They were told to get out. By the government. Several days in advance.
24 hours.
I was watching the "Starting Over" show yesterday, where women review and remake their lives, with coaches. Fascinating show, BTW. One of the 'life coaches' was in Houston with Katrina 'victims' and gently but firmly let them hold it (the responsibility) about evacuating. She asked them why they didn't leave. Various reasons were given, honest ones. The coach said that this was a very valuable lesson - to never base a decision 'in hand' on what you've done or not done in the past, or what might or might not happen in the future. Act in your best interest in the now. This coach should testify. The sound bites of the testimonies I've seen on the news this morning are obscene portrayals of not 'owning' any damn thing.