Installation of a Simple Float-Based Flood Early Detection Device as a Community Early Warning System in Sidaharja Village

Abstract

Sidaharja Village, Suradadi District, Tegal Regency, is one of the areas with potential flood risk due to river overflow, particularly around the village connecting bridge where the ground level is relatively close to the river surface. The main problem faced by the community is not only flood risk, but also the absence of a simple early warning system that is easy to understand, easy to install, and practical for residents to use. This community service program aimed to provide education on flood hazards while installing a simple flood early detection device as an initial warning medium for nearby residents. The implementation method consisted of site surveys, community clean-up activities around the bridge, device design and assembly, functional testing, device installation, demonstration of how the device works, and handover of the device to village officials and youth organization members. The device was developed using a float mechanism and a simple electrical circuit. When the water level reaches a certain threshold, the float activates the otolevel switch, which turns on a warning light and siren. The results of simple interviews with 15 residents showed that 10 residents were categorized as understanding and 5 residents were categorized as moderately understanding the function and mechanism of the device after the socialization and demonstration activities. These findings indicate an initial improvement in residents’ understanding of flood early warning, although the evaluation remains descriptive and does not yet measure long-term preparedness impacts. The program produced outputs in the form of a simple flood early detection device, educational media, and initial community experience in understanding an early warning system based on simple technology. Program follow-up is needed through device performance monitoring, periodic maintenance, more measurable activation threshold determination, and strengthening residents’ roles in maintaining the sustainability of the device.