Routes to Effective Evacuation Planning Primer Series: Evacuating Populations with Special Needs

Evacuation operations are conducted under the authority of, and based on decisions by, local and state authorities. The purpose of this primer is to provide local and state emergency managers, government officials, transportation agencies, and other organizations involved in disaster response with best practices and tools to accommodate people with special needs in an evacuation. This primer is designed to assist emergency managers and transportation personnel in developing an evacuation plan that includes the coordination of transportation resources that meet the requirements of people with special needs. Special needs are defined as (1) people with disabilities, (2) people with medical conditions, (3) congregate and residential care facilities, (4) people with no access to a vehicle, (5) homeless populations, (6) correctional facilities, and (7) people with service animals and household pets. The following chapters are included: (1) Overview and Defining Special Needs; (2) Legislative Framework; (3) Planning and Preparedness – Overview; (4) Communication Needs; (5) Transportation Needs During Activation and Operations; (6) Congregate and Residential Care Facilities; (7) Animal Needs; and (8) Re-Entry and Return to Readiness.