[jghorton]

Yes, there are more hurricanes in Florida than in Nebraska or Iowa. But, for you non-Floridians, let me share what may seem like a surprising bit of information: We haven't had a significant hurricane or even a major tropical storm in Florida for the past 6-8 years (since 2004)! In fact, we lived directly on the East Coast of Florida (Satellite Beach/Melbourne) for almost 30-years and no significant hurricane or storm hit there for about 25 years prior to 2004 (Hurricane David in 1979).

So, why is the national perception that Florida is under an almost constant threat of deadly hurricanes (other than the laughable predictions out of Colorado State Univ. every year)? The answer is simple: 'media hype!'

For example, over the past 1-2 weeks, Florida has been deluged with almost 24x7 hype over 'Tropical Storm' Isaac. (A 'tropical storm' is a heavy wind/rain storm with maximum sustained winds of 39-65mph). There is always the 'possibility' that Tropical Storm Isaac might intensify into a category 1-2 hurricane (74-110mph winds) over the Gulf waters. It might also actually achieve landfall in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama, etc. However, as a point of perspective, 'severe thunderstorms' (Midwest variety) may average 50-60mph winds, while some Midwest 'wind storms' range in the 60-90mph range).

Over the years, we've repeatedly seen that the almost mindless hysteria promoted by the media ... looong before they really have a serious idea of where the storm is going. This only creates unnecessary panic and confusion. Further, after folks have gone through a couple of the 'media hype campaigns' ('blue-slickered/-hooded meteorologists screaming into the wind in front of a trailer with a tree on it), - complacency sits in.
Therein lies the real danger of uncontrolled media hype. IMO, people are almost better off to have only a simple notice of a distantly approaching storm), than all of the conflicting, 'hair-on-fire panic' fostered by the media. -- As it is, nobody really knows how to react -- which, if a major storm does/did hit, could cost lives!

Yes, I understand about "better safe than sorry" and other such cliche's, but, as in so many areas where the media over-hypes various things, "15-minutes of (media) fame, regardless of the cost" seems more applicable. There must be a point somewhere between ignorance and a 'data fire hose' that approaches a level of responsible journalism.

Enough of my rant! -- What do you think?

[jambo101]

With todays modern weather reporting you can make up your own mind about which way a hurricane is going, if an 800 mile wide wall of wind and water is heading directly for your location it would be in your best interest to get out of the way. the hype that was directed at Florida for the last week wouldnt have got me to evacuate if i was living in the Tampa area.
If i was in the Biloxi/New Orleans area i'd be a lot more concerned at this point ,i'd have the car full of gas and some extra supplies and seriously consider a BBQ rib and beer run to Tallahassee for a night or two.

[kyle19125]

The uncontrolled media hype isn't created by journalists any longer, they're media companies owned by publicly traded companies that sell advertising for profit. Viewers aren't being served any longer, rather Corporate America. The charges of complacency are only half-true as there is still a significant population that will be scared into the usual routine of emptying out supermarkets and home improvement stores should the tropical storm or category one storm create havoc (tongue in cheek humor intended). In addition let's not forget the overall American fascination with train wreck-like incidents which networks such as CNN have parlayed into 24/7 "Breaking News" on-air tickers that scroll regardless of any significant new event to report on. They're only catering to what works, which is like it or not....hype.

[City Guy997S]

All great and valid posts!

But you also have to wonder how much "hype" people need to prevent another Katrina (where locals didn't heed the warnings).

[hiknapster]

You forgot about Wilma in 2005.

[nphomeowner]

From a "newbie" point of view I'll give you my take. When T.S. Debby came through we weren't afraid, didn't think too much of it because there was not a lot of media hype, a day or two before the news "mentioned" it so therefore we figured it wasn't anything to be too concerned about.

Now, with weeks of coverage on Isaac and the gloom and doom predictions sure spured a different reaction in us. We know that weather forecasting is not an exact science, we know that it's very hard for them to predict where the storms are going and how intense they are going to be. BUT the media's CONSTANT relentless gloom and doom had us worried. We drug out the shutters and put them up WAY too early cause we didn't want to wait until the last minute. We went and bought a small generator and got in all the usual supplies.

So are we sorry we did all of that? No, we really aren't, we needed the "drill" so to speak. But next time we will probably wait a little longer before shuttering up the house and we won't be so scared until the weather warrants it. The generator we figure is a good investment because chances are we will need it at some point.

I think the media really needs to tone it down until it's necessary to get people running. I will NOT watch the hype 24/7 and let the media rob me of my sleep next time. I will do what is necessary and in time to protect ourselves and our home but not a week before storm "might" come.

[kyle19125]

Just found this via a friend on Facebook. It think it kind of sums it up....

[cittic10]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

The uncontrolled media hype isn't created by journalists any longer, they're media companies owned by publicly traded companies that sell advertising for profit. Viewers aren't being served any longer, rather Corporate America. The charges of complacency are only half-true as there is still a significant population that will be scared into the usual routine of emptying out supermarkets and home improvement stores should the tropical storm or category one storm create havoc (tongue in cheek humor intended). In addition let's not forget the overall American fascination with train wreck-like incidents which networks such as CNN have parlayed into 24/7 "Breaking News" on-air tickers that scroll regardless of any significant new event to report on. They're only catering to what works, which is like it or not....hype.

An even better example would be ABC World "News" with Diane Sawyer. Every night the program starts out with the plague du jour and you can bet tonight it will be the deadly hurricane isaac!! And it will be for days to come long after it heads inland and causes..... rain! Oh good heavens!

[Crane's Rooster]

Same reason I hear about a little tremor in California and I call my cousin to make sure LA hasn't fallen into the Pacific.

[hiknapster]

They did that hype when a hurricane was suppose to wreak death and destruction in the northeast. Having lived up there and down in Florida I knew it wasn't going to amount to half of what they were claiming.

What irritates me about this stuff is they cry "wolf" enough times and people start to tune them out. Then the big one hits. It happened to us with Charley. The sad thing is that time they were telling people it was going to pass us by. It did a 180 and came within a couple of hours.

I think the trick is to use your common sense, tune out what needs to be tuned out. Educate yourself as well. I know I did. I got to the point where I could read the dropsonde readings from the hurricane hunters.

This isn't so difficult.