Theme: Technology for Good | Core Focus: SOS Activation + Agent Communication
CrisisLink is a mobile-first disaster rescue platform built for South Africans facing extreme weather emergencies. With one tap on a glowing SOS button, users instantly send their live location and alert status to 24/7 emergency agents. The system also monitors local weather conditions and triggers visual warnings when danger is imminent—helping users prepare and respond faster.
Design Philosophy: Urgent. Minimal. Responsive.
- 🆘 Central SOS button (glowing, animated)
- 📍 Auto GPS detection
- 🚀 Sends request + location to backend
- 🌩️ Weather-triggered alert (screen glow + vibration)
⚠️ Message: "Extreme weather approaching. Prepare now."
- ✅ "Rescue Confirmed" message
- ⏱ ETA countdown
- 🚗 Agent name, vehicle plate
- 🗺 Live map tracking
- 📞 In-app call button
- 💬 In-app chat interface
- Stores location and alert locally
- Sends when connection resumes
Stack: Node.js + IBM Z + Firebase + PostgreSQL + Mapbox
| Module | Function |
|---|---|
| 🆘 SOS Dispatcher | Receives alert + location, matches nearest agent |
| 🌩️ Weather Monitor | Uses OpenWeatherMap API to detect local threats |
| 🔔 Visual Alert Engine | Triggers screen glow + vibration on danger |
| 📞 Call & Chat Engine | Enables secure in-app communication |
| 🗺️ Live Tracker | Updates agent location every 30s |
| 🔐 Verification | Validates user identity and location |
| 🧑💼 Admin Dashboard | Map view, request logs, chat/call transcripts |
- SOS Button Interface: One-tap alert with auto-location
- Weather Danger Detection: Real-time monitoring with visual alerts
- In-App Communication: Secure VoIP call and real-time chat
- Live Tracking: Map view of agent en route with ETA
- Admin Controls: Monitor all requests and interactions
| Layer | Technology | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Weather | OpenWeatherMap API | Detect local threats |
| Alerts | CSS + Vibration API | Trigger visual warnings |
| Backend | IBM Z + Node.js | Secure, scalable processing |
| Communication | Twilio / Firebase | In-app calls and messages |
| Mapping | Mapbox / Leaflet.js | Live tracking |
| Frontend | React.js | Responsive UI |
| Database | PostgreSQL + PostGIS | Store spatial/user data |
- Node.js 18+
- PostgreSQL with PostGIS extension
- API keys for OpenWeatherMap, Twilio, Mapbox
# Install backend dependencies
cd backend
npm install
# Install frontend dependencies
cd ../frontend
npm install
# Set up database
cd ../database
psql -U postgres -f schema.sql# Start backend server
cd backend
npm run dev
# Start frontend (in another terminal)
cd frontend
npm start- Project structure and documentation
- Backend infrastructure setup
- SOS dispatcher system
- Weather monitoring service
- Frontend React application
- Communication features
- Live tracking and mapping
- Admin dashboard
- Testing and optimization
MIT License - Built for social impact and disaster response.