Emergency Management teams use chemical type, weather conditions, and incident details to accurately determine safe zones and potential evacuation procedures during and after hazardous materials incidents. A screenshot sent to a mobile device, as previously practiced, limited details available to responders. Emergency Management Agency coordinators (EMAs) sought the development of a tool that would allow varying levels of information to be immediately available and have the capacity to update as contributing factors may change.
A three-phased project, the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) contracted with SIMPCO to develop a mapping program that would provide EMAs an interactive map to be used when responding to hazardous materials incidents. Components considered in the development of the program were field accessibility, display of variable levels of information, 24-hour access, incorporation of unique and/or privileged data, and compatibility with contracted Haz Mat Response Team systems. Interactive components consist of sortable data layers including:
Critical facility locations
Tier II facilities
Medical facilities
Vulnerable populations
Pipeline data
Railroad information
Incident history
Chemical links
Roadways
Waterways
Water resources (wells, surface water intake, etc.)
Fire hydrant locations (as available)
Truck traffic data
Multiple layers of information are accessible through the application including data drawn from recent LEPC projects. Data on observed truck traffic patterns come from the LEPC’s 2018 Hazardous Materials Commodity Flow Study.
Through collaboration with the Region’s contracted Hazardous Materials Response Team, EMAs are able to make preliminary decisions while still on route to an incident, preparing local responders. Once on the scene, EMAs have the information to make precise decisions regarding the protection of residents and property in potentially volatile situations. The mapping program ensures both the EMAs and contracted HazMat Response Teams have the same information to govern the decision-making process.
For more information on hazard mitigation & control planning, contact Regional Planner, Dawn Kimmel. To request GIS mapping services please contact Regional Planner, Gabriel Appiah.