Having lived in that area where the hurricane hit the hardest, I also find it difficult to understand any lack of preparation. That includes basic knowledge. They would not have needed to go 200 miles to reach a safer area, 20-50 miles inland would increase their safety dramatically. It was an unusually strong and fast storm, but preparation is (or should be) done before they even identify a storm.

I experienced a strong hurricane in that area when I was a teenager, and my parents made bad decisions and were not prepared. We barely made it out alive. I know how many people think (or do not think), and there is little excuse for not getting off of the beach and inland a few miles. Not to mention having basic necessities like water and non-perishable food.