6 Best Practices
This section of the literature search addresses information found on best practices. These best practices were identified from the southern California wildfires of 2003, the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the 2003 blackouts, hurricanes, and other incidents. This section is subdivided into areas based on publications with specific sections addressing best practices and publications, with best practices identified throughout the report.
When reviewing this section, some of the best practices may seem similar because they share common themes. However, we have included them all because there are subtle, but important, variations among them.
Some common themes in the best practices by the various entities include:
- Distribute maps and route evacuation information
- Inform the community of the dangers before an incident
- Practice cooperation between entities
- Practice coordination between entities
- Practice training and drills
- Prepare evacuation plans
- Use an incident command system
- Use incident planning
- Use ITS to monitor the situation
- Use various means to communicate.
Best practices are organized into the following areas:
- Advanced Preparation and Planning
- Advanced Technology
- Communication
- Cooperation
- Coordination
- Evacuations
- Operations
- System Redundancy and Resiliency
- Training and Planning
- Transportation Emergency Response Checklist.
February 7, 2006
Publication #FHWA–HOP-08-015
