Response

Once an emergency or disaster occurs, the ability to respond efficiently and effectively is extremely important. The Response part of an Emergency Response plan relates to activities that address the immediate and short-term effects of the disaster or emergency. This portion of the plan should answer the question of what must the agency do to ensure that they respond quickly and efficiently to a disaster or emergency that threatens the well being of the agency's operations.

Who is a First Responder? The Department of Homeland Security uses the following definition, taken from Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8, Preparedness: "Those individuals who in the early stages of an incident are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence, and the environment, including emergency response providers as defined in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 11), as well as emergency management, public health, clinical care, public works, and other skilled support personnel (such as equipment operators) that provide immediate support services during prevention, response, and recovery operations."

Role of Transportation in Response
Evacuation - This section covers FHWA and external work on transportation aspects of both hurricane evacuations and evacuations resulting from unexpected events.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) - ITS can be a very powerful tool in responding to disasters or incidents of any type. This section discusses how it can be applied.
Voice and Data Communication Interoperability - It is critical that transportation agency communications systems be interoperable with those of the other responders with whom they will be working at incident scenes. This location provides information about transportation agency communications systems and national efforts toward responder interoperability.
Information Distribution - Information provided to the public is one of the most powerful tools that government has in managing during disasters. Transportation agencies have unique resources, such as VMS, HAR, and 511 that enable them to contribute to effective information sharing.
ITE Presentation: Transportation for Emergency Response and Recovery (PPT 5.62MB) - ITE prepared this excellent presentation on the importance of transportation in disaster response/recovery.
Responder Knowledge Base - The National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism provides this database of information for responders.
The Homeland Security Operations Center - Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the HSOC provides real-time situational awareness and monitoring of the homeland, coordinates incidents and response activities, and, in conjunction with the DHS Office of Information Analysis, issues advisories and bulletins concerning threats to homeland security, as well as specific protective measures.

Role of Transportation in Response

Best Practices in Emergency Transportation Operations Preparedness and Response: Results of the FHWA Workshop Series FHWA-HOP-07-076
Common Issues in Emergency Transportation Operations Preparedness and Response: Results of the FHWA Workshop Series FHWA-HOP-07-090
Emergency Transportation Operations: Freeway Traffic Management Center Capabilities and Needs - In 2003, FHWA conducted a study of how transportation agencies operate during all types of disasters. This part of the study looked at what information and tools they needed and what capabilities they had to contribute to disaster response and recovery.
FTA's Critical Incident Management Handbook and Appendices - These guidelines have been designed to provide practical assistance to transit personnel with responsibility for planning, managing, and recovering from emergencies and disasters.
National Incident Management System - NIMS describes how responding agencies and organizations will work together during response and recovery.
National Response Plan - The NRP describes how Federal agencies will work in disaster response.
Transportation Management Center Concepts of Operation Implementation Guide (PDF 5.5MB) - This report scans several major transportation management centers in the US to demonstrate the functions that TMCs can perform in addressing incidents.

Evacuation

Transportation Evacuation Planning and Operations Workshop (Publication Number: FHWA-HOP-06-076) Summary Report - Held in conjunction with the National Hurricane Conference, March 21-22, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
ITS ETO Initiative - USDOT has initiated a $21million program of research to improve evacuations resulting from unexpected events. This link provides basic information on the activities in the Initiative.
Managing Pedestrians During Evacuation (Winter 2005) - Recent large-scale disasters have pointed out that pedestrians filling the streets can make evacuee and responder vehicular travel difficult. This study examines the complex issue of managing pedestrian traffic during disasters. (PDF 396KB)
National Review of Hurricane Evacuation Plans and Policies: A comparison and Contrast of State Policies (PDF 2.6MB)
Road Weather Management Evacuation Materials - For several years, FHWA's road weather management program worked toward improving evacuations caused by hurricanes. One particular focus was improving contraflow implementation/operation.
A Study of the Impact of Nine Transportation Management Projects on Hurricane Evacuation Preparedness (PDF 366KB)
Summary of the Regional Hurricane Traffic Operations Workshops
Evacuation Resources from TRB - The TRB Subcommittee on evacuation provides this excellent resource page with dozens of technical materials on evacuation.

