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Strengthening Flood Preparedness at

UCLM: Deploying Water Metering and
Website-Based Alert Systems for
Proactive Student Safety

Members:
Paciencia, Linzel Marie P.
Yatong, Kezekiah
Tani, Ma. Faith

Instructor:
Mrs. Analou Cag ong
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY………..
…………………………………………………………… 3
INTRODUCTION………..……………………………………………
4
PROBLEM……...……………………………….…………………… 4
SOLUTION……….……………………………….………………….. 4-
5
OBJECTIVES…………..…………………………………….……….. 5
BACKGROUND…………………………………………………….…
5-6
DATA SOURCES………………………….………………………..… 7
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS…………………………………………..
7
DISCUSSION.………………………………………………………… 8
METHODS……………………………………………………………. 8
SCHEDULING………………………………………………...………. 8
MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT……………….………………..
…….. 9
COST…………………………………..……………………………… 9
CONCLUSION……………………………..…………………….... 9-
10
GLOSSARY………………………………………………………...…
10
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WORKS CITED………………………………………….
…………………...… 10
APPENDIX A………………………………………….………………
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In response to the recurrent flooding challenges exacerbated by heavy rains at

UCLM, our research addresses the pressing need for a proactive flood
preparedness system. Students currently grapple with transportation difficulties
during flood incidents, experiencing disruptions in daily commuting, increased
costs, and potential safety risks when navigating flooded areas. Our proposed
solution involves the strategic deployment of water level meters and the
implementation of a website-based alert system at UCLM. This comprehensive
approach aims to provide real-time flood alerts, empowering students to make
informed decisions about transportation options during heavy rains and alleviating
the financial and safety concerns associated with commuting in flood-prone
conditions. The objectives of the study include installing water level meters for
real-time flood monitoring, developing an effective website-based alert system,
assessing the impact on student decision-making during heavy rains, and exploring
cost-effective transportation alternatives. Data sources include hydrological data,
student surveys, meteorological data, and cost analyses of transportation options.
While the research focuses on enhancing flood preparedness for UCLM students, it
is limited to the campus, and external factors may influence the effectiveness of
proposed systems. Despite these limitations, the study contributes valuable insights
to address student-specific challenges and offers a foundation for potential
generalizations to other institutions.
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INTRODUCTION
Problem
The persistent issue of flooding at the UCLM campus, particularly intensified by
heavy rainfall, has given rise to significant challenges in the realm of student
transportation during flood incidents. The absence of a proactive flood
preparedness system not only disrupts the regular flow of daily commuting but also
imposes considerable financial burdens on students. Furthermore, it exposes them
to potential safety risks as they navigate through flooded areas, exacerbating an
already precarious situation. The critical consequences of this lack of preparedness
extend beyond mere inconvenience. The financial strain on students is particularly
noteworthy, as during heavy rains, viable transportation alternatives become
limited, often compelling students to resort to higher-cost options such as tricycles.
The surge in transportation expenses during such weather conditions adds an
additional layer of stress to students already managing the financial constraints of
academic life. Moreover, the safety risks associated with navigating flooded areas
cannot be understated. Students find themselves in the challenging position of
having to choose between expensive transportation options or braving the
hazardous conditions by walking through floodwaters to reach their destinations.
This not only compromises their safety but also creates an environment where the
potential for accidents and health-related issues becomes a tangible concern.
Recognizing the multifaceted nature of these challenges, there is an unequivocal
need to address the issues stemming from the lack of a comprehensive flood
preparedness system at UCLM. The urgency lies in establishing measures that not
only mitigate the disruptions to daily commuting but also alleviate the financial
strain on students and ensure their safety during adverse weather conditions.

