AMES, Iowa – Iowa State University engineers are partnering with Polk County Emergency Management to create an innovative online training game that prepares emergency officials for real-life disaster responses — including severe Midwest derechos.
According to university researchers, the multiplayer “serious game” lets players act out emergency decisions under pressure, responding to simulated high-wind events and coordinating with public works, firefighters, and medical teams in real time.
The project, supported by a $700,000 National Science Foundation grant, is led by Cameron MacKenzie, associate professor of industrial and manufacturing systems engineering. The goal, MacKenzie said, is to help responders “grapple with the uncertainty and trade-offs in their actions” before a real storm hits.
Developers are using AI tools to generate realistic visuals, sound, and storm effects. Iowa State’s Student Innovation Center and Polk County Emergency Management are also testing how players handle resource allocation, communications breakdowns, and sudden weather shifts — all within a virtual crisis.
Emergency officials say the added intensity of gameplay could make preparedness training more engaging and repeatable. “Something like this could be used and reused,” said Brett McIntyre of Polk County Emergency Management.
The team hopes to release a fully functional version of the derecho simulation later next year, with plans to adapt it for floods, tornadoes, and winter storms.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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