Results from last week's online poll

In the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina and Rita, Americans find themselves reconsidering the impact of a huge disaster on their own lives. The Southeast Missourian's online poll asked, "What kind of disaster or emergency do you feel more threatened by?" Due to rounding, percentages may not add up to 100. (445 votes)

* 41 percent: Tornado or severe thunderstorm

* 39 percent: Earthquake

* 9 percent: Terrorist attack

* 5 percent: Major snowstorm or ice storm

* 2 percent: Flood

* 2 percent: Riot or civil unrest

* 2 percent: Other

* 1 percent: Wildfire

* 0.5 percent: Industrial accident

The Southeast Missourian's online poll can take comments along with votes. Some of the responses to last week's question include:

* "We seem to have a lot of tornados and heavy hail and thunderstorms in this area."

* "I feel threatened by every one of the choices listed above. A major earthquake is a definite reality."

* "For years, this area has been told that a major New Madrid earthquake is not a matter of 'if' but 'when.' Yet many of our buildings and key facilities remain vulnerable because they have not been designed or upgraded to withstand a major quake. When the Big One does hit on the New Madrid, it will cause more death and devastation than al-Qaida could ever dream of."

* "I feel more threatened by Republicans."

* "With our wide open borders, we are bound to be hit big one of these days. Haven't heard the supposedly peaceful Muslim community decry the acts perpetrated thus far. I think borders should be totally closed!"

* "Our area is very blessed, we've not had major disasters. But are we prepared IF we do have tornado or earthquake? I'm afraaid we've all been too complacent in our area, thinking it would never happen here. Maybe Katrina is a wake up call for us to be better prepared."

* "Hurricane, I live in Houston."

* "What kind of disaster or emergency do you feel more threatened by? I'm afraid that the local Republlicans will feel the pressure from the Tom Delay indictment and try to justify their well-organized financial manipulation of power. Thus go on the attack toward the most vulnerable of Democrats. If they do, the Democrats will need a loudmouthed, penniless, ne'er-do-well, old hippie type liberal. And that would be ME!

* "Earthquake comes in at a close second."

* "I'm not really worried about it. What really worries me is the ability of those in charge to take charge, and be our encouragement and guides. We will definitely need leadershp. Will we have it?"

* "I refuse to live in fear. I try not to be threatened by any event -- just prepared for it."

* "Hillary."