Preliminary Assessments for Evacuation Plans: The Case Study of Popoli Terme, Pescara, Italy

This paper presents the initial stages in developing an evacuation plan for Popoli Terme, a small town in the province of Pescara, Italy. Recognizing the unique challenges posed by the geographic and demographic characteristics of the centre, the study aims to establish a robust data framework for emergency evacuations based on different surveying procedures. By integrating demographic analyses, urban network evaluations and assessments of buildings vulnerability and use, the research identifies the most critical issues within the town, with particular emphasis on its historic center. The paper discusses the methodology used to gather and analyze data, which includes GIS mapping of critical routes and a preliminary large-scale evaluation of building vulnerability to forecast resident behaviors and needs during evacuations. The proposed approach seeks to optimize evacuation efficiency and to ensure the safety of all residents. This case study contributes to the fields of urban planning and disaster management by serving as a replicable model for similar small towns that have to face the dual challenge of preserving their cultural heritage while enhancing resilience to emergencies.