Question L

[Jonetta]

Speaking of hurricanes, did the threat of Isaac heighten the suspense in the story? What did you learn that you may not have known about community behavior and preparation for a devastating storm?

[Robin]

I don't know that I learned anything beyond what I've already seen on TV in newcasts. Most people prepare their homes for the storm and get out of town. Others believe they need to stay with their property, even if it kill them.

[Jonetta]

The threat of the hurricane added a lot more tension to the story. Many behaviors were altered, especially with the investigation.

My hometown is about 50 miles from the eastern coastline so we're accustomed to hurricane prep. We actually were in a category 1 storm, unusual for that far in. A lot of the preparation by residents in this story was familiar. It was interesting how there were very few choosing to ride it out. I think some of the devastating storms they'd already experienced changed that mindset.

I visited St. Croix one year after Hugo and, to a person, they said they would never again ride out a hurricane.

[Lauren]

I enjoyed the hurricane aspect of the story. It definitely heightened the tension and suspense.