New evacuation signs already getting criticism

WASHINGTON -- D.C.'s new evacuation signs -- designed to direct drivers out of harm's way in the event of an emergency -- are already being met with criticism.

City leaders officially unveiled the signs Monday.

The current emergency evacuation system in the city has been questioned in the past. Right now, evacuation routes are designated by a D.C. flag on street signs.

The new plan calls for attaching a blue sign with white writing to the top of street signs on evacuation corridors. The new signs read "evacuation route." Officials say the signs will more clearly identify evacuation routes out of the city.

At a news conference Monday, city leaders were asked why there was no arrow or symbol on the new evacuation signs, showing people which way they need to go when a crisis hits.

"This is just the first part (of the program), so we will take that into consideration," says Interim DDOT Director Frank Seales.

WTOP Traffic's Bob Marbourg doesn't think the signs will be effective.

"You get on a road, have no idea where that road is going to take you, and often that road doesn't take you there anyway. So to simply call a route an evacuation route is not going to help people," says Marbourg.

"From what I have seen of the sign, it doesn't add anything to my knowledge of how to get out of harm's way."

D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty says the plan is not perfect.

"If there are some changes that still need to be made, we'll make them."

Navigating D.C. streets is already a tricky procedure, especially for someone from out of town. In an emergency, not knowing which way to go could prove to be a fatal decision.

There are 19 emergency evacuation routes in the city that are scheduled to get the new signs. It is estimated 3,500 existing street signs across the city will be outfitted with the new evacuation route placards.

The first signs will be attached to the existing street signs along Pennsylvania Avenue.

The signs will cost the District $250,000. The city hopes to have that process completed by the spring.

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