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

coordinate information, establish a management structure, coordinateevacuation activity in the field, and activate and operate shelteringfacilities. Evacuation planners will benefit greatly from leveraging allof the available resources within their service area during an evacuation.The majority of these resources will be provided by specificagencies, organizations, and private-sector entities, all of whom will beparticipating in the evacuation effort in one way or another. Throughthe involvment of all relevant agencies in the planning process, it willbecome apparent which agencies are best equipped to handle differentaspects of the evacuation.In a no-notice evacuation, time will be of the essence in mobilizingthe agencies, organizations, and other stakeholders who will supportthe management of the evacuation. The mobilization process can bestreamlined considerably if prior work has been done to identify thestakeholders who will be involved in an evacuation and to ensure thatthey understand their respective roles and responsibilities within thecontext of the overall evacuation effort.Emergency management and first responder agencies traditionally haveconducted the planning process for evacuations and other emergencyincidents. One of the challenges facing some stakeholders is that emergencymanagement planners may not fully understand what transportationagencies and other specialized organizations can contribute tothe planning and operations phases of an evacuation. These specializedentities need to take an active role in the planning process to ensurethat their capabilities are understood and accounted for properly, andthat their input is incorporated into the plan. Transportation agenciesshould be involved in the planning process from the beginning andactively include themselves in all planning phases and activities of theprocess. This will ensure that their capabilities are leveraged effectivelyand that there are no false expectations about what they will or will notbe able to do during an evacuation.The planning process should take into account and involve all agenciesand entities that will participate in declaring, executing, andsupporting evacuation and sheltering efforts. This should encompassall levels of involvement: local, regional, State, Federal, non-profit,and private. Planners should consider multiple categories of involvement,including:USING HIGHWAYS FOR NO-NOTICE EVACUATIONS57