Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service invests in independently performed Risk Modelling
Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service (OFRS) has a systems approach to integrated risk management. This prioritises the delivery of statutory duties to reduce risk and vulnerability in Oxfordshire. As part of its prevention programme, it plans to improve efficiencies by targeting communities and individuals most in need of support.
OFRS already benefit from using SIS Desktop and Workload Modeller for a range of GIS analysis and required risk modelling consultancy on the data, methodology and results of risk analysis across Oxfordshire.
Analysts utilised a combination of data including OFRS historical incidents, Ordnance Survey® AddressBase® Premium and Experian Mosaic. Detailed risk models, ranging from geographic areas to individual addresses and demographic profiles, were then created. This involved using OFRS historic incident data to calculate risk scores based on a range of attributes. Modelling based on Mosaic included calculations on age classification, additional risk, and proportional representation of risks. This allows the fire service to assign a risk rating to each demographic group and to individual households across Oxfordshire.
Project deliverables included final risk scores with calculations and a GIS project file with internal overlays for station grounds and Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOA). The map output was themed according to risk, and incident data with spatial tags indicated incident location and severity. All methodology decisions were carried out in consultation with OFRS and logged within a methodology document provided alongside the project outputs.
Following this project, OFRS will be reviewing the outputs to define a ‘risk scale’ based on available resourcing. Once the risk scale is defined, each of the geographic datasets (Household, LSOA, Station Grounds) will be uploaded to the Oxfordshire County Council web mapping platform and made accessible via 4G tablet devices on each fire appliance. In addition, the output data will be integrated with its Safe & Well referral system to improve the targeting of non-referred high-risk properties.
Analysis can be re-run at defined time intervals as part of OFRS’ service commitments. Resulting from the risk modelling project, data on high-risk areas, high-demand areas and population density will be referenced when planning service improvement.
“It has been a really positive experience working together on this project. Their team was in regular contact throughout, and offered suggestions for an improved methodology, supported with examples and evidence. Receiving external validation and advice to complement our in-house analysis provides OFRS with a robust and effective risk model.”
–Josh Wilson,
Data Systems Manager, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service
GIS is used extensively by emergency services for protection and prevention and response. Our team of specialists can provide both a quality assurance service, or full project consultancy that is tailored to best meet organisational requirements.
