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

PUBLIC EDUCATIONEmergency management and response agencies need to prepare thepublic for a potential evacuation in advance. An evacuation – particularlyin a no-notice context – can be executed much more smoothly ifthe public is properly prepared. Ensuring that evacuees, who are thelargest stakeholder group in an evacuation, know terminology, what todo, and where to go will greatly assist emergency managers during anevacuation. Members of the public need to know the following:n The meaning of different types of evacuation ordersn What preparations to carry out in advance (emergency go kits, familyevacuation plans)n How an evacuation will be declaredn Where to get information once an evacuation is declaredn What transportation options will likely to be availablen What evacuation routes are likely to be usedn What support services are likely to be offered to evacueesn Where planned shelters may be establishedn Where and how to get updated information once an evacuationis underwayn What services they should expect roadside or at the sheltersA no-notice evacuation scenario highlights the need for evacuees tobe as self-reliant as possible. Emergency responders will mobilize tothe best of their ability but their capabilities will likely be more limitedthan during an advance-notice scenario due to limited staffing,responders who have become victims themselves, and a limited periodof preparedness. When the public has a better understanding of whatto expect during an evacuation and how to prepare themselves, theywill be able to be more self-reliant during the actual evacuation: have apersonal emergency preparedness kit, bring sufficient food and water,understand where they should go and how to get there, and knowwhere to obtain information being broadcast to the public. This willlessen the burden on emergency responders and enable them to focuson those segments of the evacuation population who require the mostassistance.Emergency planners should implement mechanisms to inform thepublic of how to prepare for an evacuation and educate them on thedifferent protective action options for various types of scenarios. Suc-80 USING HIGHWAYS FOR NO-NOTICE EVACUATIONS