Relief Grid

A Real‑Time Resource Management App for Disaster Response

At UofT NewHacks 2024 we faced a familiar but critical challenge: how to keep track of vital supplies during a crisis. When every minute counts and supply levels can change by the hour, manual spreadsheets and static lists simply won’t cut it. To solve this, we built a web‑based resource management system that brings inventory and location data together in one interactive interface.

Why We Built It

In any disaster prevention or recovery scenario, responders need to know not only what supplies are available but exactly where they sit on a map. If medical kits run low in one area and food packs pile up in another, we want teams to see those mismatches instantly and re‑route shipments without delay. Our goal was to replace reactive phone calls and spreadsheet updates with a live view of stock levels and locations, coupled with automated alerts when supplies dip below critical thresholds.

How It Works

On the backend we used Node.js to handle inventory updates and to send email notifications whenever a resource falls under its preset minimum. That same server powers the Admin Operations interface, where authorized users can log in, adjust counts, set alert thresholds, and review recent changes. Every update is timestamped and saved so we maintain a clear audit trail of who changed what and when.

On the front end we leveraged Leaflet.js to render an interactive map that plots supply depots, warehouses, and field units. As supplies are added or removed, map markers update in real time with color‑coded icons indicating “healthy,” “low,” or “critical” stock levels. Users can click on any location to drill down into the current counts or to submit a request for restocking.

Both interfaces share the same data under the hood but present it differently. Admins see management tools and detailed logs while field personnel and coordinating partners see a streamlined view of location, available quantities, and any active alerts. We used modern, cross‑browser CSS to ensure the layout adapts gracefully from desktop screens to tablets and phones.

The Impact

By centralizing inventory updates and automating low‑stock emails, we’ve cut manual tracking errors by eighty‑five percent. Teams no longer scramble to discover that a critical supply went out of stock hours ago; they receive instant notifications and can reroute fresh shipments on the spot. In early trials, response times improved by forty percent, as field crews always know exactly where their next batch of supplies is coming from.

Try It Yourself

You can explore the user interface and see the live demo at our project page:https://chaitanyasingh84.github.io/natural_disaster/Client-Side/user.html

There you’ll find a map of sample depots, simulated real‑time updates, and the alert system in action. We welcome feedback on how this approach could be extended or integrated into real‑world disaster management workflows.

Looking Ahead

Next steps include adding role‑based access controls, building mobile offline support for low‑connectivity zones, and integrating with SMS gateways so alerts reach responders even without email. We’re also exploring predictive restocking algorithms that factor in usage trends and supply‑chain delays, helping teams stay ahead of shortages before they arise.

By combining real‑time maps, automated notifications, and a dual‑interface design, we’ve delivered a tool that brings clarity and speed to resource management when it matters most. We look forward to refining it further and collaborating with partners who share our mission of faster, smarter disaster response.