California student builds free wildfire warning tool for seniors in Fremont
Vedant Thakker developed the Red Flag Check app to provide address-specific wildfire risk categories using live weather data.
A 16-year-old California student, Vedant Thakker, has developed a free website and app called Red Flag Check to help residents understand wildfire risks. According to the Times of India, the tool uses live National Weather Service data to categorise an address into one of four areas: inside a warning zone, in a downwind threat area, adjacent to a warning zone, or outside the current warning area.
Thakker created the tool after a brush fire occurred near his neighbourhood in Fremont. He noted that red flag warnings often cover large regions, making it difficult for residents to know if their specific home is at risk. He used artificial intelligence to assist with the coding of the application.
The student is currently teaching seniors at the Fremont Age Well Center how to use the tool. Thakker, who has volunteered at the centre for two years, developed the app with older adults in mind due to their vulnerability during disasters.
The Oakland Firesafe Council has shared the resource with the community as part of its wildfire preparedness efforts. The council stated that the project recognises a community need and uses programming skills to create a new resource.
The Oakland Firesafe Council clarified that Red Flag Check is not a substitute for official emergency notifications. Residents should continue to rely on official channels, such as AC Alert and Genasys Protect, for evacuation orders and public safety information.