Earthquake (Before Research)

Earthquake emergency (Before):
Aiming to create an app that can teach kids beforehand on what to do in an earthquake. 

Was thinking about some features that we could possibly consider:

-Latest quakes near their city / around the world.

-Interactive games that are fun but informative. Could teach them what to do during an earthquake, preparation (emergency kit), construct an emergency plan, practice earthquake drill. 

-Possibly a map? Locate the safe areas around the neighbourhood. (However this might need wifi for it to function, which may not be accessible during an earthquake) Since we are planning for "before an earthquake", this feature could be saved and won't need wifi to access it? 

-Results from different magnitudes? Shaking the phone, and the magnitude increases each time you shake. Information on the side with visual showing what would happen during that magnitude. 

-What is an earthquake?
Shake the phone to see how a tectonic plate moves when an earthquake occurs.
Could use an image similar to this?

Earthquake supply list:

- First aid kit
- A battery-powered radio
-Warm clothes and blankets.
- Flashlight
- Extra Batteries
-Water bottles
-Non-perishable food (canned or dried food)
- Whistle

Check all batteries every three months. Battery powered lighting is the safest and easiest. Do not use candles as they can tip over in earthquake aftershocks or in a gust of wind. Do not use kerosene lamps, which require a great deal of ventilation and are not designed for indoor use.

Check and replace food and water every twelve months. Consider stocking a two-week supply of food and water for prolonged emergencies such as a pandemic.



What to do in an earthquake?

The individual should know their environments and buildings. It is important that they know where they live and where they visit often. If this is an earthquake prone region, be sure they know about their building (home, school, work places).

During an earthquake, try to get away from objects that will fall or break. Run for cover under a sturdy piece of furniture or crouch down to a turtle position if there is no cover.

Move into the open if this it is possible. Go out of the building if possible, as the building can cave in.

There are usually aftershocks hours, days and months after a main earthquake. 

Learning what actions to take can help you and others to remain safe and healthy in the event of an earthquake. Sufficient preparation, planning and drills are required if societies can survive the occurrence on an earthquake. Far in advance, ensure they have enough emergency supplies at home, office and schools. Identify and reduce possible hazards at home, and practice what to do during and after an earthquake. 

-Learn how to turn off the gas, water, electricity

-Make a plan where to meet family members after an earthquake. (If you know, everyone’s in the 

same area as you)

-Don’t leave heavy objects on shelves as they’ll fall during a quake

-Learn first aid and C.P.R. training

-Anchor heavy furniture, cupboards, and appliances to the walls or floor

-Learn earthquake plans at work/school

-Check home for earthquake hazards

-Keep a 7-10 supply of food

-Learn to drop, cover and hold.

-Remember not to stay near windows


-Rebecca, David

Mobile sensors and functions

Mobile phone uses:

-  Scan
-  Photo/Camera
- Vibrate
- Voice Recognition
- Touch
- GPS
- WIFI
- Bluetooth
- Measure distances
- Measure altitude and air pressure
- Music player
- Display
- Audio input/output

Smart phone sensors:

- Accelerometer detects acceleration, tilt and vibration to determine movement and orientation.

- Gyroscope identifies up/down, left/right and rotation around three axes for more complex orientation details.

- Light sensor detects data about lighting levels in the environment to adapt the display accordingly.

- Proximity sensor detects when the phone is held to the face to make or take a call, so the touch screen display can be disabled to avoid unintended print.

- Fingerprint sensor can enable biometric verification for secure device and website authentication as well as mobile payment.

- Magnetometer detects the direction of magnetic north and, in conjunction with GPS, determines the user’s location.

- Infrared sensor can be used to identify user movements to gesture recognition.


-Rebecca, David

Emergency Situations Brainstorm

Natural Disasters

Avalanche

Earthquake

Volcanic eruptions

Floods

Limnic eruptions

Tsunami

Blizzards

Cyclone storms

Tropical cyclones

Extratropical cyclones

Droughts

Hailstorms

Heat waves

Tornadoes

Wildfires

Solar Flare

Epidemics

Landslide
Hurricane

Others

Fire
Medical emergency (e.g. cardiac arrest)
Burns (chemical, heat, electric)
Burglary
Traffic accident
Aviation accident
Drowning (CPR)
Stranded on a mountain
Gas Leakage
Chemical spill
Viral outbreak

- Rebecca, David

Site research - Landslide (group exercise)

In the first week, we were introduced to the brief where we had to create an app for an emergency situation. We divided into groups of 4 and made a trip to the Wellington hospital where we analysed the environment. Our initial findings was that it was quite peaceful with only patients, families and workers around. However we found that the atmosphere had quickly changed over the emergency provided to us (landslide). In that current situation, we found that it would be useful to have an app that can provide help to the patients who are sick and an emergency escape plan that would guide everyone to a safe location (e.g. the top of the building where there's a helicopter pad since all exits are blocked by the landslide).