Abstract:
Over the past four decades there have been numerous studies on hurricane evacuation. Despite a voluminous collection of literature, few studies have offered insight on whether or not evacuees make evacuation plans based on hurricane characteristics; specifically storm intensity, forward speed, and forecast track direction. In this research, residents of Pensacola, Florida and surrounding areas were surveyed and interviewed to understand the decision-making of residents that occupy a hurricane prone area. A survey was created to analyze variables that influence the decisions to stay or evacuate in the event of a hurricane making landfall. Participants were shown five different hypothetical hurricane warning graphic scenarios varying in speed and intensity. Respondents were asked if they chose to evacuate, their evacuation location, and to highlight the route they would travel to get to their destination for each scenario. No specific variables impeded evacuation. Pensacola residents evacuate in response to forecast tropical cyclone path and, to a lesser extent, intensity, and this influences their evacuation route. With this information, public officials may have a better understanding of how people perceive the threat of an incoming hurricane and inform evacuees of safe, efficient routes and destinations for the public to take in the event of an approaching storm.
