Android based Crowdsourced Disaster Alert & Safety App

Project Domain / Category

Mobile App/Android Application

Abstract / Introduction

Natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, fires, and accidents often strike without warning, leaving communities vulnerable and unprepared. In such critical moments, the timely flow of information becomes the difference between safety and harm. However, traditional communication channels are often slow, unreliable, or inaccessible during emergencies. With the widespread use of smartphones and mobile internet, crowdsourcing has emerged as a powerful approach to rapidly gather and disseminate disaster-related information. This project proposes the development of a mobile application, Crowdsourced Disaster Alert & Safety App, designed on the Android platform using Java/Kotlin and XML, and integrated with Firebase services.

The primary objective of this application is to provide a community-driven platform where users can report disasters in real time, verify information collectively, and receive instant alerts based on their location. The app leverages Firebase Authentication for secure user access, Firebase Real-time Database/Fire store for storing disaster reports, and Firebase Cloud Messaging for instant push notifications. Users can submit reports with details such as type of disaster, description, GPS-based location, and optional media evidence, while other users can confirm or dismiss the validity of these reports. Reports are displayed in both list and map views, providing an intuitive interface for quick understanding of the situation.

In addition to community reporting, the app integrates an SOS feature that allows users to send emergency alerts with live location to predefined contacts and the central system. An admin panel enables designated authorities to verify, resolve, or dismiss reports, ensuring the reliability of shared data. By combining real-time communication, user participation, and cloud-based technologies, this application aims to strengthen disaster preparedness and response, thereby enhancing community resilience and public safety.

Functional Requirements:

     The system shall allow users to register and log in securely using Firebase Authentication with email or Google sign-in.

     The system shall enable users to create disaster reports by selecting type, entering description, attaching optional media, and capturing GPS location.

     The system shall store disaster reports in Firebase Fire store/Real-time Database with fields such as type, location, timestamp, and status.

     The system shall send real-time push notifications via Firebase Cloud Messaging when a new disaster report is submitted.

     The system shall allow users to view a list of active and past disaster reports with detailed information.

     The system shall display disaster reports on an interactive map with markers showing type, time, and verification status.

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