If you ever walk alone at night and feel unsafe, or if you’re worried about a bad date, there’s an app for that, several of them in fact.
You can download them to turn your smartphone into a personal security device. Some come at a monthly cost while others are free or available for a one-time download fee.
Personal Monitor
For Android and Blackberry only
Developed by Canadian company Mindr Mobile, the Personal Monitor app turns your phone into an automatic alarm. The app prompts you to check in periodically. If you do not respond, an alert is sent by email, text or phone call to a predetermined list of close friends or family. The message can include a GPS location.
Personal Monitor has been endorsed by the National Council of Women of Canada.
Cost: monthly subscription of $2.99
MyForce
For both Android and iPhone
Developed by an Alberta company, the MyForce app puts you in touch with a live monitoring agent when you press the icon. Your phone also automatically begins recording audio. Once an emergency is confirmed by the audio, dispatchers will contact 911.
You can also activate MyForce when in a potentially unsafe situation, such as walking alone at night. A monitoring agent will listen to your phone’s audio feed until you press cancel.
The app uses GPS to pinpoint your location. Users provide the company with profile information including a photo, emergency contacts and known safety issues.
Cost: Free app download; monthly service plan $11.99.
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SafeSnapp
For both Android and iPhone
In a potentially threatening situation, you can use the SafeSnapp app to send a message with photos of the suspicious person and your GPS coordinates to your emergency contacts. To send out the alarm, tap the icon, point your phone at the person you feel threatened by and the app will take three photos. If the attacker goes after your phone, an email has already been sent.
Cost: one-time fee of $3.99
Circle of 6
For both Android and iPhone
Originally designed for college and university students, the Circle of 6 app, if activated, will send an email with your GPS location to six friends or family members. If you are on a bad date, you can send a text asking for one of your circle to call to interrupt a threatening situation.
Cost: free
bSafe
For both Android and iPhone
The bSafe app allows you to set up a network of friends and family, with whom you can share your location, allowing them to follow you with GPS. You can use the ‘I’m Here’ feature to let friends know where you are and that you are safe.
By activating the alarm, your phone will start video and audio recording. A text message will be sent to your network alerting them you are in trouble.
Cost: free
While these apps can help keep you safe while walking alone at night or if you’re on a date that could go bad, experts say in the event of an actual attack, your best option is to call 911 immediately if you can reach your phone.
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