Emergency Analysis and Improvement in Tribal Communities in Response to the Hurricane Impact

Abstract: Natural disasters such as hurricanes Milton and Helene have highlighted the need for tailored emergency response strategies, particularly in tribal communities where geographic, cultural, and jurisdictional factors complicate disaster management. This proposal focuses on improving emergency traffic management for two regions: the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Indian Creek Tribe of Chickamauga Cherokee, both significantly impacted by these storms. The aim is to analyze the effectiveness of current emergency responses and explore improvements through temporary lane changes, dynamic signal controls, and rerouting strategies.

The key objectives of this research are to evaluate current response strategies, identify potential traffic management improvements, and model the effectiveness of alternative measures. The project will utilize VISSIM simulation networks in two zip code regions—34974 for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and 32725 for the Indian Creek Tribe of Chickamauga Cherokee. The simulations will evaluate traffic flows, evacuations, and temporary lane changes during emergency scenarios. Data collection will include real-world traffic volumes, road closures, and emergency response times, and integrate tribal-specific factors such as community needs and cultural considerations.

The research will test various emergency scenarios, such as lane changes to facilitate evacuations, dynamic traffic signal controls to prioritize emergency vehicles, and alternate routing to protect tribal businesses. These scenarios will be validated through collaboration with tribal governments to ensure the models respect tribal sovereignty and reflect unique community challenges. The study also includes an impact analysis of the tested strategies, focusing on evacuation times, traffic congestion, and access to essential services.

Expected outcomes include a detailed assessment of current emergency traffic management within the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Indian Creek Tribe of Chickamauga Cherokee communities. The research will provide insights into how temporary lane changes, dynamic traffic signals, and rerouting can optimize emergency traffic flow. Strategic recommendations will be developed for enhancing collaboration between tribal and local governments, addressing both logistical and cultural considerations.

This research aims to improve disaster preparedness and emergency response within tribal communities, providing data-driven solutions that respect cultural sovereignty while enhancing traffic management during emergencies. The findings can be applied to other tribal and rural areas facing similar challenges, improving overall disaster response strategies.