Independent Review / Public-Interest Analysis.

Evacuation Survey vs. Standard Evacuation Planning Requirements

Why These Differences Matter

1. Survey = Awareness & Preferences

The Village survey is about how residents feel and plan personally. It does not provide the technical inputs needed to design an evacuation plan that is safe and operational. It’s more like a readiness perception tool.

2. Standard Planning = Operational Capability

Evacuation planning guidance shows that a complete plan typically includes the following technical elements:

  • Zones and thresholds: identify specific areas that will be evacuated based on hazard severity. HazNet

  • Route and capacity analysis: ensures planned routes can handle the population under stress and various hazard scenarios. FHWA Operations

  • Timing models: calculates clearance times and departure rates. Wikipedia

  • Roles & responsibilities: clear chain of command and coordination across agencies. HazNet

  • Operational logistics: plans for locations people go, how shelters are resourced, and how notifications are delivered. Government of British Columbia

These are not addressed by asking people how they think they would act.

What Official Guidance Says

British Columbia Evacuation Operational Guide:
A comprehensive evacuation approach includes alerts, orders, coordination, and planning for vulnerable populations — beyond just public awareness. Government of British Columbia

FEMA / DOT Evacuation Planning:
Effective evacuation planning answers questions like: who evacuates, when, on what routes, and where they go — with plans for capacity and timing. FEMA

ISO Mass Evacuation Standard (ISO 22315):
International guidance emphasizes structured phases, movement analysis, and planning for evacuee behaviour and capacity. Wikipedia

What This Means for Harrison Hot Springs

  • The survey is a useful community engagement step, not a substitute for a technical evacuation plan.

  • To be operationally credible, the Village must produce mapped routes, zones, estimated clearance times, logistical plans for shelters/muster points, and assistance strategies.

  • Public confidence grows when plans include tangible products, not just surveys.