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

cases, resources can be expected from State and Federal agencies; localagencies should make this determination while factoring in the expectedtime delay between a no-notice evacuation and when these assetswill be on-site. In many cases, public agencies can make arrangements(or rely on pre-existing contracts) with private vendors and serviceproviders; on-call contractors can fill vital resource gaps during evacuationactivities.Transportation agencies should work with other entities involved inthe evacuation response to determine common needs and potentialadditional resources. It may be that another agency has necessaryequipment and material and is better positioned to support the needsof transportation agencies. These arrangements should be made asexplicit as possible through the use of memoranda of understanding,mutual aid agreements, and other documents that can serve as guidesduring an emergency.Transportation agencies should also look to the private sector to expandtheir resource base. Private service companies, such as bus operators,ambulance operators, and towing companies, can provide criticaladditional assets during an evacuation. Many of their capabilities areones that may not even exist within the public agencies. Evacuationplanners should work with these companies to clarify what will beexpected of them during an evacuation and to ensure that their servicesand resources will be available.USING HIGHWAYS FOR NO-NOTICE EVACUATIONS83