1.

0 Introduction

There are few places on earth where people no need to be concerned about flooding. Flooding
is a temporarily overflow of water into land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common
natural disaster, it was a result from rain, snow, coastal storms, storm surges and over flows of
dams and other water systems. Floods kill more people and causes more damage than other severe
weather related events (Geo, 2015).

Flood can kill a lot of people and damage properties, due to a lack of preparedness and
warnings lots of people will be injured or dead. Floods occurs in different countries especially in
the Philippines. The typhoon Ketsana also known as tropical storm Ondoy was the second-most
devastating tropical cyclone of the year 2009, causing $1.09 billion in damages and 747 fatalities.
The flood water levels reached a record 20 feet (6.1m) in rural areas (Oshwah, 2017). January 2014
typhoon Haiyan, known as super tyhpoon Yolanda in the killing at least 6,300 people in Philippines
alone as it making landfall and bring a storm surge. These disasters can prevent the casualties by
being prepared and using a device called flood alarm, this device can help warn people of an
incoming flood, especially at night (Villaroza, 2018). This device will serve as an early warning
alarm even when people are sleeping, it have a horn that make noise and light indicator for the
people who have a hearing problem. According to Alfaro (2013), flood alarm often used by people
in detecting the level of water in rainy seasons. Most of the flood alarms available in market
commend high price and complex usage. The main reason of conducting this research is to create
a scrap-made flood alarm that is cheaper and effective compared to commercially introduce ones.

One of the main purpose of this device "Improvised Flood Alarm System" is to help every
individual, family and community for the readiness and awareness in case of the occurrence of
environmental disaster which is common in the low area houses. This product will ensure you to
be prepared in the negative effect of the said disaster it will help a lot to be prepared, also save live
and lessen the negetive effect of this kind of phenomenon.
 The significance of this study is, it can help to prevent natural disaster like floods. This study
is beneficially for all people in community and to know easily if the floods reach into high or low
level. This study can use for the flood to detect if the flood when it becomes high, and they can
avoid it using this device. Unlike the past years many people died because of suddenly floods that
came without knowing. Now using this device, they could notice when the flood is coming or how
high is this also they can prepare and notice it using the flood detector. This can help the disaster
team to be prepared for the flash floods. This study also make sure that all people can notice the
floods and can know when the time the floods come even at night.

1.1 Statement of the Problem/Research Question

1. Is the flood alarm system at low cost is effective than the alarm that is commercialized?

2. Is there a significant difference between flood alarm system that made by foreigners?
A. Cost
B. Durability
C. Materials

In accordance of Ottawa (2019), in installing flood alarm on your own could really save
money by owning the equipment, you can do away with fees. Also, it is convenience by
configuring your system as you wish.

1.2 Definition of terms

Battery 12 volts - a device that supply electricity (Merriam Webster, 2018).

Buzzer - an electric device that makes a sound (Cambridge, 2015).

Wire - a thread of metals that is covered with plastic, rubber, etc., and used to send or receive
electricity or electrical signals (Merriam Webster, 2018)

Led - is a two lead semiconductor light source. It is a p-h junction diode that emits light when
activated (Beacon, 2014).

Copper plate - is a style of heat, round hand writing, usaually slauted and looped, the thick and
thin strokes being made by pressure with a flexible metal wib (Merriam Webster, 2017).

Metal plate - refined iron run in molds and broken up for remelting or for use in a mix (Merriam
Webster, 2018)

Conceptual Framework

Input Process Output

12v Battery
Buzzer
Wire
Led
1. Preparation Improvised
Copper plate
Metal plate 2. Assembling Flood Alarm
Metal pipe
Plastic washer 3. Testing System
Switch
4. Finalization (IFAS)
Bolts and nuts
Soldering Iron 5. Performing
Styrofoam
Plywood
Alligator Clip
Glue stick &
Glue gun
2.0 Review of the Related Literature

