How to create a personal safety circle without feeling watched
Most safety circles feel like constant watchfulness. That’s why your personal safety circle should feel different. My SOS Family lets you choose who knows, when, and how much. It co-ordinates your people fast, quietly, and with respect for your privacy. Let’s look at how to build trust without the feeling of being watched.
Building Your Personal Safety Circle
When it comes to personal safety, having a network you trust is crucial. Let’s explore how you can select and set up your circle of trusted individuals.
Choosing Trusted Contacts
A good safety circle begins with choosing the right people. Think about those who know you well. They could be family members, close friends, or even colleagues. These are the people who should receive alerts when you need help. Remember, it's not about having a large number of contacts. It's about having the right ones.
Talk to your chosen contacts. Let them know they’re part of your safety circle. Discuss scenarios where they might get alerts. This way, they’ll be ready and know what to do if the time comes. If you’re using the My SOS Family app, your contacts don’t need extra apps. Alerts go straight to their phones. This makes the process smooth and straightforward for everyone involved.
Setting Up My SOS Family
Now that you’ve chosen your contacts, setting up My SOS Family is simple. Start by downloading the app on your smartphone. The app serves as your personal safety hub. Adding contacts is easy. You can select them from your phone’s contact list or add them manually.
After setting up your contacts, you can customise your alert settings. Choose who gets notified and how. You can decide whether they receive an SMS, a call, or an email. This customisation ensures your alerts fit your personal needs and circumstances. Once everything is set, you’re ready to feel safer, knowing your circle is just a tap away.
Privacy and Control
Maintaining privacy while ensuring safety is important. Here’s how you can control what you share and with whom.
User-Controlled Location Sharing
When you think of safety apps, constant tracking might come to mind. But My SOS Family respects your privacy. You decide when to share your location. This means you’re not monitored 24/7. Instead, you have the option to share your live location only when necessary.
This feature allows you to feel safe without feeling watched. It's perfect for situations where you need support but value your privacy. For instance, you can enable location sharing only during specific outings, like walking home at night. Once you feel safe, you can turn it off, keeping control in your hands.
Private In-App Chat
Communication with your safety circle should be both effective and private. My SOS Family provides a private in-app chat feature. This allows you to talk to your trusted contacts during or after an alert.
The best part? Conversations stay on your device. They’re not stored on external servers. This ensures that your chats remain confidential. It’s a simple yet powerful way to coordinate with your contacts, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Whether you’re checking in after an alert or discussing plans, your conversations are yours alone.
Practical Steps to Feel Safe
Now that we’ve covered setting up your safety circle and maintaining privacy, let’s look at some practical tools that enhance your safety.
Using SOS Timer and Check In
The SOS Timer is a silent protector. Set a timer when you’re heading somewhere unfamiliar. If you don’t cancel it, your contacts will get an alert. It’s a great way to ensure someone’s aware if something doesn't go as planned.
Similarly, the Check In feature offers simple reassurance. Use it to send quick updates to your circle without raising an alert. It’s perfect for letting others know you’ve safely arrived at your destination. These tools provide peace of mind without making you feel like you’re being monitored.
Integrating Alexa Voice Alerts and Landline Speed Dial
For those who prefer hands-free options, Alexa voice alerts are a great addition. Simply say, “Alexa, start My SOS Family,” and your circle will be alerted. It’s convenient, especially if you find handling a phone challenging in certain situations.
If you have family members who prefer traditional methods, the landline speed dial is perfect. A simple call can trigger an alert, ensuring you have multiple ways to access help when needed. These options cater to various preferences, ensuring everyone can use them comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the My SOS Family app? My SOS Family is a safety app that alerts your trusted circle during emergencies. It sends notifications via phone calls, SMS, and emails, without needing additional apps for your contacts.
How does the SOS Timer work? The SOS Timer lets you set a countdown when heading somewhere. If you don’t cancel it in time, alerts go out to your chosen contacts. It’s a way to ensure someone’s aware if things go wrong.
Is my location constantly tracked? No, your location is not constantly tracked. My SOS Family lets you decide when to share your location, maintaining your privacy while ensuring safety when needed.
How can I use Alexa with My SOS Family? You can use Alexa to send alerts by saying, “Alexa, start My SOS Family.” This feature allows for hands-free alert activation, making it easy to use in various situations.
What is the private in-app chat? The private in-app chat allows you to communicate directly with your trusted contacts during or after an alert. Conversations are stored only on your device, ensuring privacy and confidentiality.
