Effective Criteria for Safe Emergency Evacuation in Urban Areas: Case Study of Tabriz (District 8), Iran

Abstract

Background and objective Nowadays, due to the ever-increasing growth of the population and the development of urbanization, the number of people living and working in the central areas of cities has increased. With this increase, disasters such as earthquakes and wildfires will create more challenges for residents, especially in safe emergency evacuation. At the same time, it is very necessary to provide innovative and optimal solutions to save human lives. Therefore, in this study, considering the future crises and the necessity of preparation of people, cities, and managers, we aim to introduce the factors affecting safe emergency evacuation and to identify safe spaces and buildings for emergency evacuations in Tabriz (District 8), Iran. Method In this comparative survey study using the geographical information system (GIS) and index-overlay method and a questionnaire, 35 experts in urban planning were selected to verify the model and score of each variable. By examining the concepts of crisis, crisis management, and emergency evacuation, the related factors were identified, and the conceptual framework was presented to be tested in a case study. Results Based on the study’s conceptual model, there were two main criteria for emergency evacuation: Safe space and safe building. The safe space had two components: Space and characteristics of the site. In total, there were 11 factors for identifying safe spaces and safe buildings for emergency evacuation, including religious buildings, educational buildings, sports buildings, terminals, parking lots, green spaces, open spaces, distance from hazardous facilities, proximity to fire stations, distance from ravines, and distance from faults. Conclusion District 8 of Tabriz City has a high vulnerability to disasters due to characteristics such as old fabric. The buildings such as the Arch of Alishah and Mosalla Mosque, the existing parks and green spaces, public spaces such as the Kohan Square (Mohagheghi Square), fire stations, and educational and religious centers in Tabriz can be used for emergency evacuation. Equipping these spaces with basic facilities is important and requires the attention of urban planners and managers.