The Government Accountability Office recently conducted an audit of the implementation of improved evacuation procedures for special needs populations by the DHS and DOT and found that four of the six major points had NOT been “substantially implemented” as of this spring. The audit found that the FEMA’s role was not sufficiently clarified in the National Response Framework, that evacuation exercises were still not conditions of grant monies, that there had not been sufficient technical assistance for sharing information on assisting special needs populations, and that there was not clarification of how to assist nursing home patients.

This apathy toward preparedness is reflected in the attitude of the citizenry: a recent Mason-Dixon poll found that less than half of residents on the East and Gulf Coasts have a family hurricane plan and that 67% do not have hurricane supplies, despite tax holidays in many states.

The federal government must remedy these gaps by making preparedness a priority the most effective way it can: by tying federal dollars to clear, thoughtful local emergency plans. Unfortunately, it falls short in many areas, for example it does not require practice evacuation exercises despite the fact that this is considered one of seven key points to a successful plan by the Department of Transportation (DOT’s plan info here).

While the National Response Framework addresses the responsibility of local officials to identify and plan for the evacuation and sheltering of special needs individuals, the government has not done enough to increase participation in these programs. The GAO estimates that a major reason that roughly 100,000 Gulf coast residents did not evacuate during the hurricanes of 2005 was a lack of transportation but people are still reluctant to get help. For example, in New Orleans officials estimate that 25,000 to 30,000 individuals would need transportation assistance in the event of an evacuation and yet only 6,000 have registered with the city’s 311 help-line, despite major improvements to plans like incorporating bus, train and air, as well as designating neighborhood pick-up points. (Many cities use a “211″ system, see below for help identifying your local plan.)

Some cities are asking that individuals who would need care during an evacuation that is beyond first aid but does not require hospitalization (such as nebulizer and oxygen use, ongoing wound care, complex medicine regimes, etc.) to register for placement in a “special needs” shelter. While this is an improvement from a previous lack of special needs shelters, it highlights the disjointed approach to mass care where normal shelters cannot provide routine medical care that was previously addressed by DAP founder Ben Smilowitz.

Since limited mobility, lack of transportation, illness, immigration concerns or any number of factors may complicate the evacuation of various populations it is imperative that government at all levels do more to plan for these contingencies to ensure the safe evacuation and sheltering of all residents in an emergency. The GAO audit is yet another reminder that we have not learned the Katrina’s lessons and that despite recommended improvements that federal government is lagging behind what the citizens truly need for evacuation plans and assistance.

The public is encouraged to call the Disaster Accountability Hotline (866-9-TIP-DAP) with any tips on gaps in federal, state, and/or local preparedness, response, relief, or recovery systems. Individuals with special needs that 1) do not know the details of their local evacuation plans or 2) believe their local plans are insufficient are encouraged to tip DAP by calling the DAP Hotline (866-9-TIP-DAP) or sending an email to Tips@DisasterAccountability.org. Tips must include the name of the city or township and state in which any confusion or incomplete plans exist (this is critical information for DAP to evaluate where weaknesses lie).