that floods. There should be fines for people who think that evacuations are for other people. It puts the rescue people at risk as well trying to save these morons. People need to be prepared for life.

**joyofsix** · 09-15-2008, 08:22 AM

Oh yeah! These people make me soooo mad. They had plenty of warning, thought they knew better and then screamed HELP. If my kids were that dumb I'd slap them.

**kmsinsa** · 09-15-2008, 08:23 AM

Originally Posted by Michelle68

Here in San Antonio they do just that. We have a big problem with flash flooding when it rains a lot. The city puts barricades to prevent people from entering areas with high water. Inevitably, some idiot will go around the barricades into a high water crossing and get stuck, hanging on for dear life to the roof of their car. After the big floods of 1998, the fire department started charging a fine to those who have to be rescued because they ignored the barricades. Personally, I think it's a great idea.

--Michelle

You stole my post.

I'm from San Antonio, but in Kuwait for a year, and was going to the same thing about San Antonio. but you still see idiots driving through the water anyway.

**tigo** · 09-15-2008, 08:25 AM

I used to live on the coast (Biloxi MS) and to me, having a plan in place and the money needed was all part of hurricane evacuation plans. If you live there you need to plan for when a hurricane heads your way (they have hurricanes every year - duh). When we were super broke there were times we evacuated with just our car and ended up "camping" in the car at a rest stop way north of the coast.

**mom21ofeach** · 09-15-2008, 08:50 AM

I completely agree!! However, I feel sorry for the kids whose parents thought they could ride out the storm (even though they were told they would face "certain death!!!!" - could that be construed at child endangerment?). The only reason I could see justifiying going in to save them would be to get the kids out.....then I guess you'd have to rescue their moron parents, too.

**McD** · 09-15-2008, 09:03 AM

I wholeheartedly believe if people were given adequate warning for a mandatory evac and didn't do so--they should be charged for their rescue. Not only is it costing time, money, etc. but it is endangering someone else's life for their stupidity.

**justatxmom** · 09-15-2008, 09:11 AM

I think to a certain extent they already do charge and send a bill for certain rescue services. However, if the powers that be sent out invoices for everything to be paid, I think it would be a bureacratic, paper chasing nightmare. Not only that but a lot of time and money would also be wasted in collecting deliquient fees. What a catch-22, right?

**Monner 1** · 09-15-2008, 09:29 AM

I have to agree. If stupid people do stupid things when told not to why should I have to pay higher taxes to rescue these idiots. I am not speaking of the elderly or infirmed. They should be helped by family, friends and neighbors or whomever, that only makes sense.

Monner

**Parksfamily5** · 09-15-2008, 09:40 AM

I was having a similar conversation with my husband. I think that you should be charged with child endangerment if you stayed when under a mandetory evacuation.