Hurricanes are some of the most deadly natural disasters on Earth. The destruction they leave behind is detrimental to the population in the affected area. For example, Hurricane Maria left Puerto Rico with a blackout across 70% of the islands hospitals. This lead to many difficulties for communication on the island and its capabilities of delivering assistance in the best way possible. Communication is an integral step in coordinating relief efforts and maintaining stability in an area.

The system is intended for use by all citizens of Puerto Rico, not just the first responder/volunteer teams.

The team will design a communication infrastructure in response to natural disasters, specifically hurricanes, that conforms to the requirements and needs listed in this document. The goal of the team is to complete conceptual work by the end of 2018; the results will be published online for others to bring the concept into reality.

10/18/18 - Identify Needs

10/23/18 - Initialize Requirements

10/25/18 - Functional Analysis

10/30/18 - Initial House of Quality

11/01/18 - 11/08/18 - Review Patent-ability

11/08/18 - 11/13/18 - Concept Generation

11/13/18 - Concept Selection

11/13-11/27/18 - Refine Concept

11/27/18 - Cost Analysis

12/6/18 - Final Results

• The communication system will be deployed after an initial hurricane
• Assume communication cables installed in a straight line
• The emergency call buttons utilized are commercially available, with customization.
• There will be minimal difficulty in obtaining locations for emergency call button installation
• The citizens of Puerto Rico will comply with the proper use of emergency call buttons
• FEMA will fund the system
• The emergency call button will be manufactured without defects