2.1 Foreign Literature

Floods are among the most common disasters and natural hazard in the world, affecting
human lives and causing severe economic damage. It is understood that flood risks will not
decrease in the future and with the beginning of climate change, flood intensity and frequency will
threaten many regions of the world. Nowadays, the technology which has been used for flood
detection system is much more precise than the devices of the last decade. Unfortunately, there are
still some lack in the significant of an early warning system is difficult to alert the whole people in
the area. (Khalaf, 2011)

According to Sunkpho (2011), Flooding is one of the major disasters occurring in various
parts of the world. The system for real-time monitoring of water conditions: water level; flow; and
precipitation level, was developed to be employed in monitoring flood in Nakhon Si Thammarat,
a southern province in Thailand. The two main objectives of the developed system is to serve 1)
as information channel for flooding between the involved authorities and experts to enhance their
responsibilities and collaboration and 2) as a web based information source for the public,
responding to their need for information on water condition and flooding. The developed system
is composed of three major components: sensor network, processing/transmission unit, and
database/ application server. These real-time data of water condition can be monitored remotely
by utilizing wireless sensors network that utilizes the mobile General Packet Radio Service (GPRS)
communication in order to transmit measured data to the application server.

Natural disasters such as floods are a worldwide phenomenon, they are occurring more
frequently and lead to devastating loses. In developing countries, the effects of flood are more
harmful than in developed countries. During 2010 China suffered a flood along the Yangtze River
caused by heavy rain. In this flood 1100 people were killed, 120 million people were affected and
direct economic losses were nearly U$25 billion. Wireless sensor networks have been used for
flood detection in Honduras, which is affected by heavy rain and hurricanes. The network was
designed as a two-tier architecture, a short-range communication link within an 8- km range as a
single-hop network in the 900 MHz band and an inter-cluster communication network with a
radio-range of up to 25 km in the 144 MHz band. Keoduangsine (2014)
 Indrasari (2018) stated that Indonesia is an archipelago country that has high rainfall in the
world. Many areas in Indonesia are prone to flood disaster. Flood disasters could occur anytime
and give adverse impacts to society, especially people who lived around the river. For that reason,
it necessary to design a system that provide alert to the people prior the flood disaster. The purpose
of the warning system is to mitigate number of victims and material losses suffered by the society.

Cassie (2016) mention that flood alarms and flood monitoring are essential to preventing
damage when a disaster arises. Statistics show that 850 water main breaks are reported every day
in the United States. It is estimated that the average costs of repairing flood damage is about
$15,000 for homeowners. These damages are not only a nuisance, but very costly. It only takes 24
hours for mold to develop in water-damaged areas, so it is essential to repair damages as quickly
as possible. Cassie also stated that on Alarm Center, people will receive real-time flood alerts via
text message or phone call the minute a flood is detected, so that can quickly cease the flow of
water.

2.2 Local Literature

De Guzman (2016) said that Flood is an unavoidable natural disaster in Metro Manila,
Philippines, causing heavy flow of traffic and can also cause severe damage to properties and lives.
For this reason, researchers created a flood detection system to monitor rising water in residential
areas. Using ultrasonic sensor, researchers created flood level sensing device which is attached to
Arduino Yun to process the sensor’s analog signal into a usable digital value of distance. The user
can get real-time information on monitoring flooded roads over the live stream plus SMS based
service.

According to Vitales (2015), Damages and lives taken by the typhoon Ondoy and other super
typhoons brought the researchers to think and develop a device that warns people an hour or more
than an hour before the devastating phenomena. In this project the researchers have thought of
using text messaging in which the country’s leading means of communication. The development
of the project was guided by the Engineering Design Cycle of Dr. Allan Cheville in his book
entitled “Rocket Engineering”. The researchers have identified and used the needed materials
which are suited in the intended function of the project.
 Community-based early warning systems (CBEWS) is a “people-centered” system and
empowers individuals and communities threatened by hazards to act on sufficient time and in an
appropriate manner to reduce the possibility of personal injury, loss of life, damage to property,
environment and loss of livelihood. These things lead to the development of the device necessary
for the protection of the community against flood hazards as it allows people to get prepared with
sufficient time. An alarm system was developed to monitor the water level on Salog River that
overflows during heavy rains. The water level sensors were submerged in a canal of water to test
the functionality of the device before its installation. Computer programs were created to enhance
the monitoring of water level: the River Monitor Software and the Water Level Monitor. The LED
arrays emit light according to water level; green for low, orange for medium, and red for high. A
siren also alarms with different intervals (30 seconds for low, 15 seconds for medium, and a
continuous alarm for high). Automatic emergency lighting was integrated in the design and lights
up during power outages powered by rechargeable sealed battery that charges when ac power is
supplied to the device. Levels were established based on available data; low water level means
awareness; medium water level means preparedness and high water level means immediate
response is necessary. (Labo et al. 2016)

