What Happens To Prisoners During A Disaster?

Summary

This video script delves into the harrowing realities of prison evacuations during natural disasters. It explores incidents like Hurricane Florence, Hurricane Katrina, and others, highlighting the desperate and often dangerous situations faced by incarcerated individuals. Through real-life examples, such as inmates trapped in flooded cells, it discusses the logistical nightmares of evacuating prisons, the risks of prisoner escapes, and the debate over whether prisoners deserve evacuation priority. The script also touches on extreme heat conditions and natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis, revealing the challenges and controversies surrounding disaster management in prisons.

Takeaways

• 😀 Hurricane Florence (2018) caused severe flooding in South Carolina prisons, with inmates trapped as floodwaters rose, and slow evacuations led to criticism of authorities.
• 😀 Some prisoners in South Carolina during Hurricane Florence feared for their lives as floodwaters filled their cells, and some inmates panicked, asking to speak to their families.
• 😀 The evacuation of inmates during Hurricane Katrina (2005) in New Orleans was delayed, with prisoners trapped in waist-high water without food or water for days.
• 😀 Inmates at Orleans Parish Prison during Hurricane Katrina believed they had been abandoned, and many prisoners attempted to escape or smash through walls to survive.
• 😀 The evacuation of Texas prisons during Hurricane Harvey (2017) was a logistical challenge, with some prisoners left in overcrowded, flooded cells without adequate sanitation.
• 😀 Prison evacuations are difficult due to the risk of escapes, overcrowding, and the need for food and water in relocating thousands of inmates.
• 😀 In 2017, over 6,000 Texas inmates were evacuated, but not all were, with some left behind in flooding conditions that led to unsanitary and unsafe environments.
• 😀 International disasters like the 2018 Indonesian earthquake led to chaos in prisons, where over 1,200 inmates escaped following the collapse of prison walls and panic set in.
• 😀 Extreme heat, like that in St. Louis and Texas prisons, can lead to heatstroke and death, but authorities often argue against providing air conditioning for prisoners.
• 😀 The San Andreas Fault and potential tsunamis pose significant risks to California prisons, with some advocating for disaster preparedness training for non-violent prisoners to help in emergencies.

Q & A

What was the situation like in South Carolina during Hurricane Florence in 2018 for inmates?

During Hurricane Florence in 2018, inmates in South Carolina faced severe flooding as the storm caused the prison's bottom floor to become inundated. Some inmates panicked as water seeped into their cells, and many were left wondering why they weren’t being evacuated. The authorities were struggling with the logistics of moving thousands of prisoners while dealing with the chaos of the hurricane.

What criticism did the South Carolina governor face regarding the prison evacuations during Hurricane Florence?

The South Carolina governor faced significant criticism for not initiating a mass evacuation of prisoners during Hurricane Florence. Although some jails evacuated inmates, others, where flooding was severe, were left on lockdown with inmates trapped in rising water, causing panic and fears of drowning.

What happened during the evacuation efforts at Orleans Parish Prison during Hurricane Katrina?

During Hurricane Katrina in 2005, evacuation efforts at Orleans Parish Prison were slow and disorganized. Some inmates were left stranded in cells with rising floodwaters, and many prisoners believed they had been abandoned. It took days to evacuate them, and some later reported feeling like they were left to die, with no food, water, or working generators.

How did the authorities in Orleans Parish handle the situation during Hurricane Katrina?

The authorities in Orleans Parish initially decided to keep prisoners locked in their cells, believing that with the help of loyal staff and working generators, they would be safe. However, the situation deteriorated with rising floodwaters, and it took days to evacuate the prisoners. The sheriff publicly denied that any prisoners had died, though investigations suggested otherwise.

What challenges arise during prison evacuations caused by natural disasters?

Prison evacuations during natural disasters face numerous challenges, including logistical difficulties, the safety of potentially dangerous inmates, overcrowding at other facilities, and the risk of escapes. Additionally, the lack of staff due to flooding or other disasters can further complicate control within the prison, leading to potential riots or unrest.

How did Texas handle the evacuation of inmates during Hurricane Harvey in 2017?

During Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Texas evacuated around 6,000 inmates from prisons in the path of the storm. The evacuation required careful planning due to overcrowding in other prisons and the risk of escape. In some cases, prisons opted to have inmates ride out the storm in place, despite rising floodwaters and lack of resources like clean water.

What was the condition of the inmates during Hurricane Harvey in Texas prisons?

In Texas prisons during Hurricane Harvey, some inmates were locked in cells with rising floodwaters and had no running water, leading to unsanitary conditions. Inmates were left with overflowing toilets, which caused significant discomfort and health concerns. Despite these conditions, some prisons decided not to evacuate, leaving inmates to endure the storm's impact.

What was the aftermath of the flooding and chaos in Texas prisons during the 2016 flooding?

In the 2016 flooding in Texas, power outages caused by downed generators led to darkness and rising tensions inside the prisons. This culminated in a riot, where inmates began fighting, and correctional officers struggled to maintain control. The lack of resources and personnel in the face of such disasters made managing the situation even more difficult.

What happened during the 2018 earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia regarding prisoners?

In 2018, an earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia caused significant damage to prisons, leading to the escape of about 1,200 inmates from three prisons. The inmates, fearing for their lives, ran past guards and fled. In some cases, prisoners caused chaos by setting fires before escaping, while in others, some prisoners returned voluntarily after realizing they were safe.

How does heat impact prisoners in U.S. prisons, and what steps have been taken to address this issue?

Extreme heat in U.S. prisons can lead to heat stroke, which has resulted in several deaths. For instance, in Texas, ten prisoners died from heat stroke during a heatwave in 2011. As global warming has made such heatwaves more common, Texas has introduced new 'heat protocols' to better manage the risk of heatstroke, including improvements to prison facilities and more awareness on the issue.