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New App Helps Ease Nerves When Walking Home Alone

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A new app may help calm some nerves when walking home alone.

The app called "Companion" allows a user to reach out to their friends, family or public safety department to have them follow along on their walk.

The user plugs in their destination and mode of transportation into the app, then adds whoever they would like to be their companion. The companion does not have to install the app to follow along.

The companions will then see a live map of the user's progress and get updates as the user moves from point A to point B.

Companion - Never Walk Home Alone by Companion on YouTube

 

According to the app's description, if the user starts running, has their headphones ripped out, their phone falls on the ground or they don't make it to their destination on time, the app checks in on the user and asks if everything is okay. If the user does not respond in 15 seconds, the app alerts the user's companions that something may be wrong.

Also, if the user feels like they are in a dangerous area, they can tap the "I Feel Nervous" button and the app passes on the information to campus police.

If the user ever does find themselves in an emergency situation, they can tap "Call 911" and the app connects the user to the nearest dispatcher and provides their location.

For more information on the app, visit: companionapp.io/ and play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=io.companionapp.companion

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