E-Lert : A secure wireless based alerting system
E-Lert is a system to provide a secure method of providing emergency alerts to a specific geographical area.
Q1: Do you believe that text messaging provides a solution? Many colleges are relying on this to work, but data transmissions are the last priority for cell providers and can take up to 30 minutes for delivery, and that also requires the end user to have the cell phone active and in a coverage area.
Idea Description
In the past few years, we have seen an increase in events that would have benefited from a system that would provide a audio or visual indication that would alert a local group of individuals. For example, the shootings at various schools and shopping complexes affected a localized group yet could not be warned that something was occurring. Although systems are in place, it relies on infrastructures that can be disabled or are not a reliable delivery service such as the internet or text messaging. This system uses its own frequency hopping wireless network, battery backed and is inexpensive for deployment, perfect for K-12 education environments as well as dorms and apartments.
What will you do if you win $10,000 for this idea?
I have the wireless devices already developed. The next step is final packaging and a host software system for event control and management. In addition a marketing effort must be put into place to showcase the advantages of this system over what is currently available.
Vote for it now.
I understand there are similar things in the market. But not all of them are customized. So, maybe an option is to allow the user only to receive specific types of messages. And maybe they don't want immediate information, but all of them together at the end of the day. Depending on my habits - using the bus, car, etc., I may not care about specific details. Plus if I am online a lot, the internet may be a good way to give these alerts too, instead of on the phone. I understand this is of growing importance and even cities, universities etc are signing up. Good luck!