Map 2 shows the response congestion pattern for an emergency in the South Side area. The pattern is significantly different from the West End emergency. While the traffic is still concentrated in Oakland where the hospitals are, it is much more spread out because there are multiple bridges that are hospital rout candidates.

Information from simulations such as these can provide emergency managers with real-time information on which roads to keep open and alternative vehicle routing and can support other kinds of decision scenarios.

Simulations of events all have unique and different response patterns. As the magnitude of the event increases, the pattern of response is further distorted and shaped by terrain, ambient traffic, weather, and other conditions. The results of our simulations support the first responder observation that “every emergency is unique.”

Simulation and Emergency Planning

Emergency plans and planning can be helped by simulations in three major ways. First, simulation can provide a better basis for distributing response assets during the planning process. As the simulations above demonstrate, response, even to minor emergencies, can vary widely because of the complexities of the city. These differences in response are not always evident or predictable.

Second, simulation can help in evaluating and testing the viability of the emergency plans. As the city changes, simulations can help emergency managers and planners determine whether the plans will be effective in addressing anticipated emergencies. The simulations will then provide data for the planners to re plan.

Finally, there is a point where the size, type, or characteristics of an emergency are beyond what the plans anticipated or are capable of dealing with. Simulation is a very good solution to providing the kinds of information that is needed in near-real time. Simulation systems such as D4S2 are very adaptive to changing environments and event progressions.