“Although there may be many more threats lurking on the streets in the dark, our lives don’t stop when the sun goes down. In order to make walking on dark streets a little more daring, it is recommended to know the emergency call method on your smartphone, to activate the bSafe app before walking, and not to ignore the safety functions provided by the popular Strava when running or cycling,” states Telia’s smart devices. expert Marijonas Baltušis.
Unknown security features
Nowadays, both iPhone and Android smartphones offer users a variety of security solutions, even without shipping specialized apps. For example, pressing and holding either of the iPhone’s power and volume buttons simultaneously for about five seconds will automatically dial a general emergency number. This can be especially useful in a stressful situation, when you have to call for help without taking your phone out of your pocket or unable to unlock it.
At the time, newer Samsung models offer a very useful SOS message solution. If you visit the advanced settings of these phones, you will find the option “Send SOS messages”. There it will be possible to choose which contacts to inform about the danger and whether to also send them pictures and audio recordings. After activating this function, it is enough to quickly click the activation button three times, and the designated persons will be instantly informed about your danger by adding the location and other important data.
“When planning a longer walk after dark or using shuttle services in the dark, iPhone owners are recommended to activate the “Safety Check” function, which will allow loved ones to follow your journey and report any malfunctions. In the stock messaging app, simply select the person you want to provide this information to, click the “+” icon next to the message text box, and hit Safety Check. Then it will be enough to choose from two options – “When I Arrive” and “After a Timer”, advises M. Baltušis.
The first option is more suitable for sharing travel information with family members or friends, as it allows them to see how you are traveling and when exactly you will reach your destination. The second option should be reserved for going on a date or meeting with less familiar friends, to whom your route information would only become available if the trip is not completed within a set time.
bSafe – even more tools for self-protection
If you want to protect children or you have to travel around the city at night quite often, bSafe can provide additional protection. This app, available for Android and iOS platforms, was created by rape survivor Charlen with her father. The tool, inspired by traumatic experiences, has already been tested by millions of people from 125 countries around the world.
After downloading bSafe, the user is asked to register all “trusted contacts” who will be able to know his location at any time and receive his request for help in the event of an emergency. One of the more original functions of the application can be called the funny sound that the smartphone’s speakers start emitting when the SOS mode is activated by voice or by pressing a button. This siren can help deter attackers, at least for a short time, until emergency services or friends respond to an automatically sent request for help.
However, if you’re worried that making a loud noise will only give away that you’re trying to call for help, this feature can be turned off in the app’s settings.
“While the victim is fighting the criminals, their chosen ‘trusted contacts’ can see not only the victim’s location, but also what is happening at the crime scene. After activating the SOS mode, bSafe automatically starts recording the image and sound of the smart camera. Charlen, the creator of the app, emphasizes that this is important both for the rescuers in order to understand what happened, and for the victim herself, when later proving the guilt of the attackers in court”, adds the specialist.
In addition, bSafe also offers several solutions to prevent attacks. For example, the “Fake Call” feature can help you avoid awkward conversations with strangers, and the timer option will send a help request to trusted contacts if you don’t stop the ticking timer by a set time. True, it is important to mention that “bSafe” will work most effectively when the app is used not only by the victim, but also by her closest people.
It is necessary to take care of safety even during sports
As the public’s health concerns grow, more and more people are venturing into the dark alleys not in search of or returning from entertainment, but to improve their physical fitness. If you only find time to run or bike late at night, it’s worth noting the safety features of this Strava app, a favorite of fitness enthusiasts.
The solution, called Strava Beacon, works very simply. Before starting the workout, the user selects up to three safety contacts in the app, who will receive a link to the interactive map. These contacts don’t even need to be members of the Strava community – the link can be sent to them via SMS. It is enough to click on it, and the location of the runner or cyclist can be monitored in real time right in the browser of the device. This way, your loved ones will always know where you are and will be able to react quickly if they see unusual deviations.
“The latter function is important not only because of the fear of being attacked, but also in order to get quick help in the event of an accident. The Strava forum features posts from people thanking the Beacon feature for saving their lives and sharing stories of how it helped get medics in time after falling off their bike and suffering multiple fractures on a remote mountain trail. Even if you don’t need it, sharing your location without much effort will help you better focus on your training and more confidently pursue your sports goals after the sun goes down,” the smart device expert is convinced.
2024-09-11 19:35:30