I think this is awful

[Tora Ziyal]

Hard to give an absolute answer. Of course, my two cats would be my priority! But I also know from experience how effectively they can hide when they're really terrified. If I couldn't find and catch them reasonably quickly, I'd just grab the next priority -- my purse/phone/keys -- if I could and get the hell out. Third priority would be a small piece of my father's art that happens to hang close to the front door.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

If you can't catch them in time you leave the doors open and hope they get out.

 

[Kestra]

I'd definitely grab my cat and go. I don't think I'd even think of grabbing anything else. I can't think of another single thing that matters in any significant way.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

My house is such that they could be hiding anywhere. And since they come and go as they wish they might not even be in the house.

 

[Kitty Worrier]

I think it's possible many just assume the pet will escape the house, when instead they would most likely hide.

I'd grab my cat for sure, and then maybe my glasses and/or contacts, and book it. I'm sure my husband would grab his cat and his guitar. Purse and wallet are maybes, and everything else can be replaced.

 

[Kestra]

I live in a one-bedroom condo so there are only so many spots he can be. I know his usual ones to the point that if he's not in them then I know he's up to trouble somewhere. I know it could be hard to grab him in an emergency, but I even have multiple ladders and stepstools around the place, that sort of thing. I think someone would have to drag me out the door without him.

 

[Tora Ziyal]

^ Which reminds me of another reason that some people might not mention pets first: some disabled people might know that they're not physically capable of saving both themselves and their pet, especially if the pet is uncooperative.

 

[Kommander]

This is completely meaningless unless we know what question was asked. Was it even established whether people had pets? Or were they just asked to name the top few things they would take? In which case you'd expect a wallet or purse to come out top, because everybody has a wallet or purse, and not everybody has a pet.

Same goes for glasses. Only 1 in 5 people would take their glasses? Well, only half of people even need glasses, and even fewer need to wear them all the time to the extent they'd think to get them before escaping a fire.

The press is notoriously bad at interpreting things like surveys and scientific studies.

People still carry cash?

How the hell else do you expect me to tip strippers?

 

[bbjeg]

Can you tip a stripper with a gift card? (Thread title related. )

 

[Jono]

This is completely meaningless unless we know what question was asked. Was it even established whether people had pets? Or were they just asked to name the top few things they would take? In which case you'd expect a wallet or purse to come out top, because everybody has a wallet or purse, and not everybody has a pet.

Same goes for glasses. Only 1 in 5 people would take their glasses? Well, only half of people even need glasses, and even fewer need to wear them all the time to the extent they'd think to get them before escaping a fire.

Exactly. This poll came from the largest insurer in Queensland so you have to take into account what they would be after. I'm sure if a similar poll/survey was done by the RSPCA (the animal welfare organisation), that pets would probably come first.

 

[rhubarbodendron]

It is a good example of how easily polls can be manipulated. Sometimes by purpose (mainly by insurances, industry and politicians), sometimes accidentially. One must always be very careful when phrasing polls and when choosing a target group.

That doesn't, of course, go for the avatar game poll here at Misc That one is totally unbiased, targets everyone and is a lot of fun.

 

[Shazam!]

Anyone who wouldn't rescue their pet before some inanimate stuff is a shithead.

 

[Tora Ziyal]

^ Wow, that's a very thoughtful and empathetic response.

 

[Shazam!]

Thanks!

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

What if it's a fish?

 

[Pingfah]

What if the inanimate object is a million dollars in cash you raised for children with cancer?

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

Then you are an idiot for not having it in the bank.

 

[Pingfah]

Granted, but let's assume he IS such an idiot.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

If he's that much of an idiot than he'll probably grab his tv and let the cat and the cash burn to death.

 

[Pingfah]

OK, let's assume he is that much of an idiot, but also that his entire worldly possessions amount to only a cat, and a million dollars that he raised for children with cancer