Shelter‐in‐Place versus Evacuation Decision Making: A Systematic Approach for Healthcare Facilities

In: Risk, hazards & crisis in public policy, Band 1, Heft 3, S. 19-33

Abstract

AbstractThere is little guidance to assist healthcare facility planners to make a shelter‐in‐place versus evacuation decision in response to a hurricane and associated flooding emergencies or wildfires. In such advance notice events, planning steps may be taken that factor in the calculated risk and predictability of the event, allowing planners greater opportunity to implement a systematic response. The authors completed a review of literature and determined that there is only guidance for actions after a decision has been made, but little to help facility administrators weigh their options. The authors conducted a series of structured interviews with community and hospital planners who have dealt with the decision to evacuate or shelter‐in‐place in the face of real events. Insights derived from these real‐event experiences are summarized, and proposed next steps for further research are outlined.