A GIS Based University’s Campus Evacuation Plan in Case of Emergencies

Abstract

Abstract Emergencies are bound to happen anywhere at any time and as such pre-planning is necessary. This study outlined a procedure by which students on a university campus can be evacuated safely, while optimising use of available resources. Applications of optimisation techniques in campus emergency planning studies are not common, especially in developing countries. Collaboration of students is essential for a successful campus emergency evacuation, as such this study examined factors that will predict students’ behaviour in an emergency. The study adopted a location-allocation (L-A) model based decision support system (DSS) to implement the campus evacuation plan. The DSS was implemented within a geographic information system (GIS) environment. A total of 150 students were selected randomly across six faculties at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria for the study. In the event of an emergency it is proposed that all the students will move to designated assembly areas. The output from the emergency decision support system will be used to direct students from the assembly areas to appropriate evacuation points. The DSS was specifically applied in this study to find the locations of five evacuation points that will minimise travel distances of all students from thirteen assembly areas. The results from the DSS showed the average travel distance is 328.43 metres. This study used the binary logistic regression model to predict factors that will influence students to assist in an emergency. The result of the analysis showed that their level of consciousness of emergencies is the only factor that will significantly influence them to assist in an emergency. The findings from this study showed that for a disaster resilient university it must develop an all-hazards comprehensive plan, conduct regular emergency training and exercises, and develop a partnership with the host community for joint use of emergency resources. Keywords: Decision Support System ; Emergency Preparedness; Evacuation Plan; Location-Allocation Models; University Campus.