FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — It’s not an uncommon situation: you find yourself having to walk alone, at night, in a poorly lit and isolated area – how do you call for help if you need it?

For University of Arkansas students, faculty and staff there is – as they say – an app for that.

The Rave Guardian app was developed by Rave Mobile Safety, the emergency communications software company that handles U of A emergency messaging. It can be downloaded easily – and for free – to any Apple or Android smart phone.

“The University of Arkansas is always looking for ways to make our campus safer and more secure,” said Steve Gahagans, director of University Police. “The Rave Guardian app is our latest tool for accomplishing that and it’s one that we hope everyone on campus will use.”

 The Guardian app can help protect you in three basic ways:

1.Sending out an emergency call with the push of a button

2.Helping you create a network of “guardians.”

3.Allowing you to send an anonymous tip to campus safety officials.

EMERGENCY CALL

The Guardian app provides your smart phone with a “panic button.” With a single touch the app will send an emergency message to University Police, along with your GPS location. You don’t have to say a word.

In addition the app lets you create a secure safety profile with the information you want to provide – for example, your description, where you live, your emergency contacts, even your medical condition. That information will also go to the campus 911 center.

This emergency communication isn’t limited to campus, either. The Guardian app can message the nearest 911 wherever you are and send your profile to the nearest Smart 911 system.

GUARDIAN NETWORK

The Guardian app also lets you create a network that can include friends, family, roommates and University Police for quick communication when you need it.

For example — that situation where you are facing a long walk in uncomfortable circumstances. The Guardian app lets you set a safety timer to let your network check in on you. If you don’t arrive safely and deactivate the timer, your profile message will be sent immediately to your network, including UAPD if it’s part of your network, so they can quickly find you and make sure you’re all right.

SENDING TIPS

The Guardian app also provides a way to send a quick, anonymous text message — including photos — directly to University Police if you see something suspicious. Now, you’re becoming a guardian.