1. Introduction
This white paper is developed in fulfillment of Task 4 of the Assessment of State of the Practice and State of the Art in Evacuation Transportation Management study being conducted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).
Much of what is known about evacuations is based on experience with hurricanes. Other types of incidents, such as hazmat situations and nuclear plant accidents, have very different characteristics because there is no advance notice. In some cases, evacuations are monitored rather than managed—they simply “happen.” Understanding these transportation characteristics during no-notice evacuations and the current practices that are being used in managing all aspects of transportation during evacuations is essential to improving practices and developing new tools and technologies that support better outcomes.
The purpose of the Assessment of State of the Practice and State of the Art in Evacuation Transportation Management study is to assess what is known about planning and management of transportation during evacuations of all types. The study will provide initial guidance that agencies can use in their planning efforts as well as input to the work to be performed later to develop tools for real-time management of evacuations.
June 26, 2006
Publication #FHWA-HOP-08-016
