For the fourth straight year, an Ottumwa Schools/homeschool student will be advancing to the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals. Charles Smith, third grade, placed first overall in all age groups in the K-12 State Invent Iowa competition held virtually on Monday, April 18. This event was hosted by the Belin Blank Center at the University of Iowa.
Charles invented an app called the E.F.A.F. (Emergency Floor plan App for First Responders). It is an app that first responders can use on their devices. This app allows dispatchers to send the floor plan of buildings to the first responders allowing them to create a plan before arriving on the scene of an emergency, which can save valuable time, help reduce injuries, and save lives.
The Invention Convention U.S. Nationals will be held May 31 through June 3 at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. Congratulations to Charles and good luck at the national competition!
Smith's presentation for his invention.
Mock up of how the app would work.
Examples of floor plan view on app.