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

n On-scene emergency responders may be present at a site from whichat-risk people are being evacuated. These responders’ primary functionmay be to address the life saving and sustaining missionscaused by the precipitating incident, as opposed to directly supportingthe evacuation. They will often need access to the site for theirequipment and vehicles. An inbound right-of-way needs to be established,running in opposition to the evacuees’ direction of movement.Furthermore, the responders’ presence and activities at the site mayunintentionally obstruct or hinder the movement of evacuees awayfrom the danger.n The precipitating incident may create potential hazards to responders,which prevent or delay them from assisting evacuees. Threatssuch as toxic contamination, radiological exposure, and structuralinstability will require responders to implement specialized protectivemeasures that slow and reduce the effectiveness of their activities.This will result in an evacuation effort that is more complicated andtakes more time to execute, putting evacuees at greater risk.n Contamination in the affected area may impose severe restrictionson the movements of evacuees and responders. People who havepotentially been contaminated will need to be isolated from unaffectedpopulations to avoid the spread of harmful agents. On-sitemass decontamination units will likely be needed to screen victims(and exiting responders) before they can be transported and shelteredwith the general population. Such activity will slow the movement ofsuch victims from the at-risk area to shelter or care facilities.USING HIGHWAYS FOR NO-NOTICE EVACUATIONS33