Project

Community Evacuation Planning

Full Title: Community-Driven Evacuation Planning and Scheduling
The project focuses on improving evacuation planning and scheduling in Florida and Georgia by engaging local stakeholders and collecting historical data to address the challenges posed by climate change-induced disasters. It aims to enhance coordination between the states and develop comprehensive evacuation strategies, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Lead Investigator: Dr. • Xilei Zhao, Department of Civil and Coastal Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Xilei.zhao@essie.ufl.edu
Project Team: Rui Liu, M.E. Rinker, Sr. School of Construction Management, College of Design, Construction and Planning, University of Florida
Collaborator: Florida Division of Emergency Management, Florida Department of Transportation, Florida Emergency Preparedness Association, Alachua County’s Emergency Management, Chatham Emergency Management Agency, Savannah Fire and Emergency Services
Award Amount: $10,000
Year Funded: 2020
Award Period: 2/1/20 – 2/31/21
Project Abstract:

The project titled “Community-Driven Evacuation Planning and Scheduling” addresses the increasing importance of effective evacuation planning due to the heightened intensity of disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, exacerbated by climate change. The initiative aims to enhance evacuation strategies in Florida and Georgia by engaging local stakeholders through surveys, interviews, and focus groups, focusing on vulnerable populations. The project seeks to improve coordination between the two states, leveraging historical data and stakeholder input to develop comprehensive evacuation plans. The expected outcomes include improved communication among agencies, strengthened community resilience, and a framework applicable to the broader southeast region.

More To Explore

The project focuses on understanding the dynamics of coral reef fish assemblages in South Florida by developing a spatially explicit model that incorporates recreational fisher behavior. This model will help in examining the impacts of different management scenarios on the fishery ecosystem.
This project focuses on restoring oyster habitats in Apalachicola Bay to promote sustainable oyster populations and fisheries. It integrates community involvement and scientific research to enhance restoration techniques and management practices.
This project develops smartphone-enabled qPCR technology to enhance the detection and monitoring of harmful algal blooms in the Gulf of Mexico. By integrating this technology into citizen science programs, it aims to improve data accuracy and timeliness, contributing to better management and mitigation of red tide impacts.