Solution
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The proposed solution involves deploying state-of-the-art water level meters

strategically at various key points across the UCLM campus, equipped with
advanced sensors capable of providing real-time data on water levels during heavy
rainfall and flooding events. This robust technological infrastructure forms the
backbone of the university’s proactive flood preparedness initiative. In tandem
with the deployment of water level meters, the research initiative entails the
development and seamless integration of a sophisticated website-based alert
system. This innovative approach recognizes the pervasive influence of social
media in the lives of today's students and aims to leverage these platforms as
dynamic channels for information dissemination. By utilizing social media, the
university seeks to create a more interactive and responsive communication
ecosystem, fostering a sense of community resilience and cooperation in the face
of adverse weather conditions. This system is designed not only to disseminate
timely flood notifications to students but also to offer a user-friendly interface that
enhances accessibility and engagement. The alerts will not only include
information on the current flood situation but will also provide guidance on
alternative transportation options, allowing students to adapt their plans according
to the severity of the weather conditions. By adopting this comprehensive
approach, UCLM aspires not only to provide immediate solutions to the challenges
posed by flooding but also to foster a culture of resilience and preparedness among
students. The research emphasizes the role of cutting-edge technology and user-
centric design in creating a robust and adaptive flood preparedness system that not
only responds to immediate needs but also contributes to the long-term safety and
well-being of the UCLM community.

Objectives
The objectives of this research are fourfold: first, to strategically install water level
meters across UCLM’s campus for real-time flood monitoring; second, to develop
and integrate a website-based alert system for timely dissemination of flood
notifications to students; third, to evaluate the impact of these systems on student
decision-making in transportation during heavy rains; and fourth, to explore cost-
effective and convenient alternative transportation options for students during
flood incidents.

Background
The UCLM campus, like many others, confronts the persistent challenge of
flooding, which not only poses a threat to infrastructure but also jeopardizes the
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safety of its student population. With the increasing frequency and severity of
flooding incidents, the inadequacies in current flood preparedness measures have
become apparent, necessitating a more robust and proactive system. This research
seeks to address the critical need for an enhanced flood preparedness approach at
UCLM to ensure the safety and well-being of its students. The proposed solution
involves the deployment of water level meters and the implementation of a
website-based alert system. This comprehensive strategy aims to revolutionize
flood monitoring and response mechanisms. By strategically placing water level
meters across the campus, the research endeavors to establish a real-time
monitoring system capable of providing timely data on water levels during flood
events. Simultaneously, the integration of a website-based alert system will
empower the university to disseminate immediate flood notifications to students,
fostering an environment of awareness and proactive decision-making. The
research objectives are structured to meet this overarching goal. Firstly, the
implementation of water level meters at key locations aims to establish a
foundational infrastructure for real-time flood monitoring. Secondly, the
development and integration of a website-based alert system represent a
technological leap towards enhancing communication and response mechanisms.
The holistic approach seeks not only to improve student safety during flooding
incidents but also to gauge the overall effectiveness of these systems in mitigating
the impact of floods on the campus community. Data for this research will be
drawn from various sources, including hydrological data collected by strategically
placed water level meters, historical flood data specific to the UCLM area, and
invaluable feedback from students regarding the alert system's usability and
effectiveness. Technical specifications and documentation from the implemented
water level meters and website-based alert system will provide insights into the
intricacies of system functionality and performance. While the scope of the
research is confined to the UCLM campus, the findings hold the potential to
contribute valuable insights applicable to similar environments. However, certain
limitations must be acknowledged, including potential constraints imposed by the
availability of historical flood data and the influence of external factors like
weather conditions on the proposed system's effectiveness. Additionally, the
success of the website-based alert system is contingent upon student accessibility
and engagement, a factor that underscores the importance of considering human
behavior and interaction in the implementation of such technological solutions.
Overall, this research aims to bridge the existing gaps in flood preparedness at
UCLM, laying the groundwork for a more resilient and responsive system that not
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only safeguards student safety but also serves as a model for enhancing flood
preparedness in educational institutions.

Data sources
 Hydrological data from water level meters strategically placed across the
UCLM campus.
 Student surveys and interviews to gather information on transportation
challenges, costs, and safety concerns during heavy rains and flooding.
 Meteorological data to analyze weather patterns and forecast heavy rainfall
events.
 Cost analysis of alternative transportation options available to students
during flood incidents.

