SAFETY A SCREEN TOUCH AWAY FOR WOMEN

Press a button to seek help in case of an emergency. Or set off an alarm to deter offenders by just pressing an application on your smartphone, announced a mobile application company to Kochi women.Coinciding with the re-launch of the Jagratha Samiti of the Kochi Corporation on Monday, On Mobile, a mobile, landline and media service provider, introduced to the audience present, Help Me On Mobile — a free mobile application for women safety.Once installed, the “I need help” in the application would send five alert messages to those who care for you in one touch on the phone screen.

Another facility, “I am here” when activated, will release messages every 10 minutes indicating the location at which you are present. This would help travelling women as those waiting for them could get information on travel route and how far they have covered. “These facilities are designed to ensure personal safety of an individual,” explained Archana Anand, director-product management (Information and Entertainment Services) of the company.The app, which is currently available on android-based smartphones can be downloaded for free from Google Play Store or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.onmobile.helpme. By December 15, the facility would be available on Blackberry, IOC and Windows-based phones too, the company representatives said.

The application attempts to bring safety to users by sending out messages with “location updates and panic alerts to chosen family and friends.” It also has a facility to trigger off panic alarm in case of any emergency. The alarms will deter the offenders and attract public attention. The application can also serve as a tracking device for kids and elderly people. It could also be used to seek assistance in case of a medical emergency. Facilities for customising the message were also available with the app, Ms. Anand said.