Yeah, good point about that, Marcus. It has to be disappointing for the superhero/heroine. (As we know from watching L&C, where Clark was always running off.)
What I wonder... does the superhero ever get "compassion fatigue"? Does he have an urge to say, "Ah, let the firemen handle it this time?" Because I bet that after Clark started getting really serious with Lois, he prioritized a lot more.
Regarding this fic: An earthquake is a perfectly valid reason for Kara to interrupt her date. She would definitely have to go to that crisis.