RETRA: Web Based Resource Allocation Tool for Emergency Management

In this paper, the authors introduce a real time web based tool for resource allocation (RETRA) that can assist the incident commanders and resource managers in the complex task of emergency resource deployment for multiple simultaneous incidents that occur in close geographical proximity. RETRA real time inputs include the location of the emergency sites and the required resources with associated priorities. It generates an optimal deployment plan so that emergency sites with highest priorities for a resource are assigned that resource in the least amount of time. The optimal solution is presented graphically using Google Maps. RETRA can be used for emergency resource deployment at the initial response stage of a disaster. 1