2.3 Scope and limitations

The researchers aim to create an Improvised Flood Alarm System (IFAS). This flood alarm
is supposed to detect if the flood is getting higher. The researchers make this with less cost of
money, because all the materials are inexpensive and affordable. This flood alarm system is easy
to build because it is simple and they can manage their time. Since this research project deals with
the flow of the water which is pressure. There will be no exact number of pressure for the project
to detect the speed of flood and does not include power of the pressure to detect.

3.0 Methodology

3.1 Research Design

 Experimental Quasi type of Quantitative research is what the researchers have chosen because
the researchers want to know if the water leak detector can be useful to locate or detect any kinds
of leaked. Quantitative research focuses on gathering numerical data and generalizing it to explain
a particular phenomenon (Bobbie, 2010). It is a research to help easily the people to know if there
is a problem on the ship or pipe that can be possible. As stated by Trochim (2006). A Quasi-
experimental design is on that looks a bit like an experimental design but lacks of the key
ingredient-random assignment. Experimental research is a study where a researcher has no
manipulation or controlled.

3.2 Research Locale

The researchers conducted the study in Karuhatan, Valenzuela City. It is the chosen locale
because it is nearby to the house of the researchers and the availability of the materials, also the
place is good and convenient to do the project.

3.3 Materials

Materials Quantity Description

Alligator Clip 1pc

Use to clip on the battery

Plastic Washer 4 pcs

Use between the plate and bolt

Styrofoam 1pc 6x3

Attached under the

plywood

Metal Pipe 2pc 6 inches

Support of the plates

Green LED 1pc

Indicates the power on

12 Volts Battery 1pc

Power supply of the device

Plywood 1pc 6x3

Bottom plate of the device

Heat Shrink 10 pcs

Use to cover the wirings

Horn 1 pc

create the sound if the flood

reach the sensor

Metal Plate 1 pc 6x3

it will serve as the base, on the

bottom of this plate will attached
the copper plate
Copper Plate 1 pc 6x3

It will be the connection of the

upper and bottom plate.

Glue Stick & Glue Gun 5 pcs

Use to stick together the

Styrofoam and plywood

Wire 1 meter

serve as the connection from the

battery to copper plate, LED and
horn
Red & White LED 2 pcs red, 2 pcs
white

Indicates that the flood reach the

bottom plate

Bolts and Nuts 2 pcs bolts, 4 pcs

nuts

Use to attached the copper plate

and plastic washer

Soldering Iron 1 pc

Use to stick the wire on the

copper plate
 Switch 1 pc

Use to on and off the device

3.4 Procedure

A. Connecting the wires

First, the half wire meter cuts into two and connects to 1 meter wire. The wire and red LED
light connected into wire and the buzzer connects into other half piece of the wire. Second greed
LED light connects also that would indicate as the power on used by soldering iron, switch
connects on the 1 meter wire used by an electrical tape and covered all the connection of wirings.
Lastly, copper plate cuts into two curve or two letter U shaped with a holes on its surface, screws
put in there. Two copper plate connects into 1 meter wire used by soldering iron.
B. Building the frame and support

The researchers need a piece of metal plate with a size 6x3 cut the metal plate with length of
6 inches and 3 inches of width and the researchers need to cut again 8 piece of metal with length
of 6 inches and width of 3 inches and the other two 3 inches of length 1 inch of width, this plate
need this device to protect the wiring inside of it. This metal serve as housing of the device to
prevent breaking. This device with plate have a frame, light frame with lightweight to levitate the
device into the water.

