Abstract

The present invention provides a calculated protective action zone, such as a safety zone which can be used for evacuation purposes, using simplified input methods and systems and simplified internal calculation methods to model the chemical data. Yet, it uniquely retains a significantly high degree of accuracy corresponding to more expensive, complicated, time consuming state of the art models for the chemical releases as described above. It may be used for dense gas dispersion and other releases. To accomplish this, the methods and systems of the present invention may use a post-processed modeled data base and selected multi-variable equations combined with qualitative and quantitative input and may include default values for various factors. The system may include a small, hand-held electronic calculating element such as a palmtop computer, with extended battery life for portability, although it is equally applicable for high end processors on stationary computers.

Other References

• "Automated decision support for the emergency manager", Hwang et al, Federal Emergency Management Agency, MILCOM '92, pp. 0130-0133, 1992
• "An information lifeline to the disaster area: the emergency response link", O'Conner et al, Office of the Manager, National Communications System, MILCOM '95, Universal Communications, Conference record, pp. 838-841, Jul. 1995
• "Disaster area architecture:telecommunications support to disaster response and recovery", Phillip et al, Office of the Manager, National Communications System, MILCOM '95, Universal Communications, Conference record, pp. 833-837, Jul. 1995
• "An artifical neural network for oil spill cleanup: the MUSE system", Jean-Francois Arcand, Performance Support Systems Group-Center for Information Technology Inovation, Quebec, Canada,Electrical & Computer Engineering, 1995 Canadian Conference, pp. 519-522, Sep. 1995
• "AIN applications to support NS/EP disaster response and recovery", Luka et al, Office of Manager, National Communications System, MILCOM '95, Universal Communications, Conference record, pp. 843-847, Jul. 1995
• Bee-line software brochure for atmospheric dispersions
• EPI software brochure, by Homann Associates, Published Dec., 1992
• PHAST software brochure by DNV Industry/DNV Technica, date unknown
• Breeze Haz software brochure by Trinity Consultants, Inc., Published Nov., 1995
• 1996 North American Emergency Response Guidebook for Windows, copyright 1996
• 1996 North American Emergency Response Guidebook in hardcopy form, 1996
• 1993 Emergency Response Guidebook
• Chemistry Set Software brochure by SanSoft, date unknown
• HGSYSTEM User's Manual, L. Post, Shell Research Limited, Thornton Research Centre, Chester, U.K., Published 1994
• Technical Guidance for Hazards Analysis, "Emergency Planning for Extremely Hazardous Substances", U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency, U.S. Department of Transportation, Published Dec., 1987
• User's Manual for Slab: "An Atmospheric Dispersion Model for Denser-Than-Air Releases", Donald L. Ermak, Physics Department Atmospheric and Geophysical Sciences Division, University of California, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, Livermore, California, Published Jun., 1990, pp. 1-65
• User's Manual, ALOHA™, "Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres", The National Safety Council, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, CAMEO™ Technical Support, Published Jun., 1995, pp. 1-213
• International Conference and Workshop on Modeling and Mitigating the Consequences of Accidental Releases Of Hazardous Materials, Sep. 26-29, 1995, Fairmont Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana, American Institute of Chemical Engineers, pp. 319-330
• HSE Contract Research Report No. 17/1988, "Workbook on the Dispersion of Dense Gases", R.E. Britter, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, J. McQuaid, Research and Laboratory Services Division, Health and Safety Executive, Sheffield
• NOAA Technical Memorandum NOS ORCA-65, ALOHA™ (Areal Locations of Hazardous Atmospheres) 5.0 "Theoretical Description", R. Michael Reynolds Seattle, Washington 98115, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Published Aug., 1992
• CAMEO™ DOS, "Computer-Aided Management of Emergency Operations for IBM.RTM.PC™ and Compatible Computers", U.S. Environmental protection Agency, NOAA Hazardous Materials Response Branch, Version 2.0, Published Nov., 1992
• International Conference and Workshop on Modeling and Mitigating the Consequences of Accidental Releases of Hazardous Materials, May 20-24, 1991, New Orleans, Louisiana, Sponsored by Center for Chemical Process Safety of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, American Meteorological Society, Health & Safety Executive, U.K., pp. 345-368
• "A Workbook of Screening Techniques for Assessing Impacts of Toxic Air Pollutants", TRC Environmental Consultants, Inc., 800 Connecticut Boulevard, East Hartford, CT., EPA Project Officer, Jawad S. Touma, Prepared for U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Published Sep., 1988
• "A Tiered Modeling Approach for Assessing the Risks due to Sources of Hazardous Air Pollutants", David E. Guinnup, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Published Mar., 1992
• "Guidance on the Application of Refined Dispersion Models for Air Toxics Releases", Source Receptor Analysis Branch, Technical Support Division, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Office of Air and Radiation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Published Mar., 199