6 tech devices to keep you and your family safe

6 tech devices to keep you and your family safe

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SALT LAKE CITY — We may often feel bombarded by technology, unsure what we need and what is just excessive. Though we often associate our everyday technology with entertainment, we sometimes forget the tech that keeps us safe.

From doorbell cameras with two-way communication to GPS trackers and high-definition dashcams, here are six devices that can help keep you and your family safe both at home and on the go.

1. Ring Video Doorbell

Safety starts at home, and your first line of defense is probably your front door. A doorbell camera like the Ring Video Doorbell can let you see who’s at the door, so you know what to expect before you answer.

The Ring Doorbell can also record footage and allows you to communicate via two-way audio. It can then upload and store the video footage in the cloud for $30 per year, giving you the ability to easily double-check footage or find clips from specific dates. This feature can come in handy if someone does break in and you need the footage for a police report or investigation.

Head over to our UK Facebook page where we're giving you the chance to win one of 3 new Ring Video Doorbell 2's https://t.co/8WFFhFXGJvpic.twitter.com/sLvJQHA66a — Ring UK (@ring_uk) July 31, 2017

2\. [Nest Cam](https://nest.com/camera/meet-nest-cam/) =====================================================

A security camera is an important and useful safety device to have around. Many would-be burglars won’t even attempt to break into a home that has security cameras installed. If they do, you can use the footage to help police bring them to justice.

The smart camera from Nest is extra useful thanks to its connected features, which allow you to check on your camera from multiple devices. The camera is available in indoor and outdoor versions that record HD video and stream it to the cloud, saving you digital storage space.

The Nest Cam also sends alerts to your smartphone if it detects motion or unusual noise, and you can view the feed right on your phone. It’s a little pricey, but the excellent features may justify the cost. There are also discounts available if you purchase several at once, which is probably a good idea if you want to monitor your entire property.

Back to school. Back to an empty home. Save $30 on a Nest Cam Indoor, now through 8/31. Shop today. https://t.co/WWwoEg5BCzpic.twitter.com/aJa02Q6BjW — Nest (@nest) August 1, 2017

3\. [Philips Lifeline GoSafe](https://www.lifeline.philips.com/safety-solutions/gosafe.html) ===========================================================================================

Medical alert systems, sometimes called panic pendants, are great home safety devices. They’re often associated with and marketed toward seniors, but anyone with long-term health issues who might need to call for help in a hurry can benefit from them.

Philips has been making medical alert systems for a long time, and the Lifeline GoSafe is one of the best on the market. A key feature is the ability to talk directly to the emergency response center when you press the button, something that is rarely found on other systems. Other features include 24/7 monitoring, fall detection and built-in GPS for super-accurate location info.

At home or on vacation, Philips GoSafe helps you feel safe so you can enjoy your life (and your music) #SummitWithUshttps://t.co/C22KcT97Vhpic.twitter.com/XW5w0bhx3y — PhilipsLiveFrom (@PhilipsLiveFrom) June 3, 2017

4\. [Wearsafe Tag](https://wearsafe.com/) ========================================

The Wearsafe Tag takes the concept of a home medical alert system and makes it portable. When you press the button, the Tag gets ready to go to work. If you don’t push the button again within thirty seconds to indicate that everything is ok, the Tag sends an alert to a predefined “circle” of contacts that you set up in a smartphone app. The alert includes an audio feed from where you are as well as location information provided by your phone.

Apple Watch has an app that allows you to skip the physical button altogether and simply send the alert out with your watch, making it even easier to use.

No personal safety system does more to keep you safe than #Wearsafe. pic.twitter.com/NVl8nGDTwZ — Wearsafe Labs (@WearsafeLabs) August 22, 2016

5\. [AngelSense GPS Tracker](https://www.angelsense.com/protect/gps-tracking-for-kids-n/?tap_a=14876-c779a9&tap_s=89315-b78fd5&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=jessicajiron) ===========================================================================================================================================================================

The AngelSense GPS tracker is a similar panic device intended for kids. There are a number of similar devices on the market, but AngelSense is unique because it was designed especially for children with special needs.

It provides an activity log that is updated every 30 seconds with your child’s location, the ability to listen to what is going on in their environment and a special interface for school staff so they can also help keep an eye on your child.

AngelSense also features a “runner mode” that provides GPS updates every 10 seconds and sends an automatic alert to first responders, making it perfect for situations where your child wanders off and gets lost.

AngelSense. A GPS tracker for individuals with disabilities. Know where your child is at all times and check in on… https://t.co/t2NWWQU4LX — Trisha Katkin|Autism (@TrishaKatkin) June 2, 2017

6\. **[Blackcam BCH-1000 Hybrid Dashcam](https://bestautocentral.com/products/blackcam-bch-1000-hybrid-fullhd-dashcam-32gb-gps-black)** ======================================================================================================================================

Dashcams, little cameras that attach to your rearview mirror or sit on the dashboard of your car, are becoming more and more popular. These handy little cameras provide an accurate, eyewitness account of what happens on the road, which can help prove fault in the case of an accident. They can also help deter scammers from trying anything funny since it’s hard to out-scam video footage.

The Blackcam stands out among other dashcams on the market for its smart features. It uses a touch screen control, which makes the viewing area larger than many other cams. It also has a 126-degree wide-angle lens, allowing it to capture more of the surroundings, and it’s strapped down with adhesive pads rather than finicky suction cups that rarely work properly.

Blackcam BCH-1000 Hybrid FullHD DashCam 32GB + GPS (Black): Full HD Front & Rear: 1920*1080 30fps, 1280*720… https://t.co/jYpUsl4XKS#dealspic.twitter.com/S0EMygQmOz — #VideoGames (@VideoGamesFeeds) January 3, 2017

These devices, while solid investments for you and your family, are just the tip of the iceberg. Technology advances at a rapid pace, so keep your eyes out for new innovations to keep you and your family safe wherever you are.


Sage Singleton is a safety expert, previously through SafeWise. She enjoys teaching people safe lifestyle habits to increase family and community security. Sage has written for a variety of publications including MSN, Bustle, Thought Catalog and Porch.

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