LeaveNow: A Social Network-based Smart Evacuation System for Disaster Management

TL;DR

LeaveNow is a social network-based evacuation system that uses real-time location data and private sector cars to optimize disaster evacuation routes, reducing time and congestion.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel social network approach combined with a car-sharing algorithm for efficient disaster evacuation management.

Findings

Enhanced evacuation efficiency through social network connections.

Optimized routes reduce evacuation time and traffic congestion.

Expanded rescue resources via private sector car integration.

Abstract

The importance of timely response to natural disasters and evacuating affected people to safe areas is paramount to save lives. Emergency services are often handicapped by the amount of rescue resources at their disposal. We present a system that leverages the power of a social network forming new connections among people based on \textit{real-time location} and expands the rescue resources pool by adding private sector cars. We also introduce a car-sharing algorithm to identify safe routes in an emergency with the aim of minimizing evacuation time, maximizing pick-up of people without cars, and avoiding traffic congestion.