Household Evacuation Planning and Preparation for Future Hurricanes: Role of Utility Service Disruptions

Abstract

We analyzed data from a survey administered to 1,212 respondents living in superstorm Hurricane Sandy-affected areas. We estimated the effect of having experienced hurricane-induced disruptions to utility services, such as electricity, water, gas, phone service, and public transportation, on having an evacuation plan. Around 39% of respondents reported having an evacuation plan in case a hurricane affects their neighborhood this year. Respondents who had experienced disruptions to electricity supply had an approximately 11 percentage-point higher likelihood of having an evacuation plan than those who had experienced no such disruptions. Respondents who had experienced monetary losses from Hurricane Sandy had around a five percentage-point higher likelihood of having an evacuation plan compared with those who had not. Among control variables, prior evacuation, distance to the coastline, residence in a flood zone, concern about the impacts of future natural disaster events, had window protection, and household members being disabled, each had an association with residents’ future evacuation planning and hurricane preparedness. In light of these findings, we discuss the policy implications of our findings for improving disaster management in hurricane-prone areas.

Integrating household survey with inoperability input–output model of critical infrastructure systems: A case study of Hurricane Sandy

“…Researchers distribute questionnaires to the targeted populations to gather information about the impact of disasters on households and communities, and the mitigation behaviors they undertake to respond to disasters. For example, Coleman et al (2020) studied the anatomy of susceptibility to different infrastructure service disruptions based on household survey data from three major hurricanes (Harvey, Florence, and Michael) between 2017and 2018and Halim et al (2021 found that utility services disruption experienced by households during Hurricane Sandy is a significant factor that influences future hurricane preparation and planning. Utilizing post-Harvey household survey, Dong et al (2020) evaluated physical vulnerability due to critical facilities disruptions and the associated community tolerance level in urban flooding.…”

“…(2020) studied the anatomy of susceptibility to different infrastructure service disruptions based on household survey data from three major hurricanes (Harvey, Florence, and Michael) between 2017 and 2018 and Halim et al. (2021) found that utility services disruption experienced by households during Hurricane Sandy is a significant factor that influences future hurricane preparation and planning. Utilizing post‐Harvey household survey, Dong et al.…”

Extreme Weather Events and the Performance of Critical Utility Infrastructures: A Case Study of Hurricane Harvey

“…The impact of utility disruption on wellbeing also depends on evacuation plans Halim et al (2021). calculated the hurricane-induced disruption in areas affected by Hurricane Sandy and concluded that individuals with power outages and financial losses were more likely to evacuate during the hurricane.…”

Departure Timing Preference during Extreme Weather Events: Evidence from Hurricane Evacuation Behavior

“…Mass hurricane evacuations lead to high traffic congestion and possible damage to road networks ( 6–8 ). It is essential for social scientists and community planners to better understand people’s hurricane evacuation behavior to devise an effective evacuation plan for coastal residents ( 9, 10 ).…”