PROJECT TITLE
HydroAware Alert System (HAAS) Because Every Second Counts: Smart Flood Alerts for Safer Roads and Smarter Choices
PROJECT GOAL: Hurricanes hit Florida and other coastal regions, causing problems like flooding for homes, vehicles and communities. In Dade City, we encountered people who cannot afford to repair or replace what's lost, especially when it comes to essential items like cars. This creates an inequity where transportation is vital for accessing work, school, healthcare, and basic needs. When people can't afford to replace a damaged vehicle, their ability to recover and maintain their livelihood is disrupted.
Our solution is a smart, tech-powered upgrade to traditional speed limit signs built, to alert drivers during floods. Using an Arduino Uno and a water-level sensor, our system measures flood depth in real time and responds with color-coded LED signals: green for safety, yellow for caution, and red for danger. It also updates the speed limit to reduce the risk of hydroplaning or engine damage. A solar panel keeps running even during power outages. Beyond the sign, we created a website and text alert system to notify residents of flooded roads nearby, helping people like Sam, an essential worker, plan safe routes and avoid costly delays. Hurricane flooding causes serious harm, injuries, power outages, and financial strain, but our solution protects lives, reduces car damage costs, and helps prevent environmental pollution from flooded vehicles.
