1. What is FloodPing, and how does it help during flood events?

FloodPing is an IoT-based flood monitoring and alert system designed to provide early warning and live updates during flood events. It utilizes water sensors connected to a web platform that offers real-time streaming and status updates on water levels, which helps Local Authorities and residents stay informed and act quickly to protect lives and property.

2. How does FloodPing monitor and classify water levels?

FloodPing classifies water levels into four categories:

• Normal: Safe conditions; no action needed.
• Low: Self-evacuation is advised for residents.
• Moderate: Forced evacuation is recommended.
• Critical: Residents should stay at designated evacuation centers until further notice.

3. How are flood alerts communicated to Local Authorities and residents?

Once the water reaches "Low," FloodPing sends alerts to Local Authorities via the web platform and SMS. Upon receiving these notifications, Local Authorities can confirm the alerts and send SMS notifications to registered residents. These notifications include critical evacuation information, like when to leave and where to go.

4. Who can access and manage the FloodPing system?

FloodPing has different access levels for Admins, Local Authorities, and residents:

• Admin: Responsible for managing user accounts, including creating, registering, and archiving users.
• Local Authorities: Primary responsibility to monitor water levels, confirm alerts, and notify residents during flood events.
• Residents: Can view the live stream and flood information on the homepage without logging in.

5. Can residents log into FloodPing?

No, residents do not have login access. They can view the live stream and essential flood updates on the homepage without logging in, as access is restricted to only Admins and Local Authorities.

6. What role do Local Authorities play in the FloodPing system?

Local Authorities are critical to FloodPing's operation:

• They monitor water levels in real time.
• They confirm flood alerts sent by the system.
• They communicate with residents by sending SMS notifications that include instructions for evacuation, shelter locations, and other important information to guide residents during flood events.

7. How does FloodPing protect user information and maintain system security?

FloodPing uses strict user-level access controls:

• Admin-only account management: Only Admins can create, archive, and modify user accounts, limiting access to sensitive information.
• Confidential information handling: Only authorized Local Authorities and Admins have access to the system's internal data, ensuring that resident information remains secure.

8. What should I do if I receive a “Low” alert from FloodPing?

A “Low” alert means residents are advised to start self-evacuation procedures. Monitor updates from FloodPing’s live stream and follow SMS instructions sent by Local Authorities. These messages include essential details, such as where to evacuate and the safest routes.

9. What actions are required if water levels reach “Moderate” or “Critical”?

FloodPing advises the following actions based on alert levels:

• Moderate: A forced evacuation is advised. Residents should leave their homes and proceed to designated safe zones as instructed by Local Authorities.
• Critical: Residents must stay at designated evacuation centers and await further instructions. At this level, it’s crucial to follow guidance from Local Authorities to ensure safety.

10. How do residents receive SMS alerts from FloodPing?

Once Local Authorities confirm a flood alert, they can send SMS notifications to residents registered in the system. This ensures that residents receive timely and relevant evacuation details, such as nearby evacuation centers and safety instructions.

11. Why does my password expires every month?

To ensure the security of your account and protect sensitive information, our system enforces a monthly password expiration policy. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access by requiring regular password updates.