Tsunami, Tornado and other Natural Phenomena Early Warning System

Typical risks

 

Huge tsunami tidal waves caused by tectonic movements under the sea level have proved, especially in the last decades, to represent a high risk for many islands as well as continental shores. Early warning and announcing systems consisting of a forecasting and monitoring subsystem with sensors and from an acoustic warning subsystem represented mainly by electronic sirens are able to achieve substantial elimination of casualties.
 

Solution description

 

In several countries threatened by tsunami they have already built a forecasting and monitoring subsystem for monitoring of natural phenomena and this system is administered by specialised institutions. Proposed solution consists in addition of an acoustic warning subsystem (Nexus electronic sirens network) and interconnecting it with the forecasting and monitoring subsystem. With regard to the need to cover large and broken-relief territories, the satellite data transfer was assessed as the most suitable control and communication method. If necessary, it can be supplemented with an alternate radio signal or a GPRS signal from ground-based transmitters. If the siren is equipped with local control, it can be used not only for warning inhabitants against an impending danger, it can also be used by rescue forces directly on site to perform rescue works and communicate on the affected territory. Similarly created warning system can also be successfully used in case of danger of other natural phenomena such as tornado, fire, volcano eruption, or earthquake.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Monitoring system – consisting of a set of sensors for detection of a developing natural disaster. The sensors can be directly connected to the Nexus electronic siren and the obtained data can be transferred to the evaluation control centre.

 

2. System for satellite data transfer - for activation of individual sirens and data transfer from the monitoring system to the evaluation control centre.

 

3. Evaluation control centres - equipped with the MyVScada® software, they analyse obtained data. The MyVScada® software enables also individual sirens status control and activation, control of transfer data channels, or reporting to authorised persons.  The system can consist of several levels with the main warning centre and local subordinate workplaces. If necessary, the workplaces can be designed as unattended or remote-controlled from a mobile telephone, a PDA device, or a radio station.

 

4. Second wireless communication channel from a ground-based transmitter  - for local activation of sirens, and at the same time as a satellite communication system backup

 

5. Nexus electronic sirens – equipped with alternate batteries for the case of outage, self-testing functions, and a module for satellite communication. When solar cells are used, they do not require any external power source. They are designed to cover the entire threatened territory with an acoustic signal with required acoustic pressure.  Before the disaster approaches, they transmit warnings, and after it finishes, voice announcements can be used to coordinate affected inhabitants and assist in rescue works.

 

6. Notified authorised persons