Mass Evacuation of Persons Needing Mobility Assistance: A Holistic Approach for Dedicated Route Selection and Traffic Microsimulation Modeling

Abstract

This thesis presents a comprehensive approach to emergency evacuation planning for persons needing mobility assistance (PMA). The study combines multi-criteria decision analysis and microsimulation-based evacuation modeling. Using the entropy weight method, cloud model optimization, and TOPSIS method, six alternative evacuation routes within the Halifax peninsula are evaluated, with Route 2 identified as the optimal choice for PMA evacuation. A microsimulation model for traffic evacuation is developed, considering different network conditions and evaluating Average Evacuation Time (AET) for emergency vehicles (EMVs). The results highlight efficient routes for both “Out of Danger Zone” (ODZ) and “To the Shelter Location” (TSL) scenarios, considering traffic volume variations and dedicated lanes. This research contributes to proactive evacuation planning, enhancing policymakers' ability to address PMA needs during natural disasters.