Chapter III

Study Design

The study employs a mixed-methods approach to gather both quantitative and

qualitative data from residents, and Asturias BFP personnel. This aims to
assess the need, feasibility, and benefit in the community of implementing a
direct fire alarm connection to the Bureau of Fire Protection (ABFP) in
Asturias, Cebu, Philippines. It employs a mixed-methods approach to gather
both quantitative and qualitative data from residents, and Asturias BFP
personnel.

The expected outcomes are a comprehensive understanding of the fire safety

situation, a determination of the need for a direct fire alarm connection, a
detailed implementation plan, and an assessment of the cost-benefit of the
proposed solution. The study's findings will be used to reduce time response
in fire emergencies in Asturias.

Research Environment

The proposed study will be conducted at the barangay hall of Tubigagmanok,

Asturias, and at the Poblacion Asturias Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) office.
According to BFP Asturias, Barangay Tubigmanok has the second-highest
number of fire incidents in the municipality of Asturias. It is located 6.1
kilometers from BFP Poblacion Asturias, which is roughly a 10-minute drive.
 Fig 1. Asturias BFP - Tubigagmanok, Asturias, Cebu
Research Respondents

Research respondents plays a vital role in evaluating the effectiveness of

implementing direct fire alarm connections to the Asturias Bureau of Fire
Station. This chapter focuses on the groups and individuals involved in the
research and their contributions to understanding the impact of this
implementation on fire safety measures.

Stakeholders
Stakeholders, including personnels from the Asturias Bureau of Fire Station,
government officials, building management personnel, and fire safety experts,
were among the primary respondents. Their insights provided a
comprehensive understanding of the technical, regulatory, and operational
aspects associated with the integration of direct fire alarm connections.

Business and Residential Communities

Representatives from various businesses, commercial establishments, and
residential communities across Tubigagmanok,Asturias formed a vital part of
the respondent pool. Their perspectives offered significant feedback regarding
the usability, practicality, and perceived effectiveness of the newly integrated
fire safety systems.

Structured surveys and questionnaires will be distributed to the research

respondents. These instruments will be used to gather quantitative and
qualitative data, assessing aspects such as satisfaction with the implemented
system, perceived improvements in safety, and suggestions for further
enhancements.
Research Instruments

Interview
To gain a thorough understanding of the reasons and factors behind
delayed responses to fire accidents, interviews will be conducted with the
Beaureu of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel, who are the primary responders
during at these times. These interviews seek to collect significant evidence
that will aid and help in a more profound analysis of the matter under
consideration.
Direct Observation
This involves systematically observing and documenting the activities
prior to the BFP personnel's response to a fire accident location. The goal is
to understand the reasons and factors behind the delayed response time and
pinpoint potential areas for improvement. This method allows for the collection
of real-time and primary data, serving as a valuable addition to other research
methods in evaluating the effectiveness of response time.

Archival Records
This information will be used to gather historical data on fire incidents in
the Municipality of Asturias. These records are crucial for comprehensive
information retrieval and quantitative analysis purposes.

Time and Motion Study

Although time and motion study does not fit the traditional definition of a
research instrument like surveys or interviews, it is an essential technique that
will be utilized in this research to evaluate the response times. This method
will aid the collection of data quantitatively, the analysis of procedures, and
the generation of well-informed conclusions to boost efficiency, minimize
delays, and enhance response times.
The provided figure illustrates a fishbone diagram, which outlines the
contributing factors to the BFP's delayed response time at the Asturias
Station. The primary causes identified are communication challenges, the
station's distance from fire locations, the lack of precise fire location
information, and insufficient fire trucks and personnel.

Figure 2. Ishikawa - Fishbone Diagram

Research Procedure

Figure 3. Waterfall Model

The system will be built using the Waterfall Model, a methodology that begins
with specifying and analyzing requirements, designing the system,
implementing it, testing it, and finally providing system maintenance. In the
requirement specification step, the requirements for the system will be
gathered and documented. These specific requirements will be analyzed in
the next phase, analysis, and these will be the bases for designing the
system. In the system design phase, a crucial stage in the development cycle,
the overall architecture and structure of the system will be planned and
defined. It will involve converting the requirements gathered during the
previous phases into a plan that guides the actual implementation.

