Understanding People’s Safety Perceptions During a Recent Evacuation: The Case of Hurricane Ian (2022)

Abstract

This study examines how individuals affected by Hurricane Ian (2022) perceived safety-related issues during the evacuation based on a Pollfish survey (n=100) in Lee County, Florida. 62% of survey respondents evacuated, with the majority going to a friend or relative’s home, and personal vehicles were the primary mode of transportation. Greatest concerns during evacuation included the cost of food and amenities, traffic congestion, and standing water. Upon returning home, primary concerns were disaster debris, fuel availability, and the availability of food and amenities. A binary logistic regression was employed to explore socio-economic factors’ impact on evacuation decisions, revealing significant factors.