Tag Archives: smartphone apps

General Safety Issues

SAFETY AND SECURITY IN YOUR VAN (GUEST POST)

Sent by Chris Grasso  

The size and shape of vans lend to some particular safety issues, and since many people assume that vans are carrying something valuable, security becomes an issue, as well. It’s important that your vehicle is not an easy target for those hoping to cash-in on some easy-to-steal valuables. Protection of your family and possessions is an aspect of travel that cannot be overstated. Whether you’re using your van around town or driving it across the country, always keep these safety and security issues in mind.

Mind Your Speed

Conversion vans are high-profile vehicles, and susceptible to flipping over at high speeds. It’s always important to mind your speed on busy highways and unfamiliar roads. Reducing your speed isn’t only a safer way to drive your van, it lowers fuel costs and protects you from speeding tickets. Fewer tickets and accidents also save you money on insurance premiums. Stay at the speed limit, and take care around steep curves, unfamiliar, icy and wet roads. Watch for signs indicating low shoulders, steep curves and slippery conditions.

Be Aware of Surroundings

Dark parking lots aren’t the only time to have your guard up. Sometimes, to prevent being a victim you have to think like a criminal. What target would you pick? Someone distracted loading or unloading a van, people walking to or from the vehicle with their head low, drivers who don’t lock their doors – all these are signals to the would-be criminal that you’re an easy target. Keep your head up and stay alert, even when you’re busy loading and unloading.

Keep Valuables Out of Sight

Many crimes are opportunistic and would probably never happen if the victim hadn’t “tempted” the perpetrator. When you have equipment, packages or other items of value, keep them out of sight. One way is to get a van with tinted windows, like many of the selections at Dave Arbogast Vans. Another option is to keep old blankets or sheets in the vehicle to cover items while you’re away from the van. Someone might not risk breaking in the vehicle if it looks like nothing, but they might risk it if they see electronics, tools or valuable equipment.

Use Smartphone Apps to Stay Safe

One of the neatest security devices we own is in our pocket. There are tons of apps to issue alerts in case of emergency. Some automatically dial emergency numbers if you don’t respond at a designated time. Other apps alert emergency response teams or sound an alarm. Apps range in price from free to about $6, but many of the free apps are actually the highest rated by users.

When it comes to safety and security in your van, there simply isn’t a substitute for common sense. If a situation looks dangerous, listen to your gut. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Chris is a UNC Chapel Hill grad, now residing in Tampa.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues

TOP TEN SAFETY APPS – Guest Blog

Guest Blog – Jesse Harwell is today’s guest author.  We know you will enjoy reading about ways to stay safe, and can benefit from this safety advise.  With these types of safety apps, how much “smarter” can our cell phones get?

Top 10 Safety Apps

There are a number of smartphone apps on the market designed to keep you and your family safe in emergency situations. They cover everything from safe driving and emergency alerts to first aid instructions. Here are the top ten safety apps.

1. Life 360 – Android (Free)

This app is the perfect tool for families in an emergency situation. It has a number of features vital in any disaster situation, such as GPS tracking on family members’ phones, disaster planning tips, communication tools, neighborhood maps of safety points.

2. MyMotolingo – Windows phones ($5/month)

This app is good for parents of teen drivers or spouses of drivers with road rage. It monitors all driver distractions, such as text messages and phone calls, and provides a report of phone activity. It also logs aggressive acceleration, speeding, trip length, and time that can be provided in email reports or tweets. Make sure your loved ones are keeping themselves safe on the road.

3. Playsafe – iPhone ($0.99)

Another factor that distracts drivers is playing and changing music on a mobile device. It makes the iPhone screen into a large button to play and pause music. A simple sideways swipe on the screen changes the track.

4. Silent Bodyguard – iPhone ($3.99)

This app acts like a silent panic button. Press it and the system will send e-mails, texts and social media messages with your location every 60 seconds to everyone on your emergency contact list. Best of all, it’s silent in case you’re in a situation when you wouldn’t want your attacker to know you’ve called for help.

5. Safety NET – Android ($3.99)

If you have loved ones who have medical issues, you might want to have them install this app. It uses a smartphone’s built-in accelerometer to monitor for falls, collisions, or shakes and immediately alerts all the contacts listed in the user’s “Safety Net.” If you accidentally drop your phone or don’t need help, you are also given 15 seconds to cancel the alert.

6. Pocket First Aid & CPR – iPhone, Android ($1.99) 

This app comes from the American Heart Association and provides basic instructions for performing first aid and CPR for adults, children, and infants. This should not be a substitute for complete first aid and CPR training, but it could save a life in an emergency. It also has several videos and illustrations to help you perform first aid and CPR correctly.

7. Emergency Radio – iPhone ($1.99) 

If you’re in an emergency situation without access to power, this app allows you to listen in on radio frequencies from first responders, such as the police, fire department, coast guard, as well as weather stations and air traffic control frequencies. It is currently available for major cities in the U.S., as well as a few around the world like London, Toronto, and Sydney.

8. ICE – iPhone ($0.99)

ICE stands for In Case of Emergency. This app allows first responders and emergency personnel to find your emergency contacts, medical information, and allergies all in one place.

9. Help Me! –Android (Free)

This app provides personal information such as blood type, medical conditions, allergies, and an emergency call button. When the app is open, the screensaver is disabled so that anyone helping you can see the information at all times.

10. Personal Safety – Android ($1.99)

This app provides lots of information to keep you and your family safe. It alerts you of high-crime neighborhoods, severe weather, allergens, air quality, and speed limits wherever you are.

Jesse Harwell is a former private investigator who now owns and manages the site  Master of Homeland Security. It is a resource for students looking to earn a Master’s Degree in Homeland Security.

Wow!  What great information, thank you so much, Jesse!  This is good advice to assist everyone, as we never know when an emergency will happen.  Please pass this on to your family and friends.  Go to Jesse’s website for more ways to stay safe!