Simulating campus evacuation: Case of York university

Abstract

University campuses possess a unique dynamic different than any businesses or grade schools and require a unique perspective when it comcs to emergency evacuations. While Universities in North America came across all types of hazards (natural, conflict, and technology) requiring a campus evacuations, the ever-present of these incidences cause one to wonder whether the created plan would ensure sufficient time for the campus community to safely evacuate. As a case study, the York University's Keele campus was selected for its unique surrounding environment (MacMillan Yard, railways lines, fuel storage depot, and Black Creek) and AnyLogic as the program of choice for the agent-based simulation. The model reproduced the number of students (agents) registered during the winter semester of 2014. The weekly cycle runs continuously until informed of an evacuation. The agents then proceeded through four evacuation stages. Overall, the model assisted in visualizing the spatial distribution of agents, understanding peaks in agent populations, the total population in buildings and on campus, and the buildings utilized.