A city-smart emergency command platform is a vital tool for improving emergency response capabilities, situational awareness, resource management, collaboration, data-driven insights, and public safety and security. It has been successfully implemented in Ruichang, Jiangxi province in China, which has a history of various natural disasters.
The platform, developed based on data from the First National Census on the Risk of Natural Disasters, integrates powerful functions to quickly identify disaster-relief routes and emergency shelters. This platform benefits local policymakers and rescue workers in Ruichang, enabling them to prevent and respond to disasters effectively.
Ruichang’s local government invested 23 million yuan (S$4.6 million) in establishing a smart emergency command centre, where the online intelligent emergency command platform was developed. Utilising data from the census, the platform offers six major functions, including assessing hidden dangers, emergency team information, stored supplies, rescue plans, routes, and shelters.
The platform provides detailed information about various rescue teams, allowing the city to mobilise the most suitable teams quickly. It also integrates with the public transportation system to calculate the shortest routes to disaster sites.
Local policymakers can access data about major supermarkets, emergency warehouses, and the city’s 119 emergency shelters, enabling the efficient organisation of emergency supplies and guiding residents to the nearest shelters.
The city’s smart emergency command platform is further enhanced by real-time sensors deployed across the city. These sensors monitor operations and production in major chemical companies, water levels in critical areas, and temperatures in forested regions. If any suspicious circumstances arise, the system automatically alerts duty officials, enabling prompt action.
The implementation of the smart emergency command platform in Ruichang demonstrates the importance of leveraging technology and data for disaster management. By centralising and analysing relevant information, the platform empowers decision-makers with comprehensive insights, enabling them to make informed choices during crises.
The integration of various functions, such as route calculation, resource management, and real-time monitoring, streamlines emergency response efforts and enhances coordination among different stakeholders.
Further, the platform enables proactive measures by identifying hidden dangers and facilitating preventive actions. By identifying vulnerabilities and assessing risks, policymakers can implement mitigation strategies to minimise the impact of potential disasters. This proactive approach improves overall preparedness and resilience in the face of natural or man-made emergencies.
The smart emergency command platform also prioritises public safety by leveraging real-time data and communication channels. It provides residents with timely information about evacuation routes, emergency shelters, and instructions to avoid disasters. The platform’s ability to efficiently organise emergency supplies ensures that critical resources are readily available when needed.
The implementation of a city smart emergency command platform, as demonstrated in Ruichang, showcases the significant advantages it offers in enhancing emergency response capabilities, situational awareness, resource management, collaboration, data-driven insights, and public safety and security.
By harnessing the power of technology and data, cities can effectively mitigate the impact of disasters, protect lives, and ensure the resilience of their communities.
Also, the nation believes that the platform enables quick and efficient emergency response by integrating various systems and providing real-time information to authorities, facilitating swift decision-making and coordination.
It improves situational awareness by aggregating data from multiple sources, such as sensors, cameras, and IoT devices, enabling authorities to monitor incidents, detect patterns, and make informed decisions during emergencies.
By enabling proactive monitoring, early detection of incidents, and swift response, the platform contributes to enhancing public safety and security in cities, creating a safer environment for residents and visitors.
