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5 Lessons Learned

This section of the literature search addresses information found on lessons learned from the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the 2003 blackouts, the I-95 tanker explosion, hurricanes, and other incidents.

Many of the publications issued by and/or for the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and FHWA, as well as other publications, had specific sections addressing lessons learned. These publications include the Compendium: Graduate Student Papers on Advanced Surface Transportation Systems: Application of ITS Technology to Hurricane Evacuation Routes; Saving City Lifelines: Lessons Learned in the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, Firestorm 2003: Provincial Review; and Southern California Firestorm 2003: Report for the Wildland Fire Lessons Learned Center. Other publications had lessons learned identified throughout the publication.

Table 5-1 lists some of the common themes in the lessons learned by the various entities.

Common Themes	Lessons Learned
Advanced Preparations and Planning	Do not ignore low-tech solutions Review and learn from past events Establish mutual-aid agreements Plan for all types of emergencies Review emergency plans after an event Develop procedures to guide actions to be taken early in an emergency
Advanced Technology	Advanced technologies play an important role in communications and decision making Use ITS technology but also a mix of older technology Be prepared for limited use of ITS technology Consider ITS functionality that could be particularly useful during an emergency Use ITS technologies to provide information and assist in decision making Utilize portable ITS equipment in responding to incidents Realize communication systems can complement ITS technology Keep traffic management centers open during the incident; use alternative power if necessary Establish reliable backup power to maintain normal ITS functions
Command and Control	Delegate decision making down Maintain close ties with law enforcement entities Make use of an incident command system Use incident management teams Have incident management teams work with infrastructure and utility personnel Establish pre-selected incident command post locations
Communication	Be prepared to communicate using various methods, such as fax, handouts, maps, cell phones, satellite phones, cable television, face-to-face, email, Internet/Web, and ham radio operators Communicate with a unified voice Understand communication may be difficult during an incident Develop a joint information center Be prepared to activate the emergency alert system early Have compatible radio systems Expect loss of power and communications Have both internal and external communication mechanisms Inform all participants Realize a multimedia approach may be necessary Ensure information is accurate and consistent
Cooperation	Practice cooperation during normal times Practice interagency cooperation
Coordination	Coordinate the response with others Maintain relationships (pre-existing relationships among agencies and personnel are key to emergency management success) Utilize the resources of all participants Involve law enforcement and non-traditional agencies Conduct a collaborative post-incident review Establish internal coordination as well as external
Emergency Plans	Develop emergency plans Test the emergency plans
Evacuations	Develop evacuation routes and remember evacuations can cross state lines Modify evacuation routes as needed Allow for individual initiative Identify evacuation routes Maintain emergency services access to the disaster area and evacuation routes Include evacuation of dispatch centers Use available tools to aid in the decision to evacuate Communicate with people who do not evacuate Ensure reentry of evacuees Realize priorities may conflict Realize priorities will change over time
Operations	Be ready to throw out the procedures if they do not work in an evacuation Delegate responsibility down to the appropriate level in the organization Empower employees Expect chaos Know where you are going and how to get there Use volunteers in a support role Overcome the need to take action without planning Prepare for emergencies in advance to make day of event decisions earlier Set priorities as quickly as possible Reduce impacts of work zones Develop clear procedures for evacuations
Redundancy and Resiliency of Systems	Build redundancy into institutions and physical systems including personnel, communications, utilities, and control centers Pre-position supplies and equipment (if the supplies and equipment can be identified) Adopt a mindset of resiliency Have a redundant system of trained agency personnel Remember the transit system can provide redundancy Conduct inventory of backup resources Establish backup power Have alternative emergency operations centers Use multiple communications technologies
Training	Conduct training exercises Practice with other entities Adapt response plans to the incident Train first, second, and third string staff for emergencies Review and update crisis plans with training

 

Lessons learned are organized into following the areas:

• Advanced Preparations and Planning
• Advanced Technology
• Command and Control
• Communication
• Cooperation
• Coordination
• Emergency Plans
• Evacuations
• Operations
• Redundancy and Resiliency of Systems
• Training

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February 7, 2006
Publication #FHWA–HOP-08-015