REscue - HackForHumanity 2025 Submission

Inspiration

Our inspiration came from two key observations. First, the LA wildfires highlighted critical challenges in disaster communication, revealing the need for a centralised platform that effectively disseminates information during crises. Second, we wanted users to play an active role during disasters by providing them with real-time updates and actionable choices, ensuring easy access to help whenever and wherever they need it.

What it does

REscue is a crisis response platform designed to enhance disaster preparedness and recovery efforts. The platform provides:

• Real-time disaster updates: Users receive timely and critical information on ongoing disasters in their area.
  
• Access to available help: Organisations like the Red Cross, fire departments, and humanitarian aid groups can post updates on the help they can provide.
  
• Guided assistance: The app directs users to the nearest available help and resources based on their location and needs.
  
• Emergency reporting feature: Users can report their situations, send requests for assistance, and track the status of their help requests.
  
• User and Admin functionalities:
  
  • Users can view active disaster events, access available help services, and create requests for assistance.
    
  • Admins can approve help requests, update or add new help services, and manage organisational support efforts.
    

Upcoming features include optimising path-finding for users based on waiting times and location, integrating government ID verification, enabling public volunteer participation, and marking danger zones on the map for users to avoid.

How we built it

We developed REscue using a combination of:

• Frontend: React for an intuitive and responsive UI.
  
• Backend: ExpressJS for handling API requests and authentication.
  
• Database: SQLite for secure data storage.
  
• Mapping & Geolocation: Google Maps API for real-time location tracking and pathfinding.
  

Challenges we ran into

Building REscue came with several challenges, including:

• Understanding how to integrate frontend and backend
• Understanding how to navigate the Google API

Accomplishments that we're proud of

• First time doing an end-to-end project
• First time using ExpressJS

What we learned

Apart from of course being more well-versed with the tech stack, we also learned

• The importance of unit-testing, particularly in ensuring that the APIs were still functional after each change
• How to effectively utilise online resources to complete the project code

What's next for REscue

We plan to continue developing and improving REscue by:

• Enhancing path-finding algorithms for optimal assistance.
  
• Integrating government ID verification for streamlined user identification.
  
• Enabling public volunteer participation to assist in disaster response efforts.
  
• Implementing geofencing features to mark dangerous areas and recommend safer routes.
  
• Communicate with relevant organisations that are able to make the project come to life

We are excited about the future of REscue and its potential to make a real difference in crisis response and disaster management.

Built With

• express.js
• google-maps
• react
• sqlite