Maybe Angry Birds is a wise use of your smartphone’s precious space. But if you use your smartphone only to play games or check the weather, you may be missing out on some of the most practical uses of mobile technology. There’s an app for almost everything nowadays, including apps that will help you stay safe.
Apps can help you drive safely, monitor home security and call for help with the touch of a button. Following are four mobile safety apps that can protect you in a variety of situations.
Remote home safety
Even when you’re not at home, you can still keep tabs of your domain. The Alarm.com Home Safety App can be linked to your home security system, giving you instant, real-time access and monitoring from your mobile device. You also have control over some of the security features, making it possible to manage the system – including deactivating alarms – from anywhere you have an Internet connection.
Personal alarm system
There’s no longer any need to feel alone in a dangerous situation. The Guardly personal security app keeps you connected at all times to your friends, family and local authorities. If you feel you’re in danger, you can notify those contacts
End dangerous driving
If you want to take steps to reduce distracted driving, the first thing you should do is put your phone away when you’re driving. But many people don’t – they simply can’t resist returning a call or text message.
Now, phone service providers are coming up with new technology to help you stay safe on the road. AT&T’s DriveMode app, for example, will automatically respond to phone calls and text messages, letting the other party know that you’ll get back to them soon. Just activate the driving setting – before you get in your car, of course.
Get home safely
Are you lost in a strange place, or did you overindulge at a local bar? Either way, the Call a Taxi app can get you home safely. The app automatically finds a nearby taxi and calls it for you, and all you have to do is keep an eye out for your ride.
Understanding your risks in any situation is key to remaining safe and avoiding potential disasters. But technology is also making it easier to manage your safety on-the-go, enabling you to keep tabs on your home’s safety even as you wait for a taxi in a different city. Even if you don’t use these apps every day, they are great resources to have on hand.