Hurricane vertical shelter policy: The experience of two states

Abstract

Hurricane evacuation times in many coastal jurisdictions far exceed reliable warning times of strike location. In recognition of growing hurricane evacuation problems, some officials are giving increased attention to vertical shelter policy. This study examines vertical shelter policy formulation and adoption activities in Florida and Texas, and identifies key conditions that affect policy development efforts, including: (1) presence of an advocate, (2) presence of a policy that meets both technical and political criteria for feasibility, (3) sustained and frequent communication among key participants, and (4) linkage of natural hazards policy to conventional development issues. Recommendations that provide guidance for developing state vertical shelter policy are also presented.