The researchers need a cylinder metal with length of 12 inches. This cylinder serve a support
to avoid moving and to guide the plate moving up and down.

3.5 Experimentation

Trial number 1: (Durability)

The researchers tests the quality of the materials used. Device soaked into water, tests the
device how long it could survive. The researchers compared the appearance of device before,
during and after it soaks. The trial tested 3 times and checked the device if it works.

Trial number 2: (Power testing)

The researchers tests the power of device. The device put outside also the wirings get wet.
The researchers tested this 5 times so the weakness of device known and improved the errors.
Trial number 3: (Accuracy)

The researchers tests the sensitivity of device to know if the wiring of the device were
successfully connected. There is no delay when the water gets higher and the bottom plate reached
the upper plate. The researchers tests it 5 times.

4.0 Result

4.1 Is the improvised flood alarm system at low cost is effective than the flood alarm that buys
from the market?

The results of the study have shown the contrast of (IFAS) to Rialco 84010 Flood Alarm.
The difference are listed and compared below.

(IFAS) Rialco 84010 Flood Alarm

Frame: Stainless Steel Flexible Sensor Arm

LED Lights ABS Plastic

12 Volts Battery 9V Battery

Copper Plate sensor 96 Db Horn

120 Db Horn

Table 1. Comparison of the materials used between (IFAS) and Rialco 84010 Flood Alarm.
 The researchers used a metal body and electronic materials for the product which are not
commonly used in making the flood alarm system. The materials used in constructing the device
IFAS are the following the copper plate and the wirings that connects to the copper plates that
serves as a detector that is the first part that can function all the other material to alarm. Wirings
and led lights allows the researchers to notice when the device is turn on , off or functioning
properly the second most part that’s forgetting to put. The buzzer it server as the warning sounds
to the peoples to know when the flood comes up due to the connection of wirings when the buzzer
alarms the LED lights changes green becomes to red that’s the sign if the IFAS is functioning
properly. The main part of all the battery of the motorcycle that has 12v power on it. 12v power is
exact amount of power that flows in the IFAS device. If it is not compatible in the other material
is turn on electricity or destruction. If it is compatible in the other materials the battery gives an
exact amount of power that flows in the device properly with no issues.

In a market flood alarm, the materials use are more complicated. The Rialco 84010 Flood
Alarm with 11 inch sensor Arm; 1 it have a 11 inch long flexible sensor arm that can be easily bent
to reach into small, awkward spaces. The frame was quality-built and made of heavy-gauge, durable
ABS plastic.This device was powered by 1 9V battery that sounds a shrill 96 Db Horn when water
contacts The Sensor this device also comes with mounting bracket/Screws for easy installation, or
arm can be bent to self-support Unit. The market flood alarm can be operated automatically and
functioning using electricity or battery for the power of the device.

Generally, the difference of IFAS to a market flood alarm stated above are the following
main construct of the body, the main figure of the device , the power source ,the mechanism of the
device, all the material are different and the method of operation in utilizing the flood alarm system.
In addition, as a result of the difference in the materials used for the device IFAS, the method of
operation to use the device has also been changed. Unlike to a market flood alarm which can
operated automatically using electricity it may cost dangers to the peoples it is because floods is a
forms of water that can helps the electricity flows faster . IFAS works by a battery operated and
simple mechanism that can easily notice the flood come up. This device is more efficient to a
market alarm in the materials, IFAS have stainless frame and market flood alarm have a plastic
body that may be break as soon as it soak for a long time in the water (Williams, 2005).
4.2 The researchers do the trials to test the durability power and accuracy of the Improvise Flood
Alarm Syster (IFAS).

Table 1. Durability test

Trials Time Results

Trial 1 15 mins Success

Trial 2 30 mins Success

Trial 3 60 mins Success

4.2.1 Testing the Durability

The device dips into water for 15 minutes, 30 minutes and 60 minutes. The device did
not take any destruction or failure on the trial that have been tested. No changes on appearance,
no wiring that cuts. Sensor has to be tested right, or there will be issues that have to be faced
like damage to the sensor and related types of problem (Vector, 2015).

