Exploring the potential application of crowd simulation for BCP formulation support in social welfare facilities

Abstract

In the development of Business Continuity Plans (BCPs) for social welfare facilities, establishing clear criteria for emergency staff gathering is crucial in ensuring the safety of both users and staff members. However, it is difficult to utilize traditional hazard maps for imagining specific disaster scenarios on a timeseries basis and formulating corresponding plans. In this study, crowd simulations were conducted for BCP formulation, assuming flooding due to river overflow. These simulations enabled us to understand the times and routes that allow staff residing in each area to safely access the facility. This suggests the possibility of a new approach to BCP formulation, especially for more concrete planning of the optimal timing and methods for the emergency staff gathering. In the future, we will conduct workshops on BCP formulation at social welfare facilities using the results of this study and evaluate their usefulness.