I believe that the document would be about reducing litigation from family members. It doesn’t sound like it does anything besides that – of course, you don’t say whether there were people that were forced to leave if they didn’t sign the document (I doubt there would be…sounds like too much conflict to deal with). In the end, the choice to leave was the residents.

All that the forced evacuation does in most instances is simply deploy the government services to get people out. If they refuse the help, and stay, then it’s presumed that they waive claims against the government for anything that happens to them. If the government doesn’t deploy that help, and something happens, then the people will often hold that government responsible. The forms merely prove that they actually when to the people’s homes.

I have never heard of these type of documents, but I agree it would be to protect the government from being sued. The recent floods along the Mississippi were mostly planned flooding, 100% certain areas would flood as the government purposefly opened the levees.

During a natural disaster where flooding or wind is not 100% certain or predictable, like in the case of a hurricane, I have never heard of these documents being used, even when areas are under evacuation.

Also, I don’t know if anyone is forced to evacuate? During hurricanes in FL no one is forced, they are asked to evacuate. Once winds are sustained 40 MPH and higher absolutely no emergency vehicles will be allowed out. There is always someone calling into a radio station freaked they are going to die and wanting someone to come get them. No one is going to get them. After a direct hit almost always curfews are inforced, not sure if that is considered martial law? You have to have the curfews, not just to try and eliminate looting, but also because with electricity out all over cities, traffic intersections are a death trap. In the pitch black of night people blow through interesections without realizing, a horrible accident waiting to happen.