Buffalo Computer Graphics' DisasterLAN Excels during High Water Exercise in Schoharie County, NY
BUFFALO, N.Y. — Schoharie put its new DisasterLAN (DLAN) system to the test during a New York State sponsored exercise this spring and found it greatly improved their ability to respond to a disaster.
On March 27 Schoharie County Office of Emergency Management participated in an exercise to examine their response and recovery plans. This year's event was a simulation of how they would respond if water began to come over the Gilboa dam. This scenario was similar to an event that occurred in January 1996 when record flooding resulted in 6.7 feet of water amassing in the spillway of the dam.
During the simulated High Water Event, Schoharie County utilized their web-based DLAN system for task, mission, and resource management. The DLAN Status Board gives the County the ability to view GIS Maps with data, animated weather radar, social media feeds, documents, photos, and more all on one screen, allowing them to quickly assess the situation and respond accordingly. During the exercise it was used to display various scenario information as the exercise progressed, for example it displayed emergency situation messages such as road closures and shelter statuses.
DLAN's GIS COP Viewer was used to show simulated flood inundation data overlaid on top of critical infrastructure and facilities in relation to key layers such as functional needs and populations. DLAN allowed the County to quickly visualize how the High Water Event would unfold and how best to save both lives and property.
In preparation for the Exercise, BCG worked with Schoharie County to properly configure the system and train staff on how to share data directly from their DLAN System with New York State's DLAN System. BCG staff also worked with Schoharie to test out one of DLAN's newest offerings, an AVL solution through BCG partner Gentrifi, to track medical vehicles in real time.
"The service that Buffalo Computer Graphics (BCG) provided to Schoharie County in support of our high water exercise was invaluable. BCG provided a Common Operating Picture (COP) that enabled our elected officials to make informed decisions to protect their residents." - Michael Hartzel, Schoharie County Director of Emergency Services.
About BCG:
BCG is a global provider of Incident Management Software, Mass Notification Systems, Maritime Training Solutions, and Custom Hardware Software Engineering.
Contact:
Kristen Lovejoy
Marketing Manager
(716) 822-8668
www.disasterlan.com
