Decision Making for Extreme Events: Modeling Critical Infrastructure Interdependencies to Aid Mitigation and Response Planning

Recent tragedies such as Hurricane Katrina, 9/11, and the 2008 Sichuan Earthquake have revealed a need for methods to evaluate and plan for the impact of extreme events on critical infrastructure. In particular, awareness has been raised of the threat that a major disruption will lead to cascading failures that cross boundaries between interdependent infrastructure sectors, greatly magnifying human and economic impacts. To assist in planning for such extreme events, researchers are developing modeling tools to aid in making decisions about how best to protect critical infrastructures. This paper presents some of the capabilities of this modeling approach as well as some of the challenges faced in developing such applications based on experience with the Critical Infrastructure Protection Decision Support System (CIPDSS) model, developed for use by the Department of Homeland Security. A set of disruptions to road and communication infrastructures is implemented in CIPDSS and the modeled disruptions to the original infrastructure as well as cascading effects on other infrastructure sectors are discussed. The simulations provide insights into the potential of this approach.

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/1541132X
• Authors:
  • Santella, Nicholas
  • Steinberg, Laura J
  • Parks, Kyle
• Publication Date: 2009-7

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Features: Figures; References;
• Pagination: pp 409-422
• Serial:
  • Review of Policy Research
  • Volume: 26
  • Issue Number: 4
  • Publisher: Blackwell Publishing
  • ISSN: 1541-132X
  • EISSN: 1541-1338

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Contingency planning; Decision making; Decision support systems; Disaster preparedness; Disasters and emergency operations; Strategic planning
• Identifier Terms: U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Uncontrolled Terms: Transportation infrastructure
• Subject Areas: Highways; Planning and Forecasting; Security and Emergencies; I20: Design and Planning of Transport Infrastructure; I72: Traffic and Transport Planning;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01135573
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 21 2009 8:13AM