The Medical Alert Necklace That Doesn’t Look Like One (And Texts My Kids)
My ‘Stylish’ Guardian Angel
I knew I needed a medical alert device, but I refused to wear the big, ugly plastic pendant from the commercials. It screamed “old and frail.” I found a company called “Belle” that makes a medical alert device that looks like a stylish necklace. It’s discreet and beautiful. If I press the button, it calls an emergency operator, but the best part is that it also sends a non-emergency text message to my son and daughter, just letting them know I needed some help. It’s a perfect blend of safety, style, and family connection.
I Set Up “Emergency SOS” on My iPhone and It Gave Me Peace of Mind
The ‘Panic Button’ I Already Owned
I learned that my iPhone has a powerful, built-in emergency feature that I never knew about. I went into my settings and set up “Emergency SOS.” Now, if I’m ever in a crisis, I can just rapidly press the side button five times. It will automatically call 911 and then send a text message with my exact GPS location to my husband and my children, who I’ve designated as my emergency contacts. It’s a free, easy-to-use “panic button” that provides an incredible sense of security.
How My Video Doorbell Scared Off a Potential Burglar
The ‘Digital Bouncer’ for My Front Door
I was at the grocery store when I got a motion alert on my phone from my Ring video doorbell. I opened the app and saw a man I didn’t recognize walk up to my front door and start jiggling the handle. I immediately pressed the “talk” button and said in a loud, firm voice, “Can I help you?” The man looked up at the camera in shock, turned around, and practically ran off my property. That simple, affordable device didn’t just record a potential break-in; it actively prevented it.
The “Share My Location” Feature I Use When I’m Walking Alone
My ‘Virtual Walking Buddy’
I love my early morning walks, but since it’s still dark out, my husband worries. I started using the “Find My” app on my iPhone to share my location with him. Before I leave, I just share my live location with him for the next hour. He can then see my little blue dot moving along my route from his own phone or computer. He doesn’t have to worry, and I don’t feel like I’m being tracked—it’s a temporary, consensual check-in that makes us both feel safer.
My Smart Speaker Can Call 911 With a Simple Voice Command
The ‘Hands-Free’ Lifeline
I worry that if I were to fall, I might not be able to reach my phone to call for help. I subscribed to an Alexa feature called “Emergency Assist.” Now, if I’m in trouble, I can just say, “Alexa, call for help.” My Amazon Echo speaker will immediately connect me to a dedicated, 24/7 urgent response agent who can dispatch 911 to my home. It’s a powerful, hands-free lifeline that provides a crucial layer of safety, especially for someone living alone.
The “Check-In” App My Family Uses So We Know Everyone is Okay
The ‘Digital Postcard’
My kids used to worry if they hadn’t heard from me all day. We now use a very simple app called “Knotify.” It’s not for conversation; it’s just for quick, easy check-ins. I have a group with my two kids. When I get home from my walk, I just open the app and tap a single button that says “I’m OK.” They both get a simple notification. It’s a non-intrusive way to let my loved ones know I’m safe, and it has completely eliminated those anxious “just checking in” phone calls.
I Put AirTags on My Keys and Luggage and It’s a Game-Changer
The ‘Find My Stuff’ Miracle
I am constantly misplacing my keys. It used to be a frantic, 10-minute search every morning. I attached a small, twenty-five-dollar Apple AirTag to my keychain. Now, when I can’t find my keys, I just open the “Find My” app on my phone and tap a button to make the AirTag play a loud sound, leading me right to them. I also put one in my checked luggage when I travel. It’s a simple, affordable piece of tech that has saved me from so much stress and frustration.
The Carbon Monoxide Detector That Sends an Alert to My Phone
The ‘Silent Killer’ Alarm
Carbon monoxide is the “silent killer” because it’s odorless and colorless. My biggest fear was that my old detector’s alarm would go off while I was away from home, and I wouldn’t know. I replaced my old detectors with Google Nest Protects. Now, if the alarm ever detects carbon monoxide or smoke, it doesn’t just make a loud noise in the house; it sends an immediate, critical alert to my smartphone, telling me what the problem is and which room it’s in. It’s a life-saving piece of technology.
