| The purpose of the dissertation is to conduct hazardous material risk assessment for Arizona highways and to perform exploratory survey of community disaster preparedness. The risk model developed shows that risk is a function of accident rate, population along routes, type and volume of material transported. The first two sets of data were collected from secondary sources and the last set was obtained from surveys. The analysis shows that the highway system can be classified into groups of route based on the level of risks, and that the spatial distribution of risk is highly correlated with population. Hazardous material was found to be different from hazardous waste in terms of hazard class, quantity of shipments, and the spatial pattern of movement.; The study used a model which sees community preparedness as a system of threat perception, resources, social linkages, social climate, and planning. The data was collected through a survey of emergency-related public officials. A questionnaire was developed for interviews. The analysis indicates that preparedness level is determined by population size, income, and the location of community to the State Capital, but is not related to the risk level.; The study suggests relevant policy for minimizing the negative impacts of transporting of hazardous materials. Suggestion for further research is also recommended. |
