Disaster Policy Optimization: A Simulation Based Approach

To help disaster response organizations improve the management of regional emergency assets and operations, we propose to interface an agent-based, discrete event simulator with a geographic information system and a rule base (describing standard policies and protocols for various disaster responses). The system architecture will enable modules to dynamically “talk” with each other by exchanging real-time data and making intelligent deductions. This integrated system is designed to accurately mimic the real-world disaster response scenarios. The system will be used to better assess how various configurations and operations of emergency resources might impact the effectiveness of responses to various large-scale incidents.