The implementation phase is the stage where the design specifications will be
translated into reality. Materials will be assembled, code will be written, tested,
and debugged. The testing phase will involve conducting various tests to
evaluate and ensure the functionality, reliability, and performance of the
system. The maintenance phase will encompass activities related to keeping
the system running smoothly after its initial development and deployment.
This will include regular testing, updates, and any necessary adjustments.
Materials to be Used

Hardware Components
Hardware Push-button switch
Components Enclosure
Wire
Jumpers
Micorcontroller Board
Breadboard
GSM module
Alarm Siren
Software Components Arduino IDE
GSM library

Table 1. Components of Fire Alarm Prototype

Methods

The assembly of the fire alarm system involves connecting the push-button
switch, GSM module, and alarm siren to the microcontroller board according
to the circuit diagram. The fire alarm software is then uploaded to the Arduino
Uno. The push-button switch is mounted in a central location, the alarm siren
is mounted where it can be heard throughout the building, and the GSM
module is mounted in a location with good signal strength.

Testing involves verifying that the push-button switch activates the alarm
siren, the GSM module sends an SMS message to the fire station, and the
alarm siren works properly when activated manually.

Maintenance involves regularly inspecting the components for damage or

malfunction, replacing the batteries in the GSM module, and testing the fire
alarm system regularly to ensure proper functioning.
Design and Layout

This chapter provides information on the fundamental components of fire

alarm systems. Addressed in more detail are fire alarm control units, alarm
system components, and notification appliances. This chapter also highlights
the procedures that fire inspectors or other personnel should follow while
inspecting and testing these systems. Also described is the importance of
preparing and maintaining accurate records regarding the installation, testing,
modification, and maintenance of fire alarm systems.

Early detection of a fire and the signaling of an appropriate alarm remain

significant factors in preventing large losses due to fire. Properly installed and
maintained fire alarm systems can help to increase the survivability of
occupants and emergency responders while decreasing property losses.

Push-button switch:

A momentary push-button switch with an

NC (normally closed) contact. The switch
should be rated for the appropriate
voltage and current.

Push-button switch

Enclosure: A small, weatherproof enclosure to house the push-button switch.

The enclosure should have a mounting flange or other means of attaching it to
a wall or other surface.

Wire: Stranded wire with a gauge appropriate for the current draw of the
push-button switch.
Microcontroller board: An Arduino Uno or similar microcontroller board. The
board should have enough analog and digital pins to accommodate the
required sensors and outputs.

Jumpers: A set of jumper wires for

connecting the microcontroller board to the
sensors, push-button switch, and alarm
output.

Arduino Uno microcontroller board

Breadboard: A breadboard for prototyping the circuit.

USB cable: A USB cable for connecting the microcontroller board to a

computer for programming.

Communication module:

GSM module: A GSM module for

sending SMS notifications to the fire
station. The module should be
compatible with the SIM card of the
chosen cellular provider.

GSM module

Antenna: An antenna for the GSM module. The antenna should be mounted
in a location with good signal strength.
Power supply: A power supply for the GSM module. The power supply
should provide the required voltage and current for the module.

Additional materials:

Soldering iron and solder: A soldering iron and solder for connecting wires
to the microcontroller board and GSM module.

Heat shrink tubing: Heat shrink tubing for insulating wire connections.

Wire strippers: Wire strippers for stripping insulation from wires.

Crimp connectors: Crimp connectors for connecting wires to the

microcontroller board and GSM module.

The following table lists the materials needed for each component, their
capacity, and their contribution to the prototype:

Component Materials Capacity Contribution

Push-button Push-button switch, 12 V, Activates the fire alarm

activation unit enclosure, wire 1A system

Controls the fire alarm

Microcontroller board,
Microcontroller 5 V, 1 system and sends
jumpers, breadboard,
board A notifications to the fire
USB cable
station

Communication GSM module, antenna, 12 V, Sends SMS notifications

module power supply 1A to the fire station

Table 2. Components and materials

\

Operation

When the push-button switch is pressed, it will send a signal to the Arduino
Uno. The Arduino Uno will then activate the alarm siren and send an SMS
notification to the fire station. The GSM module will send an SMS message to
the fire station with the following information:

 The time and date of the alarm activation

 The fire station will then dispatch firefighters to the location of the
alarm.Once the physical prototypes of the hardware components have
been built, they can be tested to ensure that they function correctly. The
push-button activation unit should activate the fire alarm system when
pressed. The microcontroller board should control the fire alarm system
and send notifications to the fire station. The communication module
should send SMS notifications to the fire station when triggered.
Fig 2. System Flowchart