How a Simple Security Camera Setup Lets Me Check on My Home from Anywhere
My ‘Peace of Mind’ Portal
When my wife and I go on vacation, I used to have a nagging worry about our home. I bought a simple, inexpensive indoor security camera from a company called Wyze. The setup took about five minutes. Now, from anywhere in the world, I can open an app on my phone and see a live view of my living room. I don’t use it to catch burglars; I use it to check that we didn’t leave a light on or that the pet sitter came. It’s a simple, affordable peace of mind portal.
The Fall Detection on My Apple Watch Actually Works. Here’s a Real Story.
My ‘Guardian Angel’ on My Wrist
I was carrying a heavy laundry basket down the stairs, missed a step, and took a hard fall. I was stunned and the wind was knocked out of me. Before I could even process what had happened, my Apple Watch started vibrating and displaying a message: “It looks like you’ve taken a hard fall.” It gave me the option to dismiss it or call emergency services. Because I didn’t respond, it automatically called 911 and sent a text to my wife with my location. That feature worked exactly as advertised.
I Signed Up for My Community’s Reverse 911 Alerts. You Should Too.
The ‘Official’ Heads-Up
During a recent wildfire scare, my phone started ringing with an automated call from the local sheriff’s department, telling us about potential evacuation warnings. This is a service called “Reverse 911.” I had signed up for it on my town’s official website. These alerts are a critical source of official, vetted information during a local emergency, from severe weather to police activity. I highly recommend that everyone go to their city or county website and sign up for these free emergency alerts.
The Car Safety Hammer/Seatbelt Cutter I Keep in My Glovebox
My ‘$10 Insurance Policy’
I saw a news story about a driver being trapped in a car after an accident, and it terrified me. I spent ten dollars on a car safety tool. It’s a small, bright orange hammer that has a built-in, recessed blade for cutting a jammed seatbelt, and a hardened steel point for breaking a side window if you’re trapped. I keep it in my glove compartment. It’s a simple, low-tech piece of gear that could be an absolute lifesaver in a worst-case scenario.
How to Create a “Medical ID” on Your Phone’s Lock Screen for First Responders
The ‘Wallet Card’ of the 21st Century
If I were in an accident and couldn’t speak, how would a paramedic know I’m allergic to penicillin or that my wife is my emergency contact? I set up the “Medical ID” feature on my phone. It’s part of the Health app. I filled in my blood type, my medications, my allergies, and my emergency contacts. Now, this critical information is accessible from my phone’s lock screen without needing my passcode. It’s the modern, digital version of a wallet emergency card, and it could save my life.
The Best Personal Safety Alarms That Are Small and Loud
My ‘Pocket-Sized’ Scream
I sometimes feel a bit vulnerable when I’m walking to my car alone at night. I bought a personal safety alarm called a Birdie. It’s a small, colorful keychain. If I ever feel threatened, I can pull the pin out of the top. It immediately emits an ear-piercingly loud 130-decibel siren and flashes a strobe light. It’s designed to startle and disorient an attacker and attract attention. It’s a simple, non-violent safety tool that gives me an extra layer of confidence when I’m by myself.
I Use a Smart Plug to Turn a Lamp on and Off When I’m on Vacation
The ‘Lived-In’ Look
When we go on vacation, I don’t like our house to be completely dark, as it’s an advertisement that no one is home. I plugged a lamp in our living room into a simple ten-dollar smart plug. Using the app on my phone, I can set a schedule for the lamp to turn on at sunset and turn off at 11 PM. It creates the illusion that someone is home, which is a simple but effective deterrent for potential burglars.
The App That Connects You with Trained Responders Before 911 Arrives
The ‘Neighborly’ First Responders
I downloaded a free app called “PulsePoint.” It’s connected to my local 911 system. If someone nearby reports a cardiac arrest, the app sends an alert to me and other CPR-trained citizens in the immediate vicinity. It shows a map of the emergency and the location of the nearest public defibrillator. It’s an incredible system that can get a trained responder to a person’s side minutes before the official ambulance arrives, which can make the difference between life and death.
