The purpose of the Southern Rhode Island Hurricane Evacuation Study, finalized in 1995, was to provide the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency and the Rhode Island coastal communities with qualitifying the major factors in hurricane evacuation decision-making. The results of this study was not intended to replace existing hurricane preparedness plans but rather to provide state-of-the-art information that can be used to update or revise current plans. To accomplish this, the Study provides information on the extent and severity of potential flooding from hurricanes, the associated vulnerable population, capacity of existing public shelters and estimating sheltering requirements, and evacuation roadway clearance times. The report also provides guidance on how this information can be used with the National Hurricane Center's advisories for hurricane decision-making.

For more information, please contact the Project Manager, by e-mail or by calling 978-318-8647.