Modelling the information flows during emergency response

Efficient information access during emergency response not only demands fundamentally the government departments to share their data resources, but also requires an information model that implements the information flow between response agencies. This paper presents such an information model. First, four modeling elements are selected to define the information flow, which are response tasks, response departments, datasets, and emergency-aided models. Then a list containing almost complete options during response for each element is concluded by analyzing the collected response plans and published research results. On the foundation of the above works, an information model for emergency response is proposed. Lastly, dangerous chemical accidents occurred in cities are selected to demonstrate the application of the information model. By selecting needed options for each modeling element from the candidate lists and determining the relationships between the elements, the information flow between response agencies are defined.