The frequency, duration and destruction of man-made
and natural disasters are becoming more significant with
each year. The approach presented here, the integration of a
mobile communications app with a MANET, provides
support for real-time information reporting and also presents
a pathway for reporting back to users on the status of service
restoration. uRep is a promising way to help authorities
during extreme weather events. It offers a fast method of
data collection, support for mobile communication, and
is very useful with a mobile ad-hoc network.
Smartphone technology combined with mobile app
reporting is a powerful way to gather real-time data. It is
especially relevant when dealing with extreme weather and
emergencies. The uRep Android app and underlying
MANET structure has the goal of improving the variable
TTR for utility services and establishing a connection
between the people displaced and the utility providers,
allowing people to report issues and companies to update
their progress. The app is easily scalable, allowing people to
communicate among their communities or ‘hubs’ to offer
assistance or ask for help. Ultimately, mobile app and
MANET integration is expected to be of significant benefit
in the future and will likely help public safety authorities
provide humanitarian services and support to save lives.