Q&A
What was the EvacuBeacon developed for?
The EvacuBeacon device and all of its associated materials (like this website!) were developed for the 2022 Clarkson University President's Challenge. The device was also presented at the 2022 Clarkson University Research and Project Showcase.
Where did the EvacuBeacon idea come from?
I have previously completed research on wildfires and evacuation procedures, and I have presented some of my findings at research showcases. Upon its inception, the EvacuBeacon idea seemed like the natural next step of my research!
Why have you decided to focus on evacuation procedures?
Evacuation procedures are very common - each year, thousands of people have to evacuate their homes, regardless of the reason! While it does not seem like these unfortunate circumstances will disappear, we can certainly work to make evacuation procedures more efficient and protect the people involved.
How can the EvacuBeacon be controlled?
The current prototypes of the EvacuBeacon utilize a remote control to change the device's displays.
In the future, alternate manners of controlling the device will be enabled, including by one's smartphone, a series of physical buttons on the device, or a wireless smart home application.
I own a vacation home in an area that is commonly at risk of being evacuated. If I am not present when an evacuation procedure begins, is there some way for me to activate the "Green" signal on my EvacuBeacon device?
Currently, the EvacuBeacon is only controllable via a remote control. In the future, however, a wireless application may be developed that will allow you to change the device's displays from long distances. However, if key infrastructure collapses during an evacuation procedure, the possibility exists that this feature may become unavailable.
In the meantime, try reaching out to the first responders responsible for checking your vacation home's area, and inform them of the dates that you will not be present. This may allow them to preemptively record your evacuation status, which could prove beneficial during an unexpected evacuation procedure.
I am afflicted by a form of color blindness, and I am not able to distinguish between some of the EvacuBeacon's colors. How can I use the device?
Unfortunately, in its current form, the EvacuBeacon relies on the colors of green, blue, and red to function. This means that you may be unable to utilize the device as intended.
However, work is being done to develop a version of the EvacuBeacon device that does not rely on these colors. This new version would feature another way to display one's evacuation status, making it usable for individuals afflicted with color blindness.
How can communities use the EvacuBeacon? Do individual devices link together?
Once the EvacuBeacon is released, the best way for a community to maximize its benefits is to encourage its use on a large scale. Holding community meetings will be a great way to get the word out and increase the device's use.
Right now, each EvacuBeacon device functions independently, with no reliance on external servers or other locations. This ensures that the device will remain usable when key infrastructure collapses. However, some manner of linking a community's EvacuBeacon devices may be developed in the future.
When will I be able to purchase the EvacuBeacon device for my home?
The EvacuBeacon device will continue to be developed and improved over the next year. Stay tuned for more information on the device's release!