Walking With the Alligators

 

Don’t Walk in the Water!

 

Many people have heard of the famous Florida road known as Alligator Alley that cuts

across the state of Florida connecting both coasts.  But now, after four days of

heavy rain from tropical storm Fay, Florida has alligator streets! 

 

The rain, over 25 inches in some locations, has left many residents trapped in their homes.  Yet, the television reports seem to enjoy broadcasting pictures of residents standing and walking in the flooded streets. 

 

News channels and the internet have also been buzzing with the news that the flooding caused by Fay has led to the sighting of alligators, snakes, catfish and other wildlife swimming in the streets and yards of residents. 

 

One of the important disaster/emergency preparedness concerns is that one should not drive nor walk through floodwaters, but here we have the stations zeroing in on men, women, and children playing in the flooded streets.  At the same time they show these pictures, they discuss the wildlife brought out by the floods as if there are no consequences of their presence.

 

Shouldn’t they be warning people to stay out of the streets and yards until the flood water recedes?    Rather than concentrating on the oddity of roaming wildlife, responsible reports should be reminding viewers about the importance of being prepared for such weather circumstances and emphasizing safe behavior!  Those bubbles in the water may be coming from a pair of eyes, with a long tail and a big mouth.