Panic button app roundup - July 2023

[Jan]

Best panic button apps in South Africa

South Africans concerned about their personal security have several smartphone apps they can install to get help from emergency services at the tap of a button.

A physical panic button can be a valuable, potentially life-saving accessory, particularly when your phone is damaged in an accident or stolen.

 

[FiestaST]

Namola Free (povo spec) tier = thank you very much.

 

[garyc]

With apps like Namola, does anyone know if the police / ambulances actually respond to the alerts that it sends? If so, it may be useful.

 

[PsychoCJ]

You forgot to mention that countless security companies has they own mobile panic app for their clients.
Beagle watch, trss, mapogo, EPR, dowry, 247, defensor, mamba, mid alarms, copwatch, Bloemsec. Just to name a few. Not sure about pricing, but won't be much more than what you already pay for armed response.

 

[backstreetboy]

@rvZA

 

[rvZA]

@rvZA

Thanks @backstreetboy, but, ammunition and arm-wise, I am indeed ready and stocked up sufficiently to protect myself during the current civil war we are facing in SA.

 

[redspark]

AA member here. I will look into the AA Rescue Me app

 

[Paul_S]

A panic button app on a mobile phone is pretty useless in most scenarios. They are a false sense of security.
Firstly if you're being mugged for your phone you will not have time to unlock your phone never mind open the app and activate the panic.
Secondly, if your mobile phone is stolen there is no way to track your movement - only your last known location will be known (if you managed to activate it in time).

Standalone hardware based panic buttons with GPS tracking are a much better idea. Firstly they have little/no value to a thief so they're less likely to be stolen (hand the thief your phone and wallet but keep the button in your pocket/sock) and secondly they can be activated much faster than a mobile app on a phone.

 

[wingnut771]

A panic button app on a mobile phone is pretty useless in most scenarios. They are a false sense of security.
Firstly if you're being mugged for your phone you will not have time to unlock your phone never mind open the app and activate the panic.
Secondly, if your mobile phone is stolen there is no way to track your movement - only your last known location will be known (if you managed to activate it in time).

Standalone hardware based panic buttons with GPS tracking are a much better idea. Firstly they have little/no value to a thief so they're less likely to be stolen (hand the thief your phone and wallet but keep the button in your pocket/sock) and secondly they can be activated much faster than a mobile app on a phone.

link?

 

[Paul_S]

link?

For populated areas with mobile network coverage something like:

Panic Buttons: For Cars, Homes, Estates, Business & Elderly

MyLifeline’s panic buttons: In-car, app, wireless, with GPS. Ideal emergency button for homes, estates, elderly & business security in South Africa.

mylifeline.co.za

V28 Necklace Style GSM Mini LBS WiFi AGPS Tracker SOS Communicator(Black) | bobshop.co.za

Buy V28 Necklace Style GSM Mini LBS WiFi AGPS Tracker SOS Communicator(Black) for R700.42

www.bobshop.co.za

If you're heading out into a remote area where there is spotty or no cellular network coverage then you want to be looking at a satellite based PLB/ELT. Private pilots flying over remote terrain (back country flying) or people sailing out into the big blue ocean often carry one. It transmits your location via satellite and has long run times (days). Some have two-way satellite messaging.

SPOT vs PLB vs InReach - Emergency Communications Comparison - Lotsafreshair

Comparison of emergency communications for outdoors adventures like hiking. SPOT Tracker, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) and Garmin InReach.

lotsafreshair.com

Garmin Inreach Mini

Buy the Garmin Inreach Mini from Garmin online at outdoorwarehouse.co.za and get it delivered to your door. Many ways to pay & get instant savings on adventure gear with Outdoor Rewards.

www.outdoorwarehouse.co.za