Evacuation Social Support Among New Orleans Households: Implications for Evacuation Management Systems

Abstract

This study reports findings from a survey administered in 2023 to investigate New Orleans households’ social support networks: family and friends who can provide them with accommodations and other assistance during evacuations caused by hurricanes and other hazards. Findings describe the demographics and evacuation destination and accommodation intentions of households with and without social support, as well as the factors these households consider when choosing an evacuation destination. Preliminary findings show that 86% of respondents report at least one relative or friend with whom they can stay during an evacuation. However, the range and size of respondents’ social support networks vary and influences where they will go and stay during an evacuation. In contrast, 14% of respondents lack social support and these respondents are most likely to stay at a hotel or public shelter during an evacuation. Implications for the design of evacuation management systems are discussed, including systems that support the discovery of vulnerable households and coordination with community organizations that provide transportation and temporary housing during evacuations.