'Mark as Safe' Apps?

Posted by Catrin Cude on July 27, 2017 at 2:37pm

Hi Everyone,

I'm after a little advice and thoughts please...

With the awful terrorism events that have taken place in recent months we are looking to develop a practice of ensuring our employees are safe and accounted for.

With this in mind we have intitally been looking at 'mass texting' apps where employees would receive a text messgae and would then text back to declare that they are safe - I was wondering if anyone else has experience of using something like this or currently have something else implemented?

Thank you very much!

Cat

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Replies

Catrin Cude July 29, 2017 at 3:16pm

Hi Sarah and Leanne,

Thank you very much for coming back to me!

Sarah, I shall be sure to Link with you, thanks for the offer! :)

Thanks for the suggestion Leanne, I hadn't come accross these and both sound like great options so will add them to my list!

Thanks again

Cat
Leanne Day July 28, 2017 at 10:31am

Hi Cat

We used to have something similar in my previous company when people went on business trips to high risk countries, but an email would only be sent if they were recognised as being in a certain country. It worked quite well and certainly made me feel a little safer when I was travelling.

Although I don't know of any mass texting apps, here are some other ideas that could work, depending on how many employees you have:

There is an app called 'I am OK' which is available on apple and android I believe which allows people to check in with a specified contact. Theres a similar app called StaySafe.

I've also found this article which is about the companion app. Maybe more suited to an individual rather than a group of people,however still worth looking into.

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/companion-tens-thousands-using-safety-app-...

Another option would be to use Facebook, as whenever there is a big event, such as the recent events in London or an earthquake for example, Facebook creates an event where you can mark yourself as safe and let your friends know.

Other option could be to create a whats app group with all employees. Someone would be responsible for sending out the initial message to the group and then everyone responds with a thumps up or a certain phrase to confirm they are ok.

Hope this helps.

Companion: Tens of thousands using safety app that lets friends digitally walk you home at night

App created by University of Michigan students is now used by men and women all over the world
Sarah Loates July 27, 2017 at 2:41pm

Hi Cat

This sounds like a good idea! I'm not a techy bod and I think you could do with talking with some business continuity type people, I know a few from my previous role and if you LinkIn with me I would be happy to put you in touch with them.

All the best

Sarah