Development of a Time-Dependent, Audio-Visual, Stated-Choice Method of Data Collection of Hurricane Evacuation Behavior

Abstract

Revealed preference is the traditional method to collect hurricane evacuation behavior data. However, revealed preference surveys have the disadvantage that they are unable to collect time-sensitive and policy-sensitive data needed to test evacuation policies. In contrast, data collected from time-dependent, audio-visual, stated-choice surveys allow researchers to collect not only time-sensitive and policy-sensitive data but also information that will allow testing potential new evacuation policies. However, no research has been conducted to establish the methodology of such surveys. To fill the gap, this study is aimed at developing a new time-dependent, audio-visual, stated-choice method to collect evacuation behavior data. To achieve the objective, nine animations of hypothetical storms were developed based on recent hurricane history. To test the new methodology and its effectiveness, data was collected using both the methods, for new and traditional methods, in New Orleans and surrounding parishes. In a new method survey respondents had to watch the animations and answer questions related to their intended behavior while in the traditional method they reported on their behavior in a recent storm, hurricane Gustav. Preliminary results indicate that the new stated-choice method is easy to use and effective in collecting time-sensitive and policy-sensitive data. The new method appears to have the potential of evolving into a survey instrument that can be used by researchers and practitioners working in hurricane evacuation area.