Working Late? These 5 Apps Will Keep You Safe

Having to look over your shoulder on the way back from work is nobody’s idea of a good time. Fortunately, you can ease some of your anxiety by using a security app for mobile devices. Simply follow the link for a neat roundup of 5 amazing apps that save lives on the daily.

Here’s what they’re capable of, and why you need one whenever you’re out and about late at night.

Why You Need a Safety App

You might have taken all necessary precautions while out at night – sticking to well lit and familiar areas, not wearing headphones, and so on. However, you never know when a criminal may have their sights on you and throw caution to the wind. The bystander effect is also a real thing, and not many people would readily jump in to stop an assault.

In such cases, you might not be able to pull out your phone and call emergency services. Panicking will only exacerbate the problem as well, so you need a surefire way to send a help signal without any effort.

Thankfully, safety apps such as those recommended at the start can:

• Use GPS tracking so your loved ones can ensure you return home safely. Useful in case you deviate from your usual route home to escape a potential assailant or stalker. Some apps simply notify your circles of your safe arrival.
• Get you out of awkward or uncomfortable situations with strangers with a well placed fake call.
• Send a distress signal with your coordinates to your chosen contacts. No need to dial any numbers – a touch, voice command, or even a single scream are enough to trigger the alarm.
• Other useful integrations are audio and video feeds after alerting your contacts. That way your loved ones can monitor the situation without rousing suspicion in potential attackers.

All in all, safety apps are a great way to put your mind at ease, even if just a little bit. Naturally, you should still stick to safe paths at night. That one shortcut may help you get home faster, but it’s definitely not worth risking your life over.

5 Amazing Security Apps – A Quick Rundown

ProPrivacy has a more in-depth look at each of these apps (just follow the link in the beginning). Here’s what makes each one stand out, to get an idea about what to expect.

#1 bSafe

bSafe includes GPS tracking for trusted contacts, as well as a fake phone call feature to get you out of creepy (and potentially dangerous) interactions. Voice-based SOS activation is useful in those scenarios where you don’t have time to look for your phone in your pockets or bag. Incorporates audio and video feeds when the alarm is triggered.

#2 Life360

A family safety app that lets you add all the important people in your life to a Circle. You can all check up on each-other, as your locations are updated in real-time. Add places of interest such as your workplace, schools, restaurants, and so on for easy check-ins and meet-ups. For emergencies, simply touch your phone screen for Life360 to notify your Circle, and inform them of your location.

#3 Kitestring

Extremely useful SMS-based service that works without a smartphone. Also great if you live in an area without great mobile Internet reception. Simply “check-in” with Kitestring when going home and you’ll receive texts along the way. You can either reply via text or visit the Kitestring website to “track your progress.” The app informs your emergency contacts if you stop responding.

#4 One Scream

Pretty self-explanatory app name. It reacts to panic screams and alerts your emergency contacts with your location. Android users also benefit from an audio feed feature so you can communicate your situation to contacts. You can also dismiss the alarm within 20 seconds if unintentionally activated.

#5 Red Panic Button

Yet another easy to use and highly customizable app. Just push the emergency red button and your contacts will be notified by SMS and email. Your location will also be broadcasted via Google Maps link, and you have the option of attaching a short distress recording as well.

And there you have it. These apps should help you feel safer outside at night, no matter your situation. Just remember to keep your phone charged at all times, or carry an external battery with you. Some of these apps have features that are pretty battery-intensive, so it’s best to be prepared.

Martin Woolridge

“Pop culture advocate. Troublemaker. Friendly student. Proud problem solver.”