Build your personal safety circle for everyday life

You’ve thought about who you’d call if things went wrong. You’ve pictured the moment, but not the plan. Building your personal safety circle means choosing your people and setting up My SOS Family so help is quick, calm and co-ordinated. This isn’t about panic—it’s about a simple everyday safety plan that works for you. For more practical tips, check out everyday safety tips.

Building Your Personal Safety Circle

Creating a safety net that truly works means starting with the people you trust. It's about ensuring that when you need help, it's your people who respond, not strangers.

Choosing Your Trusted Contacts

The first step is selecting those who will stand by you. Think about the family members, friends, or colleagues who you can rely on. These are the people you want in your personal safety circle. Start with a small group, perhaps two to five people. Choose those who know your routines and can react quickly if needed. They don’t need to have the app themselves, they just need to be attentive and ready to help. Remember, the goal is not just to alert them, but to make sure one of them can take action while others are informed.

Agreeing on an Everyday Safety Plan

Once you have your group, it's time to agree on a plan. Discuss how you will communicate in emergencies. Decide on signals or phrases that clearly indicate you need help. Consider scenarios where you might need to alert them, like walking home late or feeling unwell. Make sure everyone knows their role, whether it's making a call, meeting you, or simply providing reassurance. A clear plan helps avoid confusion and ensures everyone knows what to do.

Setting Up My SOS Family

Setting up My SOS Family is simple. You create a list with your trusted contacts and link their numbers to the app. When you need help, a single tap sends alerts to your entire group. The app informs everyone, but as soon as one person takes responsibility, the others are updated. This coordination keeps things calm and effective. The app even lets you customize messages and choose how much information to share.

Practical Steps for Everyday Safety

Everyday safety isn't about living in fear. It's about knowing you're prepared. Here are simple steps to keep your safety plan active.

Practising Quick Alerts

Practice makes perfect. Familiarize yourself with how quick alerts work on My SOS Family. Tap the SOS button a few times to see how it functions. Get your group involved. This will give everyone confidence in how the system works and ensure they're ready when needed. Knowing exactly what to do reduces hesitation in real moments.

Using SOS Timer and Check In

The SOS Timer and Check In features are essential tools. Use the SOS Timer for activities where you might need backup, like a run or a late-night journey. Set the timer, and if you don’t cancel it, your group will be alerted. The Check In feature allows you to let your group know you're safe with just one tap. It's a simple way to reassure them without sending a full alert.

Setting Up Alexa Emergency Alerts

For those who find using a phone challenging, Alexa can be a great ally. By saying, "Alexa, start My SOS Family," you can send alerts hands-free. This feature is especially helpful for older adults or anyone with mobility issues. Setting this up requires linking your My SOS Family account to your Alexa device, which is a straightforward process. This hands-free option ensures help is always accessible.

Enhancing Safety with Technology

Technology can make safety even more accessible. Here’s how you can use it effectively.

Landline Speed Dial and Live Location Sharing

Speed dial on your landline is another quick way to alert your group. Set it up so you can make an emergency call with just one button. For those on the move, live location sharing provides an added layer of security. By sharing your location only when you choose, you keep your privacy intact while ensuring your group knows where you are if needed.

Static Location Sharing and Private In-App Chat

Static location sharing is ideal for letting people know where you are without constant updates. It’s a one-time share when you arrive somewhere new. Additionally, the private in-app chat allows you to communicate securely with your group during an alert. Messages stay on your device, providing privacy and control over who reads them.

Co-ordinates Your People Without Call Centres

One of the biggest advantages of My SOS Family is that it co-ordinates your people without involving call centres. This means faster response times and more personalized help. The app allows your contacts to communicate and decide who will help, reducing duplication and confusion. Your people are your best resource — the app simply helps them act efficiently.

In conclusion, building your personal safety circle is about preparation and trust. By choosing the right contacts, agreeing on a plan, and using My SOS Family, you ensure that help is just a tap away, delivered by the people who know you best.