using highways for no-notice evacuations - FHWA Operations - U.S. ...

Potential No-Notice EvacuationTriggersEarthquakeTsunamiTornadosites are located on evacuation routes, those routes may be unavailable,and alternatives will need to be identified using preplanning data andincident-specific information. In cases where the transportation networkis severely restricted by such damage, sheltering in place may bea better short-term alternative for at-risk populations until evacuationroutes can be restored for use. During the response, highway engineersand highway operations personnel will likely perform a wide rangeof activities, such as structural integrity assessments, situation assessments,debris clearance, traffic incident management, etc.Train DerailmentStructure FireGas LeaksLocalized IncidentsAffect small areaLocalized evacuationSmaller, less resource-intensive evacuationeffortWide-Scale IncidentsAffect city or region, widespread damageLarge-scale evacuationResource intensive, likely will involvemulti-jurisdictional responseTerrorist AttacksHazardous MaterialsSpillStructure fires, gas leaks, vehicular accidents,flashfloodsEarthquakes, radiological dispersaldevices, chemical releases involving aplumePRECIPITATING INCIDENTS AND ASSOCIATED ISSUESThe types of incidents that result in no-notice evacuations often havecertain characteristics that may complicate the execution of an evacuation.Some of the following elements have been introduced above, butit is important to highlight these individually.n Details as simple as the location and nature of an incident and thetime of day in which it occurs could affect the size of the affectedpopulation greatly. In downtown areas of large cities with high-risebuildings, even an evacuation of only one or two blocks may involvethe movement of thousands of people. In contrast, incidents in lessdensely populated areas or at remote locations will likely affect fewerpeople, therefore requiring a smaller response. Evacuation plannerswill need to anticipate the types of areas and populations affected bytheir plan.32USING HIGHWAYS FOR NO-NOTICE EVACUATIONS