Making Maps Right

Maps play an important role in emergencies. So EX/PX is thorough to ensure that our maps are as accurate and current as possible. Our mapping process is illustrated in this accompanying flowchart.

Marking Zones and Routes

Maps for ERPs include EPZs and EAZs that determine issues such as who gets evacuated under what circumstances. These zones are determined based on public safety and are mapped out using engineering calculations, statistical analysis, and worst-case scenarios. They take into account things like the type of energy facility and its level of risk, the surrounding geography, the impact of wind, etc.

Evacuation routes are determined based on the reception centre where people need to go and where they are coming from. Road blocks are based on blocking all access points in and out of the EPZ at the most practical locations. Because a site-specific plan is finite with a small area and thus a small EPZ, its evacuation routes and roadblock locations can be predetermined and marked on the map. For area plans, however, because they are much larger and an incident can happen at multiple places within them, evacuation routes and roadblock locations will be incident driven. Our training helps the incident commander and his designates make the best decisions possible in these cases.