Forecast-driven model for prepositioning supplies in preparation for a foreseen hurricane

In this paper, we present a forecast‐driven dynamic model for prepositioning relief items in preparation for a foreseen hurricane. Our model uses forecast advisories issued by the National Hurricane Center (NHC), which are issued every 6h. Every time a new advisory is issued with updated information, our model determines the amount and location of units to be prepositioned and it also re‐prepositions already prepositioned units. The model also determines the best time for starting the prepositioning activities. Our approach uses a combination of Decision Theory and stochastic programming. The outcomes of our model are presented in a way that could be easily understood by humanitarian practitioners who are ultimately the ones who would use and apply our model.