How to Set Up Your “In Case of Emergency” (ICE) Contacts
The ‘First Call’ for First Responders
I made sure that both my husband and I have “ICE” contacts saved in our phones. “ICE” stands for “In Case of Emergency.” I didn’t just save my wife’s number as “Susan.” I created a new contact named “ICE – Susan” with her number. First responders are trained to look for an “ICE” entry in a person’s phone if they are trying to identify a victim or contact their next of kin. It’s a simple, universal system that helps them help you.
The Water Leak Sensor That Saved Me From a Flooded Basement
The ‘Digital Drip Detector’
My biggest fear as a homeowner is a burst pipe or a leaking water heater in the basement that goes undiscovered for hours. I bought a few small, twenty-dollar water leak sensors. I placed one on the floor next to my water heater and one near my washing machine. They connect to my home’s Wi-Fi. Last winter, I got an alert on my phone: “Water detected in basement.” A small pipe had started to drip. That little alert saved me from what could have been thousands of dollars in water damage.
My Home Security System Was Easier to Install Than I Thought
My ‘Peel-and-Stick’ Peace of Mind
I wanted a home security system but was intimidated by the thought of complex wiring and expensive professional installation. I bought a do-it-yourself system from SimpliSafe. The main keypad plugs into the wall, but all the sensors for the doors and windows are wireless and just stick on with an adhesive backing. The entire setup process took me less than an hour, and the instructions in the app were crystal clear. It was a surprisingly easy way to get professional-grade home security.
The “Are You Okay?” Feature on Some Smart Home Devices
My ‘Digital Check-in’
My kids worry about me living alone. We enabled a feature in my Amazon Alexa Care Hub called “Activity.” If my Alexa devices don’t detect any interaction from me—like asking for the weather, playing music, or turning on a light—for a period of time that we set (12 hours), it will automatically send a notification to my son’s phone. He can then give me a quick call just to check in. It’s a passive, non-intrusive way to give my family peace of mind.
How to Use Your Phone as an Emergency Radio
The ‘News When the Power’s Out’
During a major power outage, our TV and Wi-Fi were out. I wanted to listen to the local news radio for updates, but I didn’t have a battery-powered radio. I learned that many smartphones have a dormant FM radio chip inside them. I downloaded an app called “NextRadio,” which is able to activate that chip. I plugged in my headphones (which act as the antenna), and I was able to listen to live, local FM radio for free, without needing any internet or cellular data.
The Best Apps for Severe Weather Alerts
The ‘Tornado Warning’ in My Pocket
The emergency sirens in my town are old, and I don’t always trust them. For severe weather warnings, I rely on a dedicated weather app. My favorite is “The Weather Channel” app. It sends me immediate, loud, and specific push notifications for things like tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, and flash flood alerts for my exact location. It’s often faster and more reliable than the TV, and it’s a critical tool for staying safe during severe weather season.
I Gave My Neighbor a Spare Key, But My Smart Lock is a Better Solution
The ‘Keyless’ Entry
I used to keep a spare key hidden under a rock, which I knew wasn’t very secure. I upgraded my front door’s deadbolt with an August smart lock. Now, if I need to let a neighbor in to check on my cat while I’m away, I don’t have to give them a physical key. I can just grant them temporary “guest” access through the app on my phone. They can use their own phone to unlock the door, and I can revoke their access the moment I get home.
The Hand-Crank Radio/Flashlight/Charger I Keep in My Emergency Kit
My ‘No-Power’ Power Source
In my “go-bag” for emergencies, my most important piece of tech doesn’t require any batteries. It’s a hand-crank emergency device. If I turn the crank for a few minutes, it can power a built-in AM/FM weather radio, a bright LED flashlight, and it even has a USB port that can generate enough of a charge to make an emergency call on my cell phone. It’s a low-tech, reliable device that ensures I’ll never be completely without communication or light in a prolonged power outage.
How to Tell if Your Home Security System Can Be Hacked
The ‘Weak Link’ in Your Digital Fortress
I have a home security system with cameras, and I was worried about it being hacked. I learned that the biggest vulnerability is usually not the system itself, but the user. The most important thing is to have a very strong, unique password for your security system’s online account. I use a password manager to generate a long, random password. I also enabled Two-Factor Authentication, so even if someone stole my password, they couldn’t log in without a code from my phone. These two steps make it extremely difficult to hack.
