While nobody chooses to live in a world of negativity, it's impossible to deny there's plenty of danger out there. Car accidents, ne'er-do-wells, and emergency medical situations all demand a fast, efficient response from authorities. When life gets scary and dangerous, we could all use a little help. Thankfully, an extra layer of security is available in today's digital lifestyle.
We've checked out a pair of apps that help you reach for help in a dangerous or scary situation. bSafe helps you notify friends and family, while 5Star Urgent Response puts you in contact with a trained, professional response agent. Between the two apps, you'll be armed with two different approaches to the same issue: how to get help when you need it.
bSafe
Price: $1.99 per month (premium); free version also available
Download: bSafe for Android, BlackBerry, and iPhone
Tecca rating: 5 out of 5 stars
bSafe works using your smartphone's GPS function. The main screen of bSafe has a big red button in the center. It's labeled S.O.S., making the button's purpose fairly self-explanatory. You set up a group of people through bSafe called guardians; you need at least one, although you should have more. When you find yourself in an emergency situation, you press the big red button. bSafe calls and texts your primary guardian and sends a text message to the others including a link to a map of your location.
bSafe's premium version sports a few extra bells and whistles, but the free and premium versions work essentially the same. You need help, you press the button, and your safety net of guardians are notified of your location.
bSafe is an especially fantastic idea for kids. Parents will feel more comfortable knowing that with the touch of a single button, children can reach an entire network of friends or family — parents, aunts and uncles, friends of the family, and other responsible adults are just a touch away. Since text messages include a location, you can get in the car and be on your way to help your child without delay.
Work with your kids ahead of time to establish when to use bSafe and when to call authorities. Something as simple as a bike accident might not require calling the police or an ambulance, but Mom or Dad will want to know instantly. bSafe is pretty flexible, since you determine how you use it.
We give bSafe 5 stars out of 5 — and considering the free version is so useful, there's no reason not to have the extra resource.
5Star Urgent Response
Price: $14.99 each month
Download: 5Star Urgent Response for iPhone
Tecca rating: 4 of 5 stars
While bSafe connects you with friends or other self-selected, responsible people, 5Star Urgent Response puts you in touch with a certified response agent. Tying into the 5Star Urgent Response network by Great Call, it's far more than just another app on your phone. The app isn't so much a freestanding app as it is a connection to the whole 5Star network.
5Star is a fairly robust system, since you can use the app to reach an agent for almost any reason. If the agent needs to call 911 on your behalf, they can use the GPS navigation on your phone to provide authorities with your location. The advantage to 5Star Urgent Response is that you don't have to wait for an emergency before asking for help. If you're walking along a dark alley and you get the sense you're being followed, you can reach out to get assistance. The trained responders can offer immediate, relevant tips for what you should do to protect yourself. If the unthinkable happens, they can call the police on your behalf right away, even if you're not capable of doing so yourself.
The app costs $14.99 to download, with a continuing subscription fee, and is only available for the iPhone right now. Keep in mind, though, that 5Star is good for all kinds of emergencies — even just as a reassuring voice if you're in an anxiety-provoking situation.
We give 5Star 4 stars out of 5. The app isn't for everyone, but if you like a safety net, 5Star will feel like a welcome reassurance.
Do you need a safety net?
Whether or not a 5Star subscription or the bSafe premium version is worth it comes down to peace of mind. The problem is that it's impossible to universally evaluate whether the cost is worth it without gauging your situation. If you find yourself walking alone in the city often, $14.99 to be able to reach out to a trained, certified agent could be amazing reassurance. Conversely, if you're an able-bodied person who's not often in dangerous situations, 5Star's fee might feel a little extravagant. In bSafe's case, though, a free app is a free app that lets you send your location to several people all at once.
We'd recommend downloading and setting up bSafe — a little preparedness goes a long way. Then ascertain whether or not the additional layer of safety is worth 5Star's subscription fee. If you think you might need to reach out to 5Star's agents, $14.99 isn't much to ask for extra help in an uncertain situation.
This article was written by Michael Gray and originally appeared on Tecca
More from Tecca:
- Everything you need to know about being a tech-savvy parent
- Android App Review: bSafe brings personal security to your phone
- Government safety agency recommends a ban on hands-free cell phone devices
Tecca.com is a personal technology site dedicated to helping you get the most out of the devices, services, and digital media in your life. We're here to reduce the stress and increase the fun by making tech more accessible, more useful, and easier to understand.
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