Mass school shootings remain a pressing public safety crisis in the U.S., with response delays often costing lives. In 2024 alone, 314 incidents occurred in K–12 schools. I was shocked by how long it often took for first responders to react. Most solutions like panic buttons or surveillance systems were either too slow or lacked real-time tracking. I began asking: Could wearable tech and AI make emergency responses faster and smarter?

‍This question inspired me to design a new system that could bridge the gap between detection and coordinated response in high-stress school environments.

To bring GuardianMap to life, I designed a full emergency workflow—from login to real-time police response. I used Firebase Authentication for user access and GPS-enabled wristbands to send student locations to a live map interface.

When an emergency is detected, the system automatically sends alerts to authorities, allowing teachers to guide students while police respond. I mapped and tested each stage—tracking accuracy, user interface, and alert timing—to ensure the system works smoothly in real-life situations.

To bring the theoretical model into reality, I developed a working prototype of the GuardianMap app—a real-time emergency response system tailored for school environments. The app uses Firebase authentication, wristwatch GPS tracking, and live map rendering to locate students during emergencies.

I designed and implemented key features, including:
A dynamic floor-mapping tool, allowing administrators to define school layouts and evacuation zones directly on the app.
A clustering algorithm to group student locations for clearer visualization.
Real-time alert transmission to authorities, triggered by keyword-based SOS input or wristwatch data.

To test the app's robustness, I conducted simulations under different network conditions (Wi-Fi/Cellular, strong/weak signals) and indoor environments. Results showed that response times and GPS accuracy varied significantly, emphasizing the importance of optimizing tech for real-world school infrastructures.

This project taught me how to move from a social concern → to engineering a working prototype. I learned to combine user-centered thinking with technical implementation—turning abstract safety problems into actionable software solutions. I also realized how critical network infrastructure, UX clarity, and privacy considerations are when designing systems for real-world emergencies.