The Citizen App: Is It Neighborhood Watch or Neighborhood Paranoia?
My ‘Filtered’ View on Local Crime
I tried the Citizen app, which sends real-time alerts about 911 calls in your area. At first, it was fascinating. But soon, my phone was buzzing constantly with every minor incident within a two-mile radius. It was making me feel more anxious than informed. I realized that while it can be a useful tool, I had to go into the settings and adjust the notification radius to be much smaller. I needed to filter out the noise to get a more realistic and less fear-inducing picture of my immediate neighborhood.
The Fire Extinguishing Ball: A New Kind of Fire Safety?
The ‘Automatic’ Firefighter
I have fire extinguishers, but I worry that in a panic, I might not be able to use one correctly. I bought a few devices called “fire extinguishing balls.” They are lightweight balls filled with a fire-retardant powder. The idea is that if there’s a fire, you can just toss the ball into the base of the flames. When it comes into contact with the fire, it automatically bursts and disperses the powder. I see it as a supplementary, easy-to-use first line of defense, especially for someone with limited strength.
I Use a Location-Sharing App With My Hiking Buddy
The ‘Buddy System’ 2.0
My friend and I love to go hiking on different trails. As a safety precaution, we use a location-sharing app. Before we start our hike, we both share our live location with our spouses back home. We also use an app called “Cairn,” which is designed for hikers. It tracks our trail, and if we are overdue for our expected return time, it will automatically send an alert with our last known location to our emergency contacts. It’s a modern, tech-enabled buddy system.
How to Make an Emergency Call When Your Phone is Locked
The ‘SOS’ Button on the Lock Screen
I learned that even if my phone is locked with a passcode, anyone who finds it can still make an emergency call. On the lock screen where you would enter the passcode, there’s always a button at the bottom that says “Emergency.” Tapping this button brings up a dial pad that can only be used to call 911. It’s a critical feature that ensures a Good Samaritan who finds me in a crisis can call for help, even without knowing my password.
The Smart Smoke Detector That Tells You Where the Fire Is
The ‘Heads-Up’ Warning
My old smoke detectors used to just make a loud, generic screeching sound. I never knew which one was going off or if it was just a low battery chirp. I replaced them with smart smoke detectors. Now, if there’s smoke in the kitchen, a calm voice announces throughout the house, “Warning: Smoke detected in the kitchen,” before the loud alarm even sounds. This gives us a precious few extra seconds to know where the danger is and which way to exit.
The Safest Way to Use a Rideshare App Like Uber or Lyft
The ‘Match Game’ for My Ride
My daughter taught me the three non-negotiable safety rules for using Uber. Rule 1: Match the license plate. Before I get in, I always check that the license plate on the car is the exact same one shown in my app. Rule 2: Ask the driver, “Who are you here for?” They should say my name. Rule 3: Share my trip status with my daughter, so she can track my ride in real-time. Following this simple “match game” ensures I am always getting into the correct, registered vehicle.
How I Taught My Elderly Parent to Use Their Medical Alert Device
The ‘No-Fear’ Rehearsal
My mom was resistant to her new medical alert necklace. She was afraid of pressing the button by mistake. To make her comfortable, we did a “no-fear rehearsal.” I told her that the operators are happy to do tests. We sat together, and I had her press the button. A friendly operator came on the line. My mom just said, “This is just a test.” The operator was lovely about it. Doing this a few times removed her fear of “doing it wrong” and gave her the confidence to use it in a real emergency.
The “Silent Alarm” Feature on My Security System
The ‘Panic Button’ Without the Panic
My home security system has a feature I hope to never use, but I’m glad I have: a “silent alarm” or “duress code.” If an intruder were to force me to disarm my own system, I can enter a special, secondary code. To the intruder, it looks like the system has been disarmed normally. But it secretly sends a silent, high-priority alarm to the monitoring station, letting them know I am in danger and to dispatch the police immediately, without a loud siren.
