Schools Alert is an application that allows the user to send multiple emergency type and safety related text messages and/or emails (needs internet connection) through a 3-touch or 1- touch system.
It is advantageous in various emergency and safety situations pertinent to the Schools environment specifically. It allows users to send pre-built urgent messages to their preferred contact(s) to initiate and ask for help and to diffuse situations. This app is made with a focus on potential safety situations that arise for Schools children and adults within that environment.
For example:
If some kind of bullying situation is taking place, a bystander can send the message, “Someone is being bullied” to notify the appropriate individuals to help resolve the situation.
If a situation arises where someone gets hurt, an individual can send the message, “Someone got hurt and needs help immediately” to alert others to receive help.
The 1-touch feature: Open App. Press Panic. (Emergency message “ I need help immediately; Emergency Situation” is sent to all contacts)
The 3-touch feature: Open App. Select suitable message as per situation. Press ‘Send Message’ (Selected message is sent to all contacts)
The app comes with eight pre-written messages that the user can instantly select and send. Users have the option to include additional information to most of the messages. For instance; in the message “Allergy Alert- Need immediate help”, users can add the specific trigger that brought on the allergy in the dialogue box built in for this message. This additional information can be important in providing valuable information to receive the best help from the recipients of the message.
Each time the user is ready to send a message, they have the option of editing their contact list so it is optimized to that situation’s need. The user is able to select specific contacts within their contact list by checking off the contact names. Users also have the option of taking a photo and sending it along with the message. This is in the form of MMS and therefore requires an internet connection.
The content of the message includes: actual message, sender’s location (dependent on internet connection), sender’s contact information (based on the initial form completed by user)
All messages have built in audio feature; therefore recipients of the messages both receive a text along with an audio recording of the message.
In order to use the app, users accept the terms and conditions for the app. Then users fill out a form giving their name, current country, e-mail, phone number, and exact location. This information is included in messages sent without the use of internet. Users then add contacts to this app through their phones contact list.
Note: The messages can be sent to contacts around the world; dependent only on the user’s phone SMS plan.
Note: This app is not intended for users under the age of 12.
In the future, this app will support multiple languages (both written and audio message)