The Local newsletter is your free, daily guide to life in Colorado. For locals, by locals. Sign up today!
There really is an app for everything these days. We’ve found Colorado-based apps that help you navigate the health care system, find local dining, shopping, and lodging deals, and enhance your workouts. So it came as no surprise to us when we recently stumbled on another new Denver-based app: MyForce, which markets itself as a personal security service for your smartphone, or something of a “personal bodyguard.”
The app was inspired by the blue light safety system on college campuses. Here’s how it works: Whenever you’re in a situation in which you might feel unsafe—walking to your car alone at night for example—open the MyForce app. The app turns your phone into a one-touch security system. Then, if at any moment you’re concerned or feel like you need help, tap the app’s “alert” button. The app connects your phone with the MyForce “security team”—someone who can listen to what’s happening, track your location via your phone’s GPS signal, and, if needed, notify proper authorities. Instead of having to dial 911 and explain your situation and where you are, you only have to tap a button.
Any technology that increases the speed and efficiency with which someone can connect to emergency services sounds like a good idea to us. And it makes sense that a cell phone app would be a good way to go about it. (MyForce is available for a $11.99 per month or $119.99 for a year.)
—Image courtesy of Shutterstock