Every year thousands of people temporarily relocate prior to the threat of major disasters. Social science research has been applied to enhance the effectiveness of multiorganizational warning systems. Much remains unknown, however. This paper presents findings from the first major study of disaster evacuation planning and decision making behavior by business executives responsible far tourist oriented firms. Two questions are explored: (1) What is the extent of disaster evacuation planning? and (2) What factors account for the variation in these planning initiatives? Data were collected in three communities with large tourist industries through interviews with 65 owners or managers of tourist oriented firms. While a limited degree of planning has occurred, the overall portrait indicated serious shortfalls. Although individual and community characteristics were relevant, organizational qualities accounted for most of the variation in disaster evacuation planning.
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