Design Project Multi-Criteria Evaluation to Confirm the Ideal Location of a Shelter in the Municipality of Toa Baja, Puerto Rico.

Abstract

Vulnerability to natural hazards impacts the Puerto Rican population every year. This is accentuated in hurricane season. One of the effects generated by hurricanes is that of flooding. This causes fatalities and property damage on the island. Facing events of this type, shelters become the main alternative to preserve life, especially for the vulnerable population. Knowing the location of the shelters helps in the mobilization and evacuation of the population and thus has a rapid response to the emergency. Multi-criteria Spatial Analysis (MCEA) is an appropriate method for analyzing the location of shelters using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) tools. The methodology used in this research seeks to establish whether the locations of the current existing shelters in the municipality of Toa Baja are ideal. The shelters established by the municipality are expected to be in places not prone to flooding and are safe for access. Key Terms ⎯ floods, multi-criteria spatial analysis assessment, shelter’s ideal location.