We use our smartphones for everything – from accessing apps that organize our to-do lists to using apps that take and edit photos creating perfect selfies. At almost all times, we are equipped with one of the most powerful smart home devices of our time and it’s hardly ever far from our reach. So, why not take full advantage of this technology and use it to stay safer by adding some very useful apps? Whether you are going for late night run or traveling alone for work, knowing that you have a few apps that will help you out in a potentially dangerous situation can give you the peace of mind you need to feel at ease. These easy-to-use, free apps will help if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation.
1. React Mobile. Using GPS, this app can send silent SOS messages showing your location to pre-selected contacts. It can also send group alerts and allow family members or friends to virtually walk you home. The home screen of the app shows a React Mobile Shield that, when tapped, activates the service and sends an SOS alert with your GPS coordinates via text, email, Twitter, or Facebook. There is also a popup to call 911 if needed, and the only way to disable is by using a cancel-alert code. This app also has a feature called Follow Me, which allows permitted family and friends to follow you via GPS in real-time. To set it up, you can choose an amount of time that it will track you, and then hit the, I’m Safe button when you arrived safely so your friends and family know you are safe and sound.
2. Kitestring. While Kitestring doesn’t use GPS to track your location, it works in the opposite way and is activated by inaction rather than action, eliminating the need to open an app or press a button. Kitestring is a web-based service that focuses on helping you safely travel from point A to point B. The app periodically checks-in and if you don’t respond, the app will alert the pre-selected contacts. You can also set a duress code, which immediately alerts all your selected contacts if you find yourself in an emergency situation. And because Kitestring uses basic text messaging, it can be used with any phone.
3. Canopy. This safety app lets you map a route, virtually check in to locations, and easily locate nearby emergency services. Canopy allows you to add people to your circle, updating them about a meeting or letting them see your exact location. This function can be helpful during a night out with friends or a weekend business trip filled with meetings. You can invite anyone you trust to your circle, and ignore any invites from those with whom you’d rather not share your whereabouts. In the case of an emergency, the app also has a 911 call button and an emergency alarm feature to help contact emergency services.
Keep in mind, you should always be aware of your surroundings and there is no substitute for dialing 911 for emergency services in an emergency. However, it may be handy to have a few of these free apps accessible and at the tips of your fingers during a time of trouble.
And although we hope you never have to use these mobile apps, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Keep yourself safe and give your loved ones a peace of mind by using any of these mobile apps.