A Multi-Method Optimization Approach to Disaster Preparedness Strategies for Socially Vulnerable Populations
Open AccessWhen the strike of a natural disaster is imminent, millions of people take to the roads to leave the impacted area to go somewhere safer. For many, this is an instinctual move; for others, the opportunity to leave is not an option. The choice between life and death is made in that moment.With an estimated one million people evacuating the city over two days, the evacuation of New Orleans from Hurricane Katrina was one of the largest in American history. This accomplishment was made possible by years of preparation to build an evacuation system that was a component of a comprehensive regional traffic plan. Officials at all levels from across state lines participated in the planning, testing, practicing, coordinating, and public education phases (Renne et al., 2013). Unfortunately, much of this work was overshadowed by substantial shortfalls, particularly inadequate consideration of vulnerable individuals who could not leave the city because they lacked a personal vehicle (Renne et al., 2013). This research uses a multi-method optimization approach to create a decision support tool (DST) called the Vulnerable Evacuation and Safe Shelter Location (VESSL) Tool. The tool is centered around network optimization and also uses graphical methodologies to determine viable pathways for the movement of people from one area to another before a disaster. This research aims to support those responsible for disaster planning in creating effective and efficient emergency response and evacuation protocols that consider vulnerable populations.
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