ABSTRACT
Mass evacuation and population relocation are government actions that are employed due to an impending disaster or from one that has already occurred. Considered a population protection measure, mass evacuation involves the movement of people to a safe place, away from a threatening hazard. Evacuation is used to save lives and reduce the potential for physical injury. Once the threat has passed, actions to facilitate the safe reentry to the disaster area or relocation for those unable to return must occur. Important factors to consider include the timing and execution of an evacuation; the logistical and coordination requirements; the characteristics and needs of the evacuating population, including special populations; prior planning and preparedness, and the readiness and capacity of the responding organizations.
