i linked this post to my blog..

You know what’s really strange, in my opinion? Arkansas. The mortality rate seems to be elevated based almost entirely on political boundaries.There doesn’t seem to be any significant extension of the statewide trend to any adjacent state, except maybe for the Mississippi valley.

Why is this map even needed? We know what all the natural hazards are. People educated about them – and you don’t need a fancy degree – can write down the list, and what steps should be taken to reduce the chance of death from each hazard. The problems arise when the various parties who should take the steps may not have the wherewithal, authority, or education to take them. It’s more than individual responsibility contributing to risk. An example is the fact that FEMA has no legal authority to enforce the “safe room” advice in Publication 320; so you have the idiotic result that, for one example, Greensburg KS being allowed to rebuild w/o a safe room in every dwelling. The book about death from heat was literally written from the Chicago experience. But where are all the forces for making sure all who need A/C have it and can pay for it? Another thing that’s needed is education about all these hazards, starting in every elementary school. I have a B.A. in Geography and feel plenty qualified to speak advocating a more micro-, detail-oriented viewpoint.

[...] Heaven account for 11.3% of deaths from the 20,000 that have taken place between 1970-2004. Sources: Discover Magazine & [...]

This is misleading. All three of these states are sparely populated. So 18% of 40 freakin’ people is going to sound worse than more densely populated states. Give us actual numbers not percentages! Geez people. Think.

This is misleading. All three of these states are sparsely populated. So 18% of 40 freakin’ people is going to sound worse than more densely populated states. Give us actual numbers not percentages! Geez people. Think.