AI6YR BenAug 13, 2023
The first identification of victims -- a family of four--lived in this block in #Lahaina -- found in their car not far from their home. This entire corner would have likely been a no-way-to-exit zone with fire/powerlines down, as I identified a couple of days ago.
Show threadW6KMEAug 13, 2023

@ai6yr After every disaster, it's all about the fatality count. Then comes the slow process of finding out who those people were; what their final moments were like. They're no longer just part of a tally. That's usually the time most media step back-it's too uncomfortable.

A running total is attractive to advertisers. Personal stories of terror and tragedy involving people with names and faces...not so much.

Show threadAI6YR Ben
@W6KME Yep. I think the total here is going to be unimaginable due to cramped narrow streets, all above ground power poles, and no warning, unless there was just some miracle I am unaware of. I'm not trying to depress anyone or whatever, but just--reality.
Aug 13, 2023 at 4:25amWeb
Show threadAI6YR BenAug 13, 2023
@W6KME It's not a morbid interest, but it IS a "learn some lessons". You can be darn sure I'm never ever booking an AirBNB or hotel room -- even in a quaint tourist town-- without understanding retreat zones, esp. during red flag high wind events.
Show threadW6KMEAug 13, 2023

@ai6yr It's "normal" to spend every moment driving looking for hazards and things that will kill you (or maybe that's just why I survived so many years being a motorcyclist). Why should it not be normal in every other aspect of life?

It's not morbid that you consider such things.