Should cities be required to have detailed evacuation plans? In 3–5 sentences, answer the question and provide specific textual evidence to support your analysis.

Answer 1

Yes, cities should be required to have detailed evacuation plans, as they are essential for public safety during emergencies. A well-developed evacuation plan helps streamline the response to natural disasters, such as hurricanes or wildfires, minimizing confusion and chaos. According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), effective evacuation planning can significantly reduce casualties and facilitate swifter recovery by ensuring that residents know the safest routes and procedures. Furthermore, during the COVID-19 pandemic, cities faced challenges due to inadequate preparedness, underscoring the need for thorough and adaptable evacuation strategies to protect public health and safety in various scenarios.