Information Distribution

511 Program and Implications for Emergency Communications - This study looked at how disaster information could be shared using 511 systems.
AASHTO Security Clearinghouse - Soon after 9/11/2001, AASHTO created a clearinghouse for sharing security related information relevant to state DOTs.
Changeable Message Sign Operation and Messaging - This project will document the available empirical and analytical evidence that can be used by agencies to support policies, procedures, practices, and messages associated with the operation of changeable message signs (CMS). In particular, the project will document the empirical evidence that relates CMS messaging to driver behavior, traffic, travel flow, and safety.
Communicating With the Public Using ATIS During Disasters: A Guide for Practitioners
FHWA Issues Guidance on Use of Changeable Message Signs for Missing Children "Amber Alert" - Amber Alert was an important learning experience for DOTs on how to share complex information on variable message signs. These guidelines describe successful approaches.
Highway Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) - The American Trucking Association has created this information sharing and analysis center for distribution of security related information.
Information Sharing and Analysis Centers: Overview and Supporting Software Features (NCHRP Report 525) - This report examines how to organize and share security threat information across transportation organizations.
Impacts of Dynamically Displaying Messages on Changeable Message Signs - The purpose of this project is to provide assistance that will assess the impacts of dynamically displaying messages on changeable message signs (CMSs), and make recommendations for updates to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) regarding design, programming, and operation of such applications. The objectives of the research effort are to: (1) Conduct human factors studies to determine the effects of dynamically displaying messages on CMSs; (2) Develop preliminary guidance to practitioners for dynamically displaying messages on CMS; and (3) Identify and recommend changes or new provisions to the MUTCD.
Surface Transportation Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ST-ISAC) - The Association of American Railroads created this information sharing and analysis center for distribution of security related information.
Talking About Disasters - This guide has been developed to assist anyone providing disaster safety information to the public. The information is based on historical data for the United States and is appropriate for use in the United States. Some information may not be applicable in other countries. Users of this guide may include emergency managers, meteorologists, teachers, disaster and fire educators, public affairs/public relations personnel, mitigation specialists, media personnel, and/or any other person in the severe-weather, earthquake, disaster, or communications communities. The safety information is intended for dissemination to the general public.

