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APPLICATION OF ITS TECHNOLOGY TO HURRICANE EVACUATION ROUTES

This study investigated the enhancement of hurricane evacuation procedures through the application of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) technologies. The objectives inherent to accomplishing this goal include identification of areas with hurricane evacuation practices, assessment of the effectiveness of current practices, identification of problems and voids of current practices, identification of feasible ITS technologies for application, development of hurricane evacuation guidelines, and application of the guidelines to a case study. The development of a set of hurricane evacuation guidelines included an extensive literature review and numerous interviews. The literature review consisted of an assessment of current evacuation practices, recommended evacuation practices, and available ITS technologies. Current evacuation practices were further assessed in interviews with various state emergency management agencies along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts. An assessment of current evacuation practices included the following topics: training, evacuation route development, coordination agreements, equipment and personnel resources, deciding when to evacuate, public notification, communications, traffic control devices, traffic management, and agency experience. Both existing and developing ITS technologies were considered for use during evacuations. While existing technologies may be applied at present, developing technologies may be included in the planning process for the future. ITS technologies of particular concern include geographic information systems, advanced traveler information systems, real-time traffic detection, real-time information displays, in-vehicle traveler information systems, and laptop communication systems. Based on the literature review and interviews, the author established a general set of hurricane evacuation guidelines pertaining to practices and technologies that have proven to be effective and may also potentially solve some of the problems associated with existing practices. These guidelines encompass the areas of planning and preparation, making the evacuation decision, public notification, traffic management during the evacuation, and preparation for the future. A case study of Galveston, Texas illustrated the application of the evacuation guidelines. Overall, hurricane evacuation procedures must be continually assessed and updated to reflect changes in the transportation system and to further improve safety and efficiency. The author's guidelines should be applied to specific regions when feasible. Additionally, developing ITS technologies should be incorporated into the planning process to prepare for future implementation.

Language

  • English

Media Info

  • Features: Appendices; References; Tables;
  • Pagination: p. 231-263
  • Monograph Title: COMPENDIUM: GRADUATE STUDENT PAPERS ON ADVANCED SURFACE TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS (1999)

Subject/Index Terms

Filing Info

  • Accession Number: 00793195
  • Record Type: Publication
  • Files: UTC, TRIS
  • Created Date: May 15 2000 12:00AM