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Every woman has been told that she shouldn’t be on her phone while walking down the street. Staying aware of your surroundings (instead of what’s trending on Facebook) will help keep you safe.
However, in the case of these four apps, you can be on your phone and stay safe at the same time.
Each of these four apps were created to help men and women subtly communicate with the police or with a support network when in unsafe situations. Take a look at the following apps that can help save your life.
bSafe is rated on Google Play as a 4.1, is endorsed by Jada Pinkett Smith and has been chosen by Elle Magazine as the best safety app. Users choose “guardians” (friends you have chosen), who act as your personal safety network. The app has a live “follow me” GPS trace, a timer mode and “I’m here” mode that allows you to send “guardians” to your location. There is also a Guardian Alert button, used for emergencies. This will notify your “guardians” that you need help, shows where you are on a GPS, records a video through your phone and even sets off a siren. In addition, there is a unique feature of the app that gives users the ability to fake a phone call. bSafe features a premium mode and is available for both Android and Apple.
According to their website, this app was “originally designed for college students to prevent sexual violence.” The app allows you to choose your “circle of six” (up to six of your personal contacts), who can be alerted in case of emergency. The app has four icons; each have a unique function. The first is the pin icon. The pin sends your GPS coordinates along with a text to your circle that says, “Come and get me. I need help getting home safely.” The phone icon sends a text saying, “Call and pretend you need me. I need an interruption.” The chat icon sends one that says, “I need to talk.” Lastly, the “I” icon provides information on sexuality, relationships and safety. This app was the winner of the White House/HHS “apps against abuse” technology challenge. Vice President Joe Biden described it as “a new line of defense against violence.” It is free and available for both Android and Apple.
Safe Trek was featured on The Huffington Post, CBS, Lifehack, Tumblr, NBC, USA Today, Bustle and Netted by the Weebies. Safe Trek directly contacts the police when you’re feeling unsafe. To use it, open the app and hold your thumb down on the button. When you are safe, release the button and enter a 4-digit code. If you’re in danger, you release the button and don’t enter the code. The police will then be notified. Unlike other apps, Safe Trek doesn’t require any talking. Instead of contacting friends in unsafe situations, it calls 911. While it does have a free 30-day trail, it can cost either $2.99 a month or $29.99 per year. It is available for both Android and Apple.
This app is all about tracking. According to their website, this happens in three simple steps. The first step “[tells the company] how long to watch over you for.” The app tracks your location for as long as you want to be tracked. The second step “[shares] some details if you like.” You can add notes, pictures or contact a friend to increase the security. The third step “[tells] us when you’re safe.” According to the company, “If you don’t tap ‘I’m Safe’ before time runs out, your loved ones will get an alert.” The app is free, but it is $4.99 to have access to unlimited SMS alerts. It is available for both Android and Apple.
These apps give you that extra security as you walk home and the piece of mind that help is only one button away. With these emergency callers in your back pocket, arming yourself has never been so subtle.