I Put Motion-Sensor Lights Around My Entire House for Under $100
The ‘Welcome Home, Not Welcome Burglars’ Lights
A dark house at night always made me feel uneasy. I didn’t want the expense of hiring an electrician. I bought a pack of solar-powered, motion-sensor LED lights online for under one hundred dollars. I was able to easily mount them myself around my garage, my front door, and my back patio. Now, whenever someone (or something) approaches my house at night, bright lights automatically flood the area. It’s a simple, cheap, and incredibly effective security deterrent.
The Best Way to Make a Digital “Go-Bag” List
My ‘Grab and Go’ Checklist, on My Phone
I have a physical “go-bag” with supplies for an emergency. But I also have a digital one. In the Notes app on my phone, I have a checklist titled “EMERGENCY GO-BAG.” It lists the last-minute items I would need to grab, like “Medications,” “Phone Chargers,” and “Important Documents Binder.” Because it’s on my phone, it’s always with me. In a chaotic evacuation, I don’t have to rely on my panicked memory; I can just calmly follow my pre-made digital list.
The App That Teaches You Basic First Aid and CPR
The ‘First Responder’ in My Pocket
I hope I’m never in a situation where I need to use it, but I downloaded the official “First Aid” app from the American Red Cross. It’s a free app that has simple, clear, step-by-step instructions for handling common first aid emergencies, from burns and cuts to heart attacks. It even has videos that demonstrate the proper technique for CPR. It’s a powerful educational tool and a vital pocket reference for any medical emergency.
My Car Has an “SOS” Button. What Does It Actually Do?
My ‘Connected’ Car Lifeline
I have a red “SOS” button on the ceiling of my car near the rearview mirror. I learned that it’s part of the car’s built-in telematics system. If I am in an accident or see one, I can press that button and it uses a dedicated cellular connection to link me with a live emergency response operator. They can see my car’s exact GPS location and can dispatch emergency services for me, even if I don’t have my cell phone with me.
The Best Way to Vet a Contractor You Found Online
The ‘Trust but Verify’ Method
I needed a new roof and found a contractor online with a nice-looking website. Before I hired him, I did some digital vetting. First, I went to my state’s official license board website and verified that his license was active and in good standing. Second, I checked for reviews on multiple sites, not just the ones on his own website. And third, I asked him for references from recent customers and I actually called them. This due diligence helped me avoid a potential scammer.
How to Use Your Phone to Document a Fender Bender
Your ‘Pocket Witness’
I was in a minor fender bender. It was a stressful situation, but I remembered to use my phone as my primary documentation tool. First, I took pictures of everything: the damage to both cars from multiple angles, the other driver’s license plate, and their insurance card. I also used my Voice Memos app to record a short note to myself about exactly what happened while it was still fresh in my mind. This digital evidence was incredibly helpful when I filed my insurance claim.
The GPS Tracker I Put in My Car in Case It’s Stolen
My ‘LoJack’ on a Budget
My car is getting older, but it’s still valuable to me. I was worried about it being stolen. I bought a simple, thirty-dollar magnetic GPS tracker online. I keep it charged and hidden in a discreet spot in my car. It has its own SIM card and connects to an app on my phone. If my car were ever stolen, I would be able to give the police its real-time, exact location. It’s an inexpensive way to get the same peace of mind as a professional LoJack system.
The Power Bank That Can Jump-Start My Car and Charge My Phone
My ‘All-in-One’ Roadside Assistant
My car battery died, and I was stranded. Instead of waiting for roadside assistance, I used a gadget I keep in my trunk. It’s a lithium-ion power bank, about the size of a paperback book. It’s powerful enough to jump-start my car, and it also has USB ports to charge my phone and a built-in flashlight. It’s a compact, all-in-one emergency tool that has saved me more than once. I make sure to keep it charged, and it’s an essential part of my car’s emergency kit.
I Use a VPN to Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi Networks
My ‘Digital Invisibility Cloak’
When I’m at a coffee shop or an airport, I’m hesitant to use the free public Wi-Fi because I know hackers can snoop on the connection. I use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) app on my phone and laptop. I just tap one button to turn it on, and it creates a secure, encrypted tunnel for all my internet data. It’s like an invisibility cloak that makes it impossible for anyone on the same network to see what I’m doing. It’s a must-have for anyone who travels.