Table 2. Power Testing

Trials Volume Results

Trial 1 1 liter Success

Trial 2 1 liter Success

Trial 3 1 liter Success

Trial 4 1 liter Success

Trial 5 1 liter Success

4.2.2 Testing the Power

During the testing the device pour a 1 liter of water in the base and after that the
researcher do it again in multiple times. The researchers want to test it the device will work
outside the house and it is successful. No breakers, grounded wire and the materials have been
function successfully. Flood alarms should be waterproof even the base so it can be use
outdoor or indoor (Villaroza, 2018)

Table 3. Accuracy Testing

Trials Volume Results

Trial 1 1 liter Success

Trial 2 1 liter Success

Trial 3 1 liter Success

Trial 4 1 liter Success

Trial 5 1 liter Success

4.2.3 Testing the Accuracy

During the testing the researcher’s device in on the container box and the device put in
the middle then after that the researchers put a large amount of water in the container. The
researchers want to know if the bottom of the device will come up or float to the metal plate
them they do it multiple times. And after that it will become successful alarm the device, no
failure in every testing for the device, meaning that it could work perfectly for successful trials
that have been tested. Flood alarms should be accurately send signals to inform people
correctly (Cassie, 2016).

5.0 Discussion
 For many years flooded roads have been a problem in Metro Manila. It causes heavy flow
of traffic. Both motorists and commuters are getting stuck in flooded areas and getting lost in
finding possible routes just to go to their desired destinations. When traffic happens people’s
money, time and effort are wasted. Through the local government unit, they control the flood and
doing their best to inform the commuters regarding the situation in flooded areas. But this has not
been enough and the number of people in one city is so large that the government cannot inform
everyone what the situation is (Warren, 2013). Flood detector systems has been developed for the
past few years in order to solve this calamity to help the road users to avoid this problem. This
device invented to help motorists and commuters when flood occurs. This will avoid the traffic
jam because the users have time to find possible routes before they go to a specific road that has
flooded area. This type of system is in the category of physical systems or sensor-based system.

The system will function when the admin activates the system and when water touches the
metal it will then alarm and make them aware of the situation. When the flood occurs, the sensor
will then trigger different types of alarm systems in this case a flashlight for people to see it more
clearly and has a wider and longer range for people to see and a red light to justify that there really
is a flood incoming. When turned on almost every system mostly flood related systems has a green
light to indicate if it is working or not and a red light for warning purposes (Hughes, 2012). The
system is used to detect the current water level of flood around the roads and will give real time
information to the motorists or commuters that has still not passed through the flooded areas to
avoid the problem. There are other related systems like the Pag asa Alert System in the Philippines
using the new equipment’s like wind profilers, Doppler radar and super computers. And the
MMDA Flood Control Information Center to help the agency monitor flood-prone areas in the
metropolis monitoring will be done via more than 70 closed circuit television cameras placed on
key metro manila intersections for flood prone areas and pumping stations (Girish, 2015).

6.0 Conclusion

Improvised flood alarm system (IFAS) is proven that can warn people when the flood is
getting higher or the flood is coming. Also, this flood alarm is helpful at night when all people
were sleeping. There are a huge different between the IFAS and the flood alarm that could bought
from market in materials, that are recycled and could find at low cost and much durable than plastic.
Furthermore, IFAS have a LED lights to help people that have a problem on hearing. And flood
alarm was composed of hard materials, like metals and for the quality of the product. The
researchers put flood alarm near or inside the house to easily detect the increasing of water. The
researchers choose to build flood alarm because Valenzuela City was a low area and could easily
reach by water if there a bad weather or a typhoon. The city is highly vulnerable to the effects of
flood as a result of a confluence of factors, among which are its location and topography (CDIA,
2018).

7.0 Recommendation

The Improvise Flood Alarms System is a detector that can help people in case of flood
incidents. The flood detector will alarm if it is reach by flood. And this product can be a great help
to those people that are easily reached by flood. For the future researchers, they could go to testing
centers to have much more accurate results. For companies that major in producing alarm systems
they could use more durable and better quality of materials and test it with communities which are
prone to floods.