Once you leave your hometown and your parents to begin a life somewhere else, one thing that consciously or sub consciously stays with you is the fear. Fear of being robbed, fear of getting lost or fear of being misbehaved with. In all these circumstances you tend to place a suspicious eye on everyone around. But will that help? No, simply not. Only thing that can help is the real help available instantly. Advancement of technology has already places a mobile phone in your hands allowing you to call anyone anytime. This facilitates storing the emergency numbers like that of police which is a must. In any emergency your first attempt should be to call the cops. However, it it is not a danger and you only want to assure your safety then technology has come forward with a host of mobile apps that take care of your safety.
One thing before letting you know about the apps, that I would like to highlight here is that no app is 100% foolproof, and cannot substitute for professional first respondents. Here we have compiled a list of 5 best free personal safety apps that can call for help. These are as follows:
1.bSafe
Personal safety app bSafe that can be downloaded for free consists of an incredibly wide array of personal safety features. At the outset, it can be used to privately alert friends that you have safely arrived at your destination. Also, you can send information about your changing GPS location. Additionally, you can setup fake phone calls to slyly escape uncomfortable dates and situations alike. In case of actual help, the app facilitates an audible alarm. It immediately starts broadcasting video captured by your phone and your GPS location.
Here after, the Information is continually collected and recorded. It is shareable with police if it proves necessary to do so. You have two options, you can either activate the alarm manually or you can use the Follow Me Timer mode. This will automatically send an emergency SOS message if you fail to check in before the timer runs out. This is helpful for late night and early morning errands when you desire to disturb people only in case of urgency. The only limitation is that friends and family you designate as your guardians all have to load the app and create a bSafe profile. Otherwise, it will not prove of any great help.
2.Kitestring
Kitestring is a web-based service that checks in with you. It works quite differently and sends an alert to pre-selected contacts in case you fail to respond. The app works through your inaction. The check-ins are sent by SMS text. This implies that the service works even with feature phones. You simply need to visit the free service’s website at kitestring.io. and then have your phone set up. You can visit the Kitestring site to customize your SOS message and activate an SMS message broadcast that will be sent out in 30 minutes, 2 hours, 5 hours or 12 hours.
Alternatively, you can simply text the Kitestring service with the number of minutes in which you want to active your SMS broadcast. Once the time is up, you get a check in message and if for some reason you are not able to reply to that text withing 5 minutes, Kitestring will make your contacts alert. You can also set a check-in word and duress codes, so Kitestring will keep working even if someone else takes control of your phone. All these features make it one of the best personal safety apps.
3.Bugle
The Bugle app is surely one of the best safety apps as it has been created with input from Search and Rescue professionals. The app allows you to set timers to alert friends and family via email and text if you do not return by your scheduled return time. Not only this, before leaving you can create a trip report from your profile which is inclusive of planned campsites, your favorite trails, the equipment you carry and things like these. The mobile phone tracking enables you to leave a digital breadcrumb trail whenever you have cell service.
These app has been designed basically for runners, hikers, cyclists and others who hesitate to take their phone out while doing such activities. Here, the users set how long they are going and also where they are going. If they do not check in within the stipulated time period then the emergency contacts in their phone will be alerted via email and text. In can be used in several circumstances and not just exercising, like if you are going on a blind date, meeting someone from a Craigslist ad, or any activity where you are meeting a stranger and know when you ought to be back. You can get the app from HikerAlert.com with a payment of $4.99 per year.
4.SafeTrek
Unlike other apps, SafeTrek app is an emergency app that allows you to alert the police when you are in a peril. However, it does so with a failsafe in case you do not require help. When you launch the app you have to place your thumb on the Safe button. If you release your thumb off the button you are asked to enter a 4-digit code. If you fail to enter the code, the police are notified. Nothing happens if you do the same. Though it is a good way to inform the cops in any dangerous situation but at times, it may so happen that you are not sure that its time to alert the police. However, prevention is better than cure.
5.Samsung Galaxy’s “Safety Assistance”
“Safety Assistance,” is a built-in emergency tool in Samsung Galaxy S5, S6 and S7 and Note line of phones. It allows you to quickly notify pre-determined contacts that you may be in a trouble. You can enable and configure Safety Assistance. You simply need to tap on Settings > Quick Settings > Safety Assistance > Send Help Messages. Once the feature is turned on, you can send an SOS alert by pressing your phone’s lock button three times. It is inclusive of a map of your location, photos from your phone’s camera and a brief voice recording. Keep one thing in mind that poor network conditions may delay or block these alerts.
All in all, these apps a must have for your safety. It has been rightly said, “ a stitch in time saves nine”.
