Profile: Safety Minded

Why would I need a phone for safety and emergencies?

Peace of Mind
Many people s ay they feel more secure having a mobile phone available in case of an emergency. Unfortunately, there's no telling when and where you might need assistance, but with a mobile phone you can call for help whenever and almost wherever you might need it. Like a fire extinguisher, a phone leaves you feeling prepared and with the peace of mind of knowing you can summon help if you need it. For you and your loved ones, this peace of mind can be very comforting.

When would I benefit from having a phone?

In Your Car
When your car breaks down or when you have a flat, you won't have to leave the safety of your car to call for roadside assistance. And if you witness an accident, you can call to help out someone else in need.

Remote Places
When you hike, bike, camp or ski, you'll often be away from civilization. If you become lost or hurt in a remote area, a cellular phone can link you to safety.

When Other Phones Aren't Available
If the phone lines go down in a storm or if the battery dies in your cordless phone, you can use your mobile phone as backup.

Out and About
You can use your phone to call a cab, get directions if you get lost or let your dinner companions know you'll be a few minutes late. Plus, with the push of a button you can dial 911 and get help if you find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.

How do I choose the right products and services for me?

Cellular Phones
For infrequent emergency use, there are many free or very affordable phones that will serve your needs. You will want a phone with the ability to transmit in analog (since digital coverage is often poor in remote areas). Also, make sure to pick a phone with a battery standby time of at least 48 hours so that you'll have plenty of "juice" to make calls if you're away from a power source.

Service Plans
When reviewing service plans, it's important to make sure that you will have service in the places where you might need to use your phone. Examine the coverage maps and verify that the highways and roads you drive on frequently are covered. Many plans geared specifically toward safety users offer a modest number of anytime calling minutes for less than $30 a month. Be wary of plans that don't offer analog service, which is available in many remote areas where there is no digital coverage.

Accessories
To make sure your phone is always charged, consider tossing a car charger in your glove box or carrying an extra battery in case yours runs out of juice. You'll be prepared for any contingency, whether on the street or in your car.