Departments



Articles

Less

Editorial: "Eight is Enough" May Be Too Much
June 20th, 2002

Editorial: Cedar Key Plantation: Albatross or Opportunity
June 16th, 2002

Editorial: Hello Cedar Key Plantation, Goodbye Clam Beds
June 14th, 2002

Editorial: All`s Quiet on the Water Front
June 8th, 2002

Editorial: A Cop in Trouble
June 6th, 2002

Editorial: Community Redevelopment Wish Lists
June 3rd, 2002

Editorial: Heath Davis and the Power of Politics
May 19th, 2002

Editorial: Do We Need Another Hero?
May 16th, 2002

Editorial: Support Groups
May 8th, 2002

Editorial: Clarification of Speak Out
May 7th, 2002

Editorial: Introducing Our Editor
April 22nd, 2002


Editorial: Oil Spills vs. Hurricanes

Editorial: Oil Spills vs. Hurricanes

Editor

When our unfortunate friends who cannot live in Cedar Key think of us they worry about the threats of hurricanes and oil spills. Although those threats are very different, we can prepare for their actuality in the same way. First, we recognize the danger. Second, we make plans in advance to deal the potential destruction. Third, we recall the rewards of living in an otherwise serene and beautiful place.


The contrast between hurricanes and oil spills is remarkable. (Oil spill is an insipid misnomer. Oil deluge is more accurate.) Hurricanes are unavoidable forces of nature, sometimes referred to as "Acts of God." Oil deluges are man-made disasters that result from faulty or criminal cost: benefit analyses by corporate executives and government regulators. Regardless of how one assigns blame for the damages of these disasters, the effects are long lasting. Five years after Hurricane Katherine much of New Orleans is still in shambles. The effects of the BP oil well blowout may harm sea life and seafood production for years to come.


What hurricanes and oil deluges have in common is that we can prepare for them. And we can prepare better than we have in the past. Cedar Key appears to have been spared the BP oil deluge. Furthermore, weather forecasting and government agencies such as the Levy County Department of Emergency Management help prepare for hurricane attacks and recovery. However, as we enjoy the serenity, natural beauty and wildlife of Cedar Key we must not be complacent. Plan ahead and be ready to evacuate if the warning sirens blow a three minute blast.

Click for printer friendly version

Email this article to a friend

 

 

© 2013
Cedar Key News

cedarkeynews@gmail.com