Exitus: Agent-based Evacuation Simulation for Individuals with Disabilities in a Densely Populated Sports Arena

In this paper we present an agent-based evacuation model which may be used to support private sector organizations with capabilities-based planning efforts surrounding likely terrorist attack scenarios. The model is distinguished by its explicit consideration of individuals with disabilities in respect to the characteristics influencing their ability to negotiate surroundings. The virtual environment is also classified according to several accessibility traits shown to have a disproportionate effect upon behavior during an emergency. The results of an experiment simulating the truck bombing of an intermountain west sports arena reveal special areas of concern for arena managers and identify those who are most at risk or individuals with lower stamina. Ultimately, the model can be used to inform policy makers of more effective, evidence-based evacuation planning methods based on a better understanding of the behavior of heterogeneous populations during emergency situations.