Evaluation, improvement and guidance for the use of local-scale emergency prediction and response tools for airborne hazards in built environments. Cost action ES100–A European experience

Abstract

Releases of hazardous agents, such as in a RDD event, in complex built environments pose a tremendous challenge to emergency first responders and authorities in charge due to casualties potentially involved and the significant environmental impact. Air motions in built-up areas are very complex and adequate modelling tools have to be applied properly in order to predict the dispersion of hazardous materials with sufficient accuracy within a very short time. Different types of tools are applied; however, it is not always clear the advantages and limitations of individual models and approaches. Therefore, it is of an exceptional interest to compile a detailed inventory of the different models and methodologies currently in use, to characterize their performance and to establish strategies for their improvement. The Action is a first cross-community initiative to join, to coordinate and to harmonize European efforts for a substantial improvement in the implementation of local-scale emergency response tools.