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Search: Home About ETO Traffic Incident Management Traffic Management for Planned Special Events ETO for Disasters Command and Management Preparedness Resource Management Communications and Information Management Supporting Technologies Ongoing Management and Maintenance Publications FAQs Training Upcoming Events Links	Response Command and Management > Response Once an emergency or disaster occurs, the ability to respond efficiently and effectively is extremely important. The Response part of an Emergency Response plan relates to activities that address the immediate and short-term effects of the disaster or emergency. This portion of the plan should answer the question of what must the agency do to ensure that they respond quickly and efficiently to a disaster or emergency that threatens the well being of the agency's operations. Who is a First Responder? The Department of Homeland Security uses the following definition, taken from Homeland Security Presidential Directive 8, Preparedness: "Those individuals who in the early stages of an incident are responsible for the protection and preservation of life, property, evidence, and the environment, including emergency response providers as defined in section 2 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 11), as well as emergency management, public health, clinical care, public works, and other skilled support personnel (such as equipment operators) that provide immediate support services during prevention, response, and recovery operations." Role of Transportation in Response Evacuation - This section covers FHWA and external work on transportation aspects of both hurricane evacuations and evacuations resulting from unexpected events. Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) - ITS can be a very powerful tool in responding to disasters or incidents of any type. This section discusses how it can be applied. Voice and Data Communication Interoperability - It is critical that transportation agency communications systems be interoperable with those of the other responders with whom they will be working at incident scenes. This location provides information about transportation agency communications systems and national efforts toward responder interoperability. Information Distribution - Information provided to the public is one of the most powerful tools that government has in managing during disasters. Transportation agencies have unique resources, such as VMS, HAR, and 511 that enable them to contribute to effective information sharing. ITE Presentation: Transportation for Emergency Response and Recovery (PPT 5.62MB) - ITE prepared this excellent presentation on the importance of transportation in disaster response/recovery. Responder Knowledge Base - The National Memorial Institute for the Prevention of Terrorism provides this database of information for responders. The Homeland Security Operations Center - Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year, the HSOC provides real-time situational awareness and monitoring of the homeland, coordinates incidents and response activities, and, in conjunction with the DHS Office of Information Analysis, issues advisories and bulletins concerning threats to homeland security, as well as specific protective measures. Role of Transportation in Response Best Practices in Emergency Transportation Operations Preparedness and Response: Results of the FHWA Workshop Series FHWA-HOP-07-076 Common Issues in Emergency Transportation Operations Preparedness and Response: Results of the FHWA Workshop Series FHWA-HOP-07-090 Emergency Transportation Operations: Freeway Traffic Management Center Capabilities and Needs - In 2003, FHWA conducted a study of how transportation agencies operate during all types of disasters. This part of the study looked at what information and tools they needed and what capabilities they had to contribute to disaster response and recovery. FTA's Critical Incident Management Handbook and Appendices - These guidelines have been designed to provide practical assistance to transit personnel with responsibility for planning, managing, and recovering from emergencies and disasters. National Incident Management System - NIMS describes how responding agencies and organizations will work together during response and recovery. National Response Plan - The NRP describes how Federal agencies will work in disaster response. Transportation Management Center Concepts of Operation Implementation Guide (PDF 5.5MB) - This report scans several major transportation management centers in the US to demonstrate the functions that TMCs can perform in addressing incidents. Evacuation Transportation Evacuation Planning and Operations Workshop (Publication Number: FHWA-HOP-06-076) Summary Report - Held in conjunction with the National Hurricane Conference, March 21-22, 2005 in New Orleans, Louisiana. ITS ETO Initiative - USDOT has initiated a $21million program of research to improve evacuations resulting from unexpected events. This link provides basic information on the activities in the Initiative. Managing Pedestrians During Evacuation (Winter 2005) - Recent large-scale disasters have pointed out that pedestrians filling the streets can make evacuee and responder vehicular travel difficult. This study examines the complex issue of managing pedestrian traffic during disasters. (PDF 396KB) National Review of Hurricane Evacuation Plans and Policies: A comparison and Contrast of State Policies (PDF 2.6MB) Road Weather Management Evacuation Materials - For several years, FHWA's road weather management program worked toward improving evacuations caused by hurricanes. One particular focus was improving contraflow implementation/operation. A Study of the Impact of Nine Transportation Management Projects on Hurricane Evacuation Preparedness (PDF 366KB) Summary of the Regional Hurricane Traffic Operations Workshops Evacuation Resources from TRB - The TRB Subcommittee on evacuation provides this excellent resource page with dozens of technical materials on evacuation. Information Distribution 511 Program and Implications for Emergency Communications - This study looked at how disaster information could be shared using 511 systems. AASHTO Security Clearinghouse - Soon after 9/11/2001, AASHTO created a clearinghouse for sharing security related information relevant to state DOTs. Changeable Message Sign Operation and Messaging - This project will document the available empirical and analytical evidence that can be used by agencies to support policies, procedures, practices, and messages associated with the operation of changeable message signs (CMS). In particular, the project will document the empirical evidence that relates CMS messaging to driver behavior, traffic, travel flow, and safety. Communicating With the Public Using ATIS During Disasters: A Guide for Practitioners FHWA Issues Guidance on Use of Changeable Message Signs for Missing Children "Amber Alert" - Amber Alert was an important learning experience for DOTs on how to share complex information on variable message signs. These guidelines describe successful approaches. Highway Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) - The American Trucking Association has created this information sharing and analysis center for distribution of security related information. Information Sharing and Analysis Centers: Overview and Supporting Software Features (NCHRP Report 525) - This report examines how to organize and share security threat information across transportation organizations. Impacts of Dynamically Displaying Messages on Changeable Message Signs - The purpose of this project is to provide assistance that will assess the impacts of dynamically displaying messages on changeable message signs (CMSs), and make recommendations for updates to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) regarding design, programming, and operation of such applications. The objectives of the research effort are to: (1) Conduct human factors studies to determine the effects of dynamically displaying messages on CMSs; (2) Develop preliminary guidance to practitioners for dynamically displaying messages on CMS; and (3) Identify and recommend changes or new provisions to the MUTCD. Surface Transportation Information Sharing and Analysis Center (ST-ISAC) - The Association of American Railroads created this information sharing and analysis center for distribution of security related information. Talking About Disasters - This guide has been developed to assist anyone providing disaster safety information to the public. The information is based on historical data for the United States and is appropriate for use in the United States. Some information may not be applicable in other countries. Users of this guide may include emergency managers, meteorologists, teachers, disaster and fire educators, public affairs/public relations personnel, mitigation specialists, media personnel, and/or any other person in the severe-weather, earthquake, disaster, or communications communities. The safety information is intended for dissemination to the general public. To view PDF files, you need the Adobe Acrobat Reader. To view PPT files, you need the Microsoft PowerPoint Viewer.
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