Apps to help you feel safe when you’re walking alone
WalkSafe
WalkSafe has some really useful features! Firstly, an interactive map allows you to view crime reports in an area, creating hotspots which you can avoid while walking alone. It also has an option for you to report incidents should they happen. I think the app tracks trends and data patterns in the reports to identify crime hotspots. There is even a section to report if street lights aren’t working or if the road just feels unsafe. Additionally, there is a HomeSafe feature which automatically alerts chosen contacts if you don’t reach your destination by a specified time.
HollieGuard
HollieGuard is activated by shaking your phone which then sends an alert to your selected contact group to warn them that you may be in danger. It also records what is going on around you, saves it and sends it to the selected contacts. If the phone is shaken again, it will play a high-pitched beeping and the flash light will turn on to alert people nearby that you’re in danger.
Shake2Safety
Similar to HollieGuard, but is also available when you have no internet. Shake2Safety can be triggered by subtle movements such as shaking your phone or pushing the power button 4 times. Triggering the app causes it to record audio and video as well as sending an emergency message to a chosen contact.
Kitestring
Kitestring is great because you don’t even have to have a smart phone. All you need to do is sign up, which you can do here. Then when you’re going out you can text them a time period for when you expect to arrive at a destination (as you can see in the picture) and they will check in with you after the allotted time. You then need to text back saying you’re ok. If you don’t reply they will send an alert to your pre-determined emergency contact
bSafe
bSafe has a tonne of different safety features designed to keep you safe. Including SOS button which can be activated by touch or by voice and sends pre-determined contacts an alert with your location as well as real-time video and voice recording. There is also a ‘follow me’ function where other people are able to follow your live-location. You can use the fake call feature as a deterrent method or a way of getting out of unwanted situations. There is a feature which tracks your location and allows you to set a time period before bSafe automatically alerts your chosen contacts.
All of these acts work in a similar way, and don’t forget you can always share your live location with your contacts on Facebook, WhatsApp and iMessage – there may even be more social media apps that do this.
Girls Who STEM 