1) Circle of 6
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Platforms:
class=SpellE>iOS,Android
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This is a very simple
and useful app that allows you to add 6 of your closest friends, and send
notifications to them if you are in need of help. With just a two-touch
sequence, you can send all of the 6 friends an SMS
saying that you need help, along with a map that automatically geo locates
where you are. You can also send SMSes that indicate
you need to receive a call to interrupt an uncomfortable situation, or to
notify friends that you are fine at the moment. This can be a critical app in
India, when people in danger can request help with minimal effort.
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2) One Touch SOS
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Platform:
class=SpellE>Android,Windows
class=SpellE>Phone,Java-enabled devices
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This app is made by an
Indian company, Ideophone. It is a simple one-touch
app that sends a pre-configured message to 3 emergency contacts with the
general location and a pinpoint Geolocation tagged on
google maps. Many of the reviews lauded the accuracy
of the geolocation used by the app. It is also
offered in Deutsch, English and Espanol, making it
useful around the globe.
3)
class=GramE>bSafe
Platforms:
class=SpellE>Android,iOS,Blackberry
This app also allows you
to configure a set of “guardians”, who you will be able to contact in any
emergency. There is a giant SOS button on the main screen, and when touched, it
immediately calls the main guardian and sends an SMS to the rest with your
location-tagged map. With “risk mode”, you can allow your guardians to track
your movement in real-time using maps so they can keep a track of your
whereabouts. There is also a crucial feature called “timer mode”, which sets
class=GramE>an bSafe alarm for when you are
expected to be home safe. If you do not sign out from the app by the period
specified, the app will automatically notify guardians with the entire route
you took. The free version offers basic features, while the premium version
offers the additional “risk mode” and “timer mode”.
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4) FightBack
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Platforms:
class=SpellE>Nokia,Android,Blackberry
This is an app
specifically made for the Indian market, which uses GPS,SMS,GPRS, email and
class=SpellE>facebook to inform contacts if you are in danger.
class=SpellE>FightBack is unique in that it has a web portal that
contacts can log into, and receive alerts if their friends are in danger. The
live data is shown through the portal, along with an embedded
class=SpellE>google map that tags the user's location. Another powerful
feature is that the web portal updates the user's facebook
account with the SOS message for all of their contacts to see. This provides
the greatest visibility so that immediate help can be requested. However, the
user can turn off this feature if they feel the notification is too public. But
these capabilities are crucial in a time of need.
5) SOS Whistle
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Platforms: Android
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Sometimes, a loud and
shrill sound is enough to scare off accosters. The SOS whistle is designed
specifically with that simple notion in mind. Just open the app and click on
the whistle button, and a loud whistle will sound out. The cool thing is it
works even when your phone is in silent mode! Using this app in conjunction
with any of the other apps listed above will provide a two-pronged
class=SpellE>defence against dangerous people on the streets.
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Note:
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"Times New Roman";color:black'>These apps do not require a data connection, but
you have to enable your GPS and location services for the apps to pinpoint your
location to the highest degree in any emergency.
Tips & Tricks
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Save emergency contacts
prefixed with the “!” symbol. This ensures they stay at the top of the contact
book for easy access. Also, tagging them as “ICE”(In
case of emergency) is a standard for officials to use the mobile to call an
emergency contact.
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Emergency numbers:
Police(100), Medical(102), Fire(101)
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Women's Helpline Numbers
: 1091 (Toll-free in most states)
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Save your important
contacts to speed dial so that pressing and holding a single button will immediately
call your closest contact
Please let us know of
any other apps that will help you keep safe in the comments section below!