Scope and limitations

The research concentrates on enhancing flood preparedness at UCLM through the
deployment of water level meters and a website-based alert system, specifically
assessing their impact on student transportation decisions during heavy rains and
flooding. However, the study is confined to the UCLM campus, limiting the
generalization of findings to other institutions. External factors, such as the
severity of heavy rains, may influence the effectiveness of the proposed systems.
The research is concentrated on student-specific challenges and does not delve into
broader community impacts of flooding. Additionally, while the study focuses on
the cost-effectiveness and convenience of available transportation options for
students, it does not encompass a comprehensive evaluation of all potential
alternatives.
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DISCUSSION
Methods
Flooding is a prevalent problem at the University of Cebu and in various regions
worldwide. To address this issue, our research will utilize quantitative methods,
such as interviews and surveys, to gather comprehensive insights. By
understanding the causes, effects, and mitigation strategies of flooding, we aim to
create a safer environment for everyone at the university. We will conduct semi-
structured interviews with selected UC staff, students, and residents affected by
flooding, while distributing questionnaires for quantitative perspectives. Through
comprehensive analysis of the data collected, we will identify areas of concern and
develop tailored flood mitigation strategies for the University of Cebu. Overall, our
research aims to minimize the impact of flooding and ensure a safer university
community.
Scheduling
Flooding is a prevalent issue that affects numerous regions across the globe, and
the University of Cebu in the Philippines is no exception. Addressing this problem
is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and staff on
campus. This research proposal outlines a comprehensive plan to assess the
effectiveness of flood mitigation measures in the University of Cebu and provide
data-driven recommendations for future improvements.
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Materials and Equipment

During flooding events, sandbags are used to create barriers and prevent water
from entering critical areas. They filled with sands to provide stability and
withstand floodwaters. Pumps are also important in removing excess water from
the flooded areas. They can extract large volumes of water quickly, helping to
lower water levels and prevent further damage. Different types of pumps are used
depending on the severity of the flooding. Other equipment like hoses, generators,
and vehicles are also used to aid the pumping and evacuation process during
flooding.
Costs
The cost of sandbags and pumps can vary depending on the quality, size an
location. The following budget details the expenses for this project.
Sandbags( depending on the size and quality) $20
Pumps(depending on the pump package) $500
The cost of sandbags and pumps can vary depending on the quality, size and
location. On average, sandbags can range from @0.50 to @2 per bag. For example,
a bundle of 10 sandbags might coast around $5 to $20. Pumps can vary greatly in
price depending on their capacity and features but they typically range from $50 to
$500. More specialized or industrial pumps can cost more. It is recommended to
search for local suppliers or check online retailers to get specific pricing
information.

CONCLUSION
Flood in UCLM presents a comprehensive and well-structured approach to
addressing the recurrent flooding challenges faced by the students at the UCLM
campus. the proposed solution, involving the deployment of water level metered
and a website-based alert system, has the potential to scientifically improve flood
preparedness and mitigate the negative Impacts on students safety, well-being, and
finances while the study is confined to the UCLM campus, the findings could be
applicable to other institutions facing familiar flooding challenges. Overall, the
lack of proactive Hood preparedness system has exacerbated the impact of
flooding on students and the proposal has the potential to make a significant
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contribution to improving flood preparedness and resilience in higher education

settings.
Glossary
Flood Preparedness System – A system that helps people for, respond to, and
recover from floods.
Water-Level Meters devices that measures the depth of water in a body of water.
Website – based Alert System A system that uses a website to provide alert about
flooding.
Hydrological Data- Data about the movement and distribution of water.
Meteorological Data about the Weather.
Cost-Effectiveness- the relationship between the coast of something and its
effectiveness.
Convenience- the ease of use or accessibility of something.
External Factors- Fiction that are outside of the control of the researcher.
Community Impact- the impact of flooding on the community Potential
Alternatives to the proposed Solution that have not been evaluated.
Works Cited
Water level Monitoring: International Journal of Research in engineering and
Applied science, vol 8 issue 9, September 2010
All too easy: Spreading Information through social Media, by Jason Riddie March
1, 2017
Flooding in Mandaue City. A case study of the 2013 flood by Jomar L Dela Cruz
our and Mary Jane A. Tirol (2015)
Vulnerability Assessment of flood prone Areas in Mandaue City Philippines By
Jomar L. Dela Cruz and Mary Jane A. Tirol(2010)
The Impact of flooding on the lives of the people in Mandaue City Philippines
(2012)
A Study of flood Mitigation strategies in Mandaue City Philippines (2011)
Appendix A
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