Safety Beyond The Screens

At Modo Networks, cybersecurity and IT safety are often the top of mind and central themes of our conversations. But physical safety is just as much a priority and concern to our company.

In the last year, we have experienced many unforeseen threats to our collective safety and health. Often these challenges can remind us of the importance of a proactive plan so we are not blindsided when threats arise. This is not meant to be ‘doomsday preppers’ or ‘Apocalypse Day planners’, but we would like to take some time to highlight a few safeguard programs and protection items brilliant people and organizations have created.

1. TXT 4 Help – National Safe Place – TXT 4 HELP is a nationwide, 24-hour text-for-support service for teens in crisis.

Here’s how it works:

• Text the word “safe” and your current location (address, city, state) to 4HELP (44357).
• Within seconds, you will receive a message with the closest Safe Place site and phone number for the local youth agency.
• For immediate help, reply with “2chat” to text interactively with a trained counselor.

It’s quick, easy, safe, and confidential. TXT 4 HELP is a free service offered to all youth in crisis.

1. ACH Youth Emergency Shelter – The Youth Emergency Shelter (YES) is the only such shelter in Tarrant County offering 24/7 safe shelter to runaway, homeless and street youth, and trafficking survivors, ages 10-17. ACH works to reunite them with their families, or find safe and stable alternative living arrangements. The program provides outreach, education, advocacy, counseling, and case management services for foster care and community youth who are experiencing family crisis, family conflict, or homelessness.
2. Birdie Personal Safety Alarm – To help deter an attack, activate the LOUD 130db siren and flashing strobe-light. Birdie comes with a solid brass keychain to transition with you from day to night––around town, on the trails, across campus, and out at night.
3. Flare Cuff – Flare Cuff is a stylish bracelet that can save your life. You download the app, set it up with your emergency settings and it can Text friends (and 911) your GPS location when you need help. With Flare, utilize your friends and technology to live a safer life, with more control and confidence, no matter where you are.
4. Life 360 Family Locator -This app offers location safety, driving safety and digital safety. We like that this app is tailored to families, but can work well for individuals also. You can simplify safety with a 24/7 support system — including live agents and smart tools to protect your family around town, on the road, and online.
5. Situational Awareness – The ability to defend yourself in a life-threatening situation starts long before touching a weapon; it starts with what the military calls, situational awareness. Situational awareness can be defined simply as “knowing what is going on around us”. Consider finding situational awareness training exercises you can try with your family and friends.

Our hope is that this topic will spark conversations within your own organizations, families or communities. Discussing and creating an action plan is a proactive approach to providing a safer environment. Working together, we can create a safer community for us all.