How to Spot a Skimmer on a Gas Pump or ATM
The ‘Wiggle Test’
I’ve learned to be cautious at gas pumps and ATMs. Before I ever put my card in, I do the “wiggle test.” I grab the card reader slot and give it a gentle tug. If it feels loose, flimsy, or like it could come off, it might be a “skimmer”—a fake card reader that a criminal has placed over the real one to steal your card information. If anything looks or feels suspicious, I just go to a different pump or ATM. A little bit of physical vigilance can prevent a lot of digital theft.
The “Find My” Network That Can Locate Your Devices Even If They’re Off
The ‘Crowdsourced’ Detective
I lost my iPad, and its battery was dead. I thought it was gone for good. But I opened the “Find My” app on my phone, and it showed me its location from just a few hours earlier. I learned that Apple’s “Find My” network uses a clever system. My powered-off iPad sends out a secure, low-energy Bluetooth signal. When another person’s iPhone passes nearby, it can anonymously detect that signal and securely report my iPad’s location back to me. It’s a brilliant, crowdsourced network that helped me find my lost device.
I Created a “Safety Plan” with My Family Using a Shared Document
Our ‘What If?’ Playbook
My family and I decided to create a simple emergency plan. We used a shared Google Doc that we can all access from our phones. In it, we designated an out-of-state emergency contact person that we would all call to check in with. We also set two designated meeting spots—one right outside our house, and one in a different neighborhood in case of a larger evacuation. Having this simple “what if” playbook written down gives us all a sense of preparedness and calm.
The Emergency Whistle App on My Phone
My ‘Loud’ Last Resort
I have a personal safety alarm keychain, but I also have a backup right on my phone. I downloaded a free “emergency whistle” app. If I were ever in a situation where I needed to attract attention—if I was lost on a trail or felt threatened—I can open the app and it will emit an incredibly loud, piercing whistle sound from my phone’s speaker. It’s a simple app that takes up almost no space, but it could be a valuable tool in an emergency.
How to Block and Report Harassing Phone Numbers
The ‘Digital Do-Not-Disturb’
I was getting a series of harassing spam calls from the same number. I learned how to block them. In my phone’s recent calls list, I just tapped the little “info” icon next to the number and selected “Block this Caller.” This prevents them from calling or texting me again. For calls that are particularly scammy or threatening, there is also an option to “Report Junk,” which sends the information to my cellular carrier to help them fight spammers. It’s a simple way to take back control of my phone.
The Best Dash Cams for Proving Your Case in an Accident
My ‘Silent, Infallible’ Witness
After I was in a minor accident where the other driver wasn’t entirely truthful, I invested in a dash cam. It’s a small camera that mounts to my windshield and automatically records everything while I’m driving. If I’m ever in another accident, I won’t have to argue about who ran the red light or who merged improperly. I’ll have a clear, timestamped video of the entire event. It’s an impartial witness that protects me and provides undeniable evidence for my insurance company.
How a Simple Window/Door Sensor Gave Me Peace of Mind at Night
My ‘Digital Tripwire’
Even with my doors locked, I would sometimes feel a little uneasy at night. I bought an inexpensive pack of window and door sensors from a home security company. They are small, wireless, and stick on with adhesive. I put one on my back door and on my downstairs windows. I can “arm” them from my phone before I go to bed. If any of those sensors are tripped during the night, a loud alarm sounds. It’s a simple, affordable system that helps me sleep much more soundly.
The 5 Tech Items That Should Be in Every Senior’s Emergency Kit
My ‘Digital’ Go-Bag
In addition to the traditional supplies, I’ve added five key tech items to my emergency “go-bag.” 1. A fully charged portable power bank to recharge my phone. 2. A hand-crank emergency radio that also has a flashlight and a USB charger. 3. A USB stick containing scans of my important documents (passport, insurance, will). 4. A set of spare batteries for my hearing aids and any other essential devices. 5. A simple, paper list of my most important phone numbers, just in case my phone dies.