Cell phones and GPS need backup in the backcountry

PR Log (Press Release) – Nov 05, 2009 – ”Backcountry snowboarder found after cold night”
“Injured skier luckily found by chance after hitting a tree”

Each year we read tragic stories of people getting lost or hurt in the backcountry even with high tech toys of cell phones and GPS units. The reason many find themselves relying on such tech toys is because they are single and have no one to notice if they go missing. If you do not have a roommate, spouse, friend or family to notice your absence, you are taking a risk with your life. By the time anyone does notice, often there is no clue as to what you were wearing, what you were doing or where to begin a search. With millions of singles living alone and being separated from family and friends, more are finding themselves without the traditional support system.
SafeCheckIn.com gives individuals the security of having a human monitored backup waiting for their return from any activity all the while protecting their privacy. With more individuals going off to the backcountry alone, it becomes even more important to have a service like SafeCheckIn.com making sure those who explore independently in the backcountry come back safe.
SafeCheckIn.com members enter specific information about themselves as well as information about any activity they are going to do (creating an “event”). When they “check out” SafeCheckIn will monitor their event until the member “checks in” again.  If the member is overdue then SafeCheckIn will attempt to contact the member to update their status.  If SafeCheckIn cannot reach the member, we then contact the people that the member has designated as emergency contacts with the local authorities being contacts of last resort. SafecheckIn.com does not send out emails or texts but actually calls the emergency contacts and makes sure there is notification AND action! For years police and Search & Rescue professionals have been telling people to let others know when they go out alone-a personal “flight plan” so to speak.  They need timely notice, a good description and a place to start looking.  SafeCheckIn.com provides all of that and can help avoid false alarms.
While many think they can rely on the technology of cell phones or GPS units, most have no idea of the limitations these devices have (In spite of the manufactures hype.). In fact Search and Rescue organizations are becoming increasing wary of such devices and their use by unprepared users. Everyone knows that cell phones often lose signal and batteries die. GPS units rely on a clear view of the sky.  That requires a full horizon to allow the series of satellites to set a location.  If mountains, canyons, dense forest surround you or you are under something, you have no GPS signal. Also what if you are physically unable to use a phone or GPS?  Add to that, the inaccuracies of many of the mapping systems, the penalties for improper use (false alarms), and you have liabilities that can be avoided.
Nobody plans on a sprained ankle, hitting a tree, getting lost or having a medical emergency. In the event that you fall victim under any circumstances, SafeCheckIn.com will increase your odds of being a success story. Visit our website for more please.

MEDIA TRIAL: for a free One Month account to review SafeCheckIn.com, please email Jeff@safecheckin.com  or call 530-845-5576