How do I Set Up an Evacuation Schedule?

This article describes how to set an evacuation schedule and how to manage evacuation schedules.

In case of disasters that require emergency evacuation (i.e., hurricanes, wildfires, etc.), Rekor Discover transitions from standard traffic analytics to real-time evacuation traffic analytics, providing instant access to shoulder and contraflow data. This is accomplished by setting up bi-directional, single-lane configurations for each lane and scheduling an evacuation. 

Please note: In order to use this feature, Rekor Support must first Enable Evacuation Features under Settings.  

There are a few steps to schedule an evacuation:  

  • Setup the roadway and lane details in Stations.  
  • Setup the data flow for lanes in Devices.  
  • Setup the Evacuation in Studies.  

Stations

To setup the roadway and lane details in Stations:  

  1. Login to Discover. Go to Stations in the left frame. Select the list view.   
  2. Select a station where the evacuation order is in place.  
  3. Scroll to the right and select the Edit Station function.  

    StationsMain

  4. Go to the Roadway Details tab and enable the Evacuation Route by clicking Yes then Save.

    StatRoadDet-1
  5. Go to the Lane Details tab and click the pencil icon next to the lane. 

StatLane

6.  Enable either Allow Contraflow or Shoulder Lane, according to the Department of Transportation evacuation procedures for that state, then click OK. 
  • Contraflow: Contraflow allows traffic to move in the opposite direction during specific times or situations like evacuations. If the lane is part of a reversible lane system where traffic direction changes during peak hours, or if evacuation routes are activated, choose Yes to allow contraflow. 
  • Shoulder Lane: Shoulder lanes may be used during evacuations. Shoulder lanes are not monitored under normal conditions. 

StatEditLane

7.   Repeat this step for each lane. 

Devices

To setup the data flow for lanes in Devices: 

  1. Go to Devices in the left frame. Select the list view.  
  2. Select the device where the evacuation order is in place.  
  3. Scroll to the right and select the Edit Data Forwarding Lanes function. 

    Devices List-1
  4. Enable contraflow on the far right in each lane affected, then click Save. 

    DevicesDataForwLanesEnabled
  5. Repeat this step for each device in the evacuation area. 

Studies


To schedule the evacuation:  

  1. Go to Studies in the left frame, then hover over Emergency Preparedness in the upper right corner. 
  2. Select Schedule Evacuation. This will launch the Schedule Evacuation wizard.

    SchedEvacButton
  3. Select the applicable stations using either the map or table view. This example uses the table view. 
  4. Click Next Step in the lower right corner of the screen. 

    SelectStation
  5. Select the start date and time, then select the time zone.
  6. Select the end date and time.
  7. Click Next Step in the lower right corner of the screen.

    Schedule
  8. Enter the name for the evacuation schedule.
  9. Enter a description, if desired. This description can include location, contact details, and other information needed for the evacuation.
  10. Click Next Step in the lower right corner of the screen.

    EvacName
  11. Review the selections and details for the evacuation schedule. Double check the station selections, schedule settings, and provided information for the evacuation plan. If there are any discrepancies, use the Previous Step button to make necessary corrections.

    Evac Review
  12. Click Finish in the lower right corner of the screen. A success message will be displayed at the top of the screen.

Managing Evacuations

To view or edit any existing Evacuation Schedules, go to the Studies page then hover over Emergency Preparedness in the upper right corner and select Manage Scheduled Evacuations.

ManageSchedEvacButton

All existing evacuations can be viewed, edited, or deleted from this screen.

ManSchedEvacScreen

Each scheduled evacuation shows the follow information:

  • Start date and time of the scheduled evacuation
  • End date and time of the scheduled evacuation
  • Name of the evacuation
  • Description of the evacuation
  • Creation date of the schedule
  • Created by – person who created the schedule
  • Status – Pending, Active or Complete

Once an Evacuation Schedule is active, a red Evacuation in Progress message will flash at the top of the screen upon login to Discover.

EvacInProg