Can We Discuss Evacuating Modern American Cities? Using Separate Cars Seems Inefficient

Too many people in their own separate cars, clogging not enough roadways trying to leave an area.

Perhaps part of the problem is over crowding.

In my small family business, the Fire Code dictates only X amount of people in the dining area because of evacuation concerns.

Isn't there a better way to plan cities and then empty them out when necessary?

structures though.

far, far outweigh the inconvenience of evacuations. It's difficult, but with contraflow lanes opened and enough warning any city can be evac'ed with the right kind of calm, efficient leadership.

Load cars onto trains using the same freight cars that are used to deliver new cars or like Amtrak's Auto-train. There are prboably some significant logistical and safety issues, but I bet it could be made workable.

Edit - image:

There isn't going to be much extra space, especially if you want to bring things like food, water, and clothing.

overcrowding is the way to go. Large cities, high-rises, high population density. That enables energy- and cost-efficient mass transit. NYC would be the model.

Which is incredibly wasteful. Load everybody into ONE car. But people are selfish and stupid.

losing your vehicle on top of that can be a devastating thing to contemplate. If you rent it's probable that your car is the single most valuable thing you own, as well the most useful and least easily dispensed with. You car will get you to safety, protect you from elements, get you to work, and can serve as home for a while if needed.

I'd be hard-pressed to consider giving mine up in that situation.

behind and come and carpool. (like i said, i'd be the one driving--i certainly wouldn't leave my car there.)

I think the question and suggestions raised, however, basically neglect the realities of Southern geography, demographics and city planning.

For example, in 2005 New Orleans, the minority population was around 50% and the unemployment rate was around 50%. Btw, I'm not saying there is a correlation between the two. My point is that there were several factors, both social and economic, which provided fertile ground for social inequality, economic disparity and what effectively amounted to segregation.

For all of the good things which may be said about New Orleans, it was not a very trusting city. A half block away from my home, a guy randomly started swinging a machete, talking to himself. The man was obviously not in his right mind, but such occurrences in New Orleans were not rare. You end up being reluctant to invite a stranger into your home, much less crash for a night. And, if you have a family to evacuate, it raises danger flags to have a potential whackjob in the car with you. You're not just juggling your life, you're responsible for your children. Under those circumstances, you have half a city capable of escaping, and 50% of the population without a bike, much less a car. How do they escape?

Buses, trams, trolleys....get real. I'm very impressed by public transit in the Northeast, but you have got to understand there is nothing like it in the South, and what little exists is in no way capable of handling the